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Super moist banana bread loaf with raisins pecans and two thick slices

The Best Super Moist Banana Bread

This easy banana bread uses two ripe bananas, brown sugar, butter, and mayonnaise for a soft, rich crumb that stays moist. Add raisins and pecans for an old-fashioned Southern variation.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Banana Bread
  • 2 large very ripe bananas about 1 cup mashed
  • 2/3 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
  • 1/3 cup plain full-fat mayonnaise the secret ingredient
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
  • 3/4 cup raisins optional
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans optional

Equipment

  • 9 by 5-inch loaf pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Wire cooling rack

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides.
  2. Mash the bananas in a large bowl. Whisk in the brown sugar, melted butter, mayonnaise, eggs, and vanilla until glossy and evenly combined.
    Mashed bananas brown sugar eggs mayonnaise flour cinnamon and raisins for banana bread
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until evenly distributed.
  4. Add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture and fold gently just until no flour streaks remain. Fold in raisins and pecans if using. Do not overmix.
  5. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, tenting loosely with foil if the top browns too quickly. A tester inserted near the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
  6. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then use the parchment to lift the loaf onto a wire rack. Cool completely before slicing for the neatest texture.

Notes

  • Use plain full-fat mayonnaise, not flavored dressing.
  • Two large bananas should yield about 1 cup of mash.
  • Soak dry raisins in hot water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat them dry.
  • Nutrition is estimated without optional raisins or pecans.