This easy banana bread recipe transforms overripe bananas into a moist, flavorful treat with a surprising secret ingredient – mayonnaise! The mayo replaces traditional butter, creating an incredibly tender crumb while letting the sweet banana flavor shine through. Perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike, this no-fuss recipe delivers homemade comfort in every slice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry
• Uses mayonnaise instead of butter for exceptional moisture and tenderness
• Great way to use up overripe bananas
• No mixer required – just two bowls and a fork
• Versatile recipe that can be customized with different mix-ins

Ingredients

• Bananas: Choose very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots for the sweetest flavor and best mashing consistency.
• Mayonnaise: The secret ingredient that makes this bread incredibly moist! You can use regular mayo or light mayo with similar results.
• Egg: Helps bind everything together and adds richness to the batter.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation of your bread – no need for fancy flour here.
• Baking soda: Provides the leavening that helps your bread rise beautifully.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the bread’s texture.
• Pecans: Add delightful crunch and nutty flavor; can be omitted for nut-free versions.

Variations

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Transform this classic banana bread into a decadent treat by adding 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter. For chocolate lovers, you can also add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for double chocolate banana bread.

Spiced Banana Bread

Add warmth and complexity with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Mix in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of allspice with the dry ingredients for a cozy flavor profile perfect for fall and winter.

Tropical Banana Bread

Give your banana bread a vacation-worthy twist by substituting the pecans with shredded coconut and adding diced dried pineapple or mango. A splash of rum extract would complement these tropical flavors beautifully.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature when your batter is ready. Thoroughly grease your loaf pan to prevent sticking and make removal easy after baking.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, thoroughly mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth with just a few small lumps remaining. The riper your bananas, the easier they’ll mash. Add the mayonnaise and egg to the mashed bananas, stirring until well combined into a smooth, wet mixture.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and chopped pecans. Mixing these ingredients separately ensures they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 4: Combine and Bake

Add the banana mixture to the flour mixture, gently folding until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – the batter should be thick and may look slightly lumpy. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for 60-70 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be – don’t be afraid to use bananas that look too dark!
• Measure your flour correctly by spooning it into measuring cups and leveling off with a knife – don’t scoop directly from the bag.
• Don’t overmix the batter; stir just until the ingredients are combined to ensure a tender crumb.
• If the top of your bread is browning too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
• Let the bread cool completely before slicing for the best texture and to prevent crumbling.
• Store banana bread wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container to maintain moisture.

How to Serve

This banana bread is delicious on its own but can be elevated in several ways. Serve slices lightly toasted with a spread of butter or cream cheese for breakfast. For a dessert option, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. If you’re feeling indulgent, drizzle slices with warm caramel sauce or honey. Pair with coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon treat, or include in lunch boxes for a sweet midday snack.

Make Ahead

This banana bread is perfect for making ahead! Once baked and completely cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and store at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the wrapped loaf for up to 3 months. You can also freeze individual slices wrapped separately for quick grab-and-go treats – just thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave before serving.

For meal prep, mix the dry ingredients ahead of time and store in an airtight container until ready to combine with the wet ingredients and bake.

FAQs

Can I use butter instead of mayonnaise?

Yes, you can substitute an equal amount of melted butter for the mayonnaise. However, the mayonnaise adds exceptional moisture that’s hard to replicate with butter alone, so the texture may be slightly different.

Why is my banana bread dense or gummy?

Dense or gummy banana bread usually results from overmixing the batter or not baking it long enough. Remember to mix just until ingredients are combined and ensure your bread is fully baked by testing with a toothpick.

Can I make this recipe without nuts?

Absolutely! Simply omit the pecans for a nut-free version. You can replace them with chocolate chips, dried fruit, or leave them out entirely without adjusting any other ingredients.

How can I tell when my banana bread is done?

The most reliable way is to insert a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The bread should also pull away slightly from the sides of the pan, and the top should be golden brown and firm to the touch.

Conclusion

This easy banana bread recipe with mayonnaise is a game-changer for banana bread lovers. Its simplicity, incredible moisture, and delicious flavor make it perfect for beginner bakers while still impressing seasoned kitchen experts. Whether you’re looking to use up brown bananas or create a comforting treat for family and friends, this recipe delivers consistently wonderful results. Give it a try and discover your new go-to banana bread recipe!

Print