Easy Banana Bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This banana bread is quick to prepare, and the mayonnaise helps make the bread incredibly moist without the need for butter. The combination of mashed bananas and a touch of sweetness from the granulated sugar creates a classic banana flavor, while the pecans add a delightful crunch. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures, and it’s made with pantry staples that you probably already have on hand.

Ingredients

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

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mash the Bananas: In a large bowl, peel and mash the bananas until smooth. You should have about 1 cup of mashed bananas.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: To the mashed bananas, add the mayonnaise, egg, and sugar. Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
5. Fold in the Pecans: Gently fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. If the bread starts to brown too quickly, cover it with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
7. Cool and Serve: Once done, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10 slices
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Add ½ to 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a delicious chocolatey twist.
• Nut-Free Version: Omit the pecans or substitute with sunflower seeds or another nut-free option.
• Spiced Banana Bread: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use a dairy-free mayonnaise or dressing to make the recipe dairy-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. You can also store it in the fridge to extend its shelf life by up to a week.
• Freezing: To freeze, wrap the banana bread tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store it in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or warm up the whole loaf in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nuts in this recipe?

Yes, you can use any nuts you like, such as walnuts or almonds, or even dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for a fruity variation.

Can I substitute the mayonnaise with something else?

You can substitute mayonnaise with sour cream, Greek yogurt, or even buttermilk for a slightly different flavor and texture.

Can I make mini loaves instead of one large loaf?

Yes, you can divide the batter into smaller loaf pans, adjusting the baking time to 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, frozen bananas work well in this recipe. Make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing them.

Can I make this banana bread without sugar?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar or substitute it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Keep in mind that it may alter the texture and flavor slightly.

Conclusion

This Easy Banana Bread is a must-try for anyone who loves a classic, simple recipe that’s full of flavor and texture. The addition of mayonnaise ensures a moist, soft loaf, while the pecans add crunch and richness. It’s a fantastic way to use overripe bananas and turn them into a comforting, delicious treat. Whether you serve it as a snack, dessert, or breakfast, this banana bread will become a favorite in your home!

Easy Banana Bread

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This Easy Banana Bread is a moist, flavorful loaf made with ripe bananas, mayonnaise, and crunchy pecans. A simple and quick recipe, it’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

• Author: Linda
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8-10 slices
• Category: Dessert, Snack, Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

3 medium bananas (about 1 cup mashed)

½ cup mayonnaise or dressing

1 egg (room temperature)

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

¾ cup granulated sugar

½ cup chopped pecans

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Instructions

• Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
• Mash the Bananas: In a large bowl, peel and mash the bananas until smooth, yielding about 1 cup of mashed bananas.
• Mix Wet Ingredients: Add mayonnaise, egg, and sugar to the mashed bananas. Stir everything together until well combined.
• Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined (do not overmix).
• Fold in the Pecans: Gently fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
• Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. If it starts browning too quickly, cover with foil in the last 10-15 minutes.
• Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Add ½ to 1 cup of chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.

Nut-Free Version: Omit the pecans or substitute with sunflower seeds or another nut-free option.

Spiced Banana Bread: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for added flavor.

Dairy-Free Version: Use a dairy-free mayonnaise or dressing to make it dairy-free.