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Banana bread is one of those classic comfort foods that never goes out of style. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a sweet snack, or a way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter, this easy banana bread recipe is here to save the day.

The best part? It’s incredibly simple to make and turns out perfectly moist every single time.

Let’s dive into how you can whip up this delicious treat in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: You only need basic pantry staples and a few ripe bananas to make this recipe.
Moist and Delicious: The addition of mayonnaise (trust me on this!) ensures a moist, tender loaf every time.
Quick to Prepare: With minimal prep work, you can have this banana bread in the oven in just minutes.
Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, walnuts, or dried fruit for a personal touch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy banana bread:

3 medium bananas (about 1 cup mashed) – Perfectly ripe bananas are key for flavor and sweetness.
½ cup mayonnaise or dressing – This may sound unusual, but mayo gives the bread its signature moist texture.
1 egg (room temperature) – Helps bind everything together.
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The base of your banana bread.
1 teaspoon baking soda – For that perfect rise.
½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor.
¾ cup granulated sugar – Adds just the right amount of sweetness.
½ cup chopped pecans – Optional, but they add a delightful crunch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grease your loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

2. Mash the Bananas

Using a fork, mash the bananas in a medium-sized bowl until smooth. You should have about 1 cup of mashed bananas.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients

Add the mayonnaise and egg to the mashed bananas and mix until well combined.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and chopped pecans.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. The batter will be thick—this is normal! Avoid overmixing, as this can make the bread dense.

6. Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Cool and Slice

Once baked, remove the loaf from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This step is crucial for clean slices and optimal texture!

Helpful Tips for Success

Ripen Bananas Quickly: If your bananas aren’t quite ripe yet, bake them at 300°F for 15-20 minutes until the skins turn black. Let them cool before mashing.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to dense banana bread. Stir just until the ingredients are incorporated.
Check Early: Start checking your bread about 10 minutes before the recommended bake time to avoid overbaking. Every oven is different!
Use Parchment Paper: Line your loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving extra paper hanging over the edges for easy removal.

Variations to Try

This banana bread is incredibly versatile! Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
Nut-Free Option: Skip the pecans if you prefer nut-free banana bread.
Cinnamon Swirl: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to your dry ingredients or swirl in a cinnamon-sugar mixture before baking.
Muffins Instead of Loaf: Divide the batter into 12 muffin cups and bake at 350°F for 14-18 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Here’s what you can expect per serving (based on approximately 10 slices):

Calories: 231
Carbohydrates: 31g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 17mg
Sodium: 253mg
Potassium: 146mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 16g

Final Thoughts

This easy banana bread recipe is truly a no-fail classic that you’ll want to make again and again. It’s perfect for breakfast with a cup of coffee, as an afternoon snack, or even as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.

So grab those ripe bananas and get baking—you’re just an hour away from enjoying a slice of perfectly moist banana bread! Let us know in the comments how yours turned out or if you tried any fun variations.

Happy baking!