Banana Nut Bread with Mayonnaise Recipe

Ingredients Preparation:

Before you start, ensure you have all the ingredients measured and ready to go. You’ll need ripe bananas, mayonnaise, sugar, flour, baking soda, salt, vanilla extract, and nuts (walnuts or pecans are preferred).
Baking Equipment:

• 9×5 inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls (one for dry ingredients, one for wet)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fork or potato masher (for mashing bananas)
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Spatula
• Toothpick (for testing doneness)
• Cooling rack

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
   • Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a consistent and correct baking temperature from the moment you put the bread in the oven.
   • Grease your 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray. For extra precaution, you can line the bottom with parchment paper and grease the paper as well.
2. Mash the Bananas:
   • Peel your ripe bananas and place them in a bowl. Using a fork or potato masher, mash the bananas until they are completely smooth. A few small lumps are okay, but generally, smoother is better for a uniform texture in the bread.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Ensuring these ingredients are well mixed before adding to the wet ingredients helps prevent clumping and ensures the leavening agent is evenly distributed.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients:
   • In another bowl, mix the mashed bananas with the mayonnaise, sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The mayonnaise acts as a substitute for eggs and oil, providing moisture and richness to the bread.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   • Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, gently fold the ingredients together just until combined. It’s crucial not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense bread. The batter should be somewhat lumpy but without any visible streaks of flour.
6. Add Nuts:
   • If you’re using nuts, fold them into the batter now. Chopped walnuts or pecans not only add a delightful crunch but also a nutty flavor that complements the banana beautifully.
7. Pour Batter into Pan and Bake:
   • Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
   • Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 60-70 minutes. Baking times may vary, so starting from the 55-minute mark, check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is done.
8. Cooling:
   • Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This allows the bread to firm up and makes it easier to remove from the pan.
   • After 10 minutes, turn the bread out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling it on a rack prevents the bottom from becoming soggy.
9. Serving:
   • Your banana nut bread with mayonnaise is now ready to be sliced and enjoyed. It can be served warm or at room temperature. For an extra treat, spread a little butter on a warm slice.

This banana nut bread with mayonnaise is a moist, flavorful, and easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The mayonnaise might be a secret ingredient, but the deliciously moist bread it produces will be no secret to anyone who tries it!