Classic Banana Loaf
This classic banana loaf recipe transforms overripe bananas into a soft, moist, and flavorful bread. Simple, forgiving, and quick to make, it uses basic pantry ingredients like ripe bananas, butter, eggs, and flour. Optional add-ins like chocolate chips or walnuts can enhance the flavor and texture. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a comforting homemade dessert.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 medium ripe bananas mashed
- 140 g butter softened
- 140 g sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 140 g self-raising flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
Optional Add-Ins
- 75 g chocolate chips
- 60 g chopped walnuts
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a loaf tin and line it with baking paper.
- Mash the bananas in a large bowl until mostly smooth with small lumps remaining.
- Cream the butter and sugar together in another bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- If desired, fold in chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or cinnamon.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin and spread evenly.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Use very ripe bananas for sweetness and moisture. If bananas are not ripe enough, place them in a warm oven for 10 minutes to speed ripening.
Avoid overmixing the batter once flour is added to prevent a dense loaf.
Optional flavor variations: chocolate chips, walnuts, cinnamon.
If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil.
Allow cooling for at least 10 minutes before slicing for neat, moist pieces.