Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Introduction

This easy banana bread recipe is a moist and flavorful twist on the classic, using mayonnaise for extra richness. It’s simple to make and perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.

Ingredients

• 3 medium bananas (about 1 cup mashed)
• ½ cup mayonnaise (or dressing)
• 1 egg (room temperature)
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×4-inch loaf pan and set it aside.
2. Step 2: Mash the bananas with a fork. In a medium bowl, combine the mashed bananas, mayonnaise, and egg.
3. Step 3: In a separate large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and pecans if using.
4. Step 4: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. The batter will be very thick—do not overmix.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Step 6: Remove the bread from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips & Variations

• For added flavor, try adding ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or a handful of chocolate chips to the batter.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter option.
• Replace pecans with walnuts or omit nuts altogether if desired.

Storage

Store banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?

Yes, overripe bananas work best as they are sweeter and mash easily, making your banana bread more flavorful and moist.

Is it necessary to use mayonnaise in the banana bread?

Mayonnaise adds moisture and richness, but you can substitute it with an equal amount of Greek yogurt or sour cream without sacrificing texture.

Easy Banana Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 71 reviews

This easy banana bread recipe is a moist, tender quick bread made with ripe bananas, mayonnaise for richness, and optional pecans for a crunchy texture. Perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert, it’s simple to prepare and requires no special equipment beyond a loaf pan and an oven.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 65 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (8 slices) 1x
• Category: Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• 3 medium bananas (about 1 cup mashed)
• ½ cup mayonnaise (or dressing)
• 1 egg (room temperature)

Dry Ingredients

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×4-inch loaf pan thoroughly and set it aside to ensure the banana bread doesn’t stick.
2. Mash Bananas and Mix Wet Ingredients: Using a fork, mash the bananas in a medium bowl until smooth. To this, add the mayonnaise and room temperature egg, mixing well to combine the wet ingredients evenly.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, and chopped pecans if using, ensuring an even distribution of leavening and flavorings.
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients. Stir gently just until everything is combined; the batter will be thick. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
5. Transfer and Bake: Pour the thick batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool Before Slicing: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for several minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean slices and ideal texture.

Notes

• Mayonnaise adds moisture and richness without overpowering the banana flavor; you can substitute with an equal amount of plain yogurt if preferred.
• Room temperature egg helps the ingredients combine more smoothly.
• Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense bread texture.
• Check for doneness starting at 60 minutes by piercing with a toothpick; baking times may vary depending on your oven.
• Optional pecans add a nice texture, but you can omit them if you prefer a nut-free version.

Keywords: banana bread, easy banana bread, quick bread, moist banana bread, pecan banana bread, homemade bread