Name: Easy Banana Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 medium ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup); 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 (optional)

If you’ve ever dreamed of a foolproof, one-bowl banana bread that always comes out perfectly soft and delicious, this Easy Banana Bread Recipe is about to become your new kitchen favorite. It comes together in a flash with pantry staples, making it ideal for new bakers and seasoned pros alike. Moist, comforting, and full of sweet banana flavor, every bite tastes like a warm hug—plus, it’s the perfect way to use up overripe bananas!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Easy Banana Bread Recipe is a true celebration of simple ingredients. Each one has its own important job: lending sweetness, providing moisture, or building structure, so there’s nothing fussy or mysterious—just pure banana bread magic.

Bananas: Overripe bananas are best—they bring all the natural sweetness and moisture, and they’re super easy to mash.
Mayonnaise or dressing: This is the not-so-secret ingredient for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture (trust me, you won’t taste it, but you’ll love what it does!).
Egg: Helps bind the ingredients together while adding a tender crumb.
All-purpose flour: Gives the bread structure and its classic rise.
Baking soda: Ensures your loaf bakes up light and fluffy instead of dense.
Salt: A hint balances the sweetness and amplifies all the flavors.
Granulated sugar: Provides just enough sweetness to highlight the bananas.
Chopped pecans (optional): For a bit of crunch and nutty flavor, if you’re feeling fancy!

How to Make Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing an 8×4-inch loaf pan. If you want to make cleanup (and removal) a breeze, line your loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some extra paper folded over the top edges for easy lifting later.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

Grab your ripe bananas and mash them in a medium bowl with a fork until mostly smooth—little chunks are totally fine! You’ll want about 1 cup of mashed bananas for the perfect level of moisture and banana flavor.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Add the mayonnaise (or dressing) and the room temperature egg to the mashed bananas. Stir until everything is well combined. The mayo might sound surprising, but this is what really keeps your Easy Banana Bread Recipe so incredibly moist without any fuss!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, and pecans (if you’re using them). Stir them around until everything’s evenly distributed—no clumps allowed.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Pour your wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold together until you have a very thick batter. Don’t worry—thick is good! Be careful not to overmix; just stir until everything’s barely combined for maximum tenderness.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Spread the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (check it at least 10 minutes before the end to avoid overbaking). Let it cool in the pan for a bit, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

How to Serve Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Garnishes

Add a little flourish to your Easy Banana Bread Recipe with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of honey, or a handful of extra chopped nuts on top. For a touch of decadence, spread each slice with butter, cream cheese, or even a dollop of whipped cream.

Side Dishes

This banana bread pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, a simple Greek yogurt parfait, or a mug of hot tea or coffee. If you’re serving brunch, it’s lovely alongside eggs and crispy bacon for a sweet-and-savory combo.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your Easy Banana Bread Recipe into muffins for grab-and-go breakfasts, or slice and toast it for a warm, crunchy treat. For something extra special, layer slices with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce for an impromptu dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, wrap the banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Leave it at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week—it stays moist and delicious!

Freezing

This Easy Banana Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the whole loaf or individual slices tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag. It’s good in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw on the counter or pop a slice straight into the toaster for an instant breakfast treat.

Reheating

To revive that fresh-baked flavor, gently heat a slice in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds, or toast until warm and slightly crispy at the edges. A little butter melts right in for a simple delight.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this Easy Banana Bread Recipe?

Yes, you can! Just let your frozen bananas thaw and drain off any excess liquid before mashing—they’ll add just as much flavor and moisture as fresh ones.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise?

If you don’t have mayo on hand, full-fat Greek yogurt or sour cream also works great as a substitute, keeping your banana bread just as moist and tender.

Do I need to use pecans?

Nope! Pecans add lovely crunch, but you can leave them out, use walnuts, or even toss in a handful of chocolate chips for a sweet twist.

How do I ripen bananas quickly?

If your bananas aren’t quite ripe yet, place them (in their peels) on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F for about 15–20 minutes. Allow to cool before using in your Easy Banana Bread Recipe.

Can I make this recipe into muffins?

Absolutely! Divide the batter among 12 muffin cups and bake for 14–18 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Just be sure not to overbake for that perfect muffin texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a tried-and-true treat that brings a little extra comfort to any day, this Easy Banana Bread Recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again. Baking it is pure joy, and each slice is a delicious reward—so go ahead, give it a try and share it with those you love!