Simple Banana Bread Loaf

Featured in: Sweet Treats & Home Baking

This simple banana loaf offers a moist texture and tender crumb, delivering rich banana flavor in every bite. Made with ripe mashed bananas, melted butter, and a blend of flour and baking soda, it bakes to golden perfection in under an hour. Optional additions like chopped nuts or chocolate chips can add extra texture and taste. Perfect to enjoy warm with a cup of coffee or tea, this loaf balances sweetness and comfort for a delightful treat any time of day. Its ease of preparation makes it an accessible choice for bakers of all skill levels.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 16:16:00 GMT
A slice of Simple Banana Bread, golden-brown and steaming, ready to enjoy. Save to Pinterest
A slice of Simple Banana Bread, golden-brown and steaming, ready to enjoy. | nexusfork.com

A moist, classic banana bread with a tender crumb and rich banana flavor perfect for everyday baking and enjoying with coffee or tea.

This banana bread has always been my go-to recipe for a comforting snack or breakfast, bringing back fond memories of baking with family.

Ingredients

  • Produce: 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/4 cups)
  • Dairy: 115 g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted, 60 ml (1/4 cup) milk (dairy or plant-based)
  • Pantry: 200 g (1 2/3 cups) all-purpose flour, 150 g (3/4 cup) granulated sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt
  • Eggs: 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • Optional Add-ins: 80 g (1/2 cup) chopped walnuts or pecans, 80 g (1/2 cup) chocolate chips

Instructions

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Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line a 9x5-inch (23x13 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth.
Add Eggs and Flavorings:
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the mashed bananas, milk, and vanilla extract.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Combine Mixtures:
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
Add Optional Add-ins:
Fold in nuts or chocolate chips, if using.
Prepare for Baking:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake:
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Cool:
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Product image
Keep kitchen knives sharp for safer slicing, chopping, and precise prep during everyday cooking.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Keep kitchen knives sharp for safer slicing, chopping, and precise prep during everyday cooking.
Check price on Amazon
Save to Pinterest
| nexusfork.com

Sharing this banana bread with my family creates warm moments and joyful smiles at the kitchen table.

Variations

Add cinnamon or dried fruit for a flavor twist and enjoy plant-based versions by swapping dairy for alternatives.

Storage

Store banana bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Serving Suggestions

Pairs well with coffee or tea and makes a delightful breakfast or afternoon snack.

Soft Simple Banana Bread loaf, with visible chunks of banana, perfect for sharing and eating. Save to Pinterest
Soft Simple Banana Bread loaf, with visible chunks of banana, perfect for sharing and eating. | nexusfork.com
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Enjoy your homemade banana bread fresh or toasted for an extra special treat.

Questions & Answers

What type of bananas should I use for best flavor?

Use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots for the richest flavor and natural sweetness.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the loaf?

Yes, folding in chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips enhances texture and adds delicious variety.

How do I know when the loaf is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs when done.

What are some good beverage pairings?

This banana loaf pairs wonderfully with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk to complement its sweet flavors.

Is it possible to make this loaf dairy-free?

Yes, substitute dairy milk with plant-based milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative.

Simple Banana Bread Loaf

Moist banana loaf with a tender crumb and rich flavor, ideal for everyday enjoyment with coffee or tea.

Prep duration
15 minutes
Cook duration
55 minutes
Overall time
70 minutes
Recipe by Nexus Fork Wyatt Evans


Skill level Easy

Cuisine type American

Portions 10 Number of servings

Diet preferences Vegetarian-friendly

Ingredient list

Produce

01 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/4 cups)

Dairy

01 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
02 1/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)

Pantry

01 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
02 3/4 cup granulated sugar
03 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
04 1 teaspoon baking soda
05 1/2 teaspoon salt

Eggs

01 2 large eggs, at room temperature

Optional Add-ins

01 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
02 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Step-by-step guide

Step 01

Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

Step 02

Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth.

Step 03

Combine Wet Ingredients: Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in mashed bananas, milk, and vanilla extract.

Step 04

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.

Step 05

Combine Mixtures: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients just until combined, avoiding overmixing.

Step 06

Add Optional Mix-ins: Fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips if desired.

Step 07

Transfer Batter: Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth surface evenly.

Step 08

Bake: Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 09

Cool: Allow loaf to cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack until completely cooled before slicing.

Equipment you'll need

  • 9x5-inch loaf pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire rack

Allergy notes

Look at every ingredient for allergens and get help from a medical expert if unsure.
  • Contains eggs, milk (if dairy used), wheat (gluten), and tree nuts (if added).
  • For dairy-free option, substitute plant-based milk and dairy-free butter.

Nutrition details (per serving)

For informational purposes only. Always check with your healthcare provider.
  • Calorie count: 210
  • Total fat: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Proteins: 3 g