Banana Bread Loaf Recipe – If you have a bunch of ripe bananas sitting on your counter, don’t let them go to waste—turn them into something irresistible! A Banana Bread Loaf Recipe is the ultimate comfort bake that fills your kitchen with a warm, sweet aroma while delivering a moist, soft texture with every bite. It’s a classic quick bread that requires no yeast, minimal effort, and everyday pantry ingredients.
Recipe Overview
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Active Time: 10 minutes
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Resting Time: 20 minutes cooling
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Cuisines: American, Western
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Course: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
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Servings: 10 slices
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Calories per Serving: ~210 kcal
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Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Equipment Needed
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Large mixing bowls (2)
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Whisk or hand mixer
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Spatula
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9×5-inch loaf pan
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Parchment paper (optional, for easy removal)
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Wire cooling rack
Ingredients
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3 medium ripe bananas (mashed, about 1 cup)
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½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted (or vegetable oil)
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¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar (or coconut sugar for a healthier option)
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking soda
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½ tsp baking powder
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for flavor)
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½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
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½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 15 g |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
| Potassium | 220 mg |
| Cholesterol | 35 mg |
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease your loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
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In a large bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth with small chunks. This ensures your loaf has both moisture and texture.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
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Add melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas.
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Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and slightly creamy.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
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In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
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This ensures even distribution of leavening agents.
Step 5: Fold Wet & Dry Together
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Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture using a spatula.
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Do not overmix—stop as soon as the flour disappears. Overmixing will make the loaf dense.
Step 6: Add Nuts or Chocolate (Optional)
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Gently fold in chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or both for extra richness.
Step 7: Bake
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Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.
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Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are okay).
Step 8: Cool and Serve
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Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
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Rest for another 20 minutes before slicing to avoid crumbling.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese.
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Pair with coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast.
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Turn into a dessert by topping slices with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
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Toast slices lightly and spread with peanut butter for a protein-packed snack.
Tips & Variations
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Extra Moist: Substitute half the butter with Greek yogurt or sour cream.
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Healthier Twist: Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
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Sweetness Control: Reduce sugar to ½ cup if your bananas are extra ripe.
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Tropical Flavor: Add shredded coconut or a handful of raisins.
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Make Ahead: This loaf stays fresh for 3–4 days at room temperature and up to 3 months in the freezer.
Conclusion
This Banana Bread Loaf Recipe is simple, versatile, and absolutely delicious. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a moist, fluffy, and flavorful loaf perfect for any time of day. Whether you enjoy it plain, with add-ins like nuts or chocolate, or dressed up as a dessert, banana bread remains a timeless favorite that never fails to impress
