Mayfair Hotel Famous Banana Bread

Inspired by the classic banana bread served at the historic Mayfair Hotel in Los Angeles, this recipe produces an ultra-moist, buttery loaf with a tender crumb and classic bakery-style split top. Perfect for breakfast service, coffee programs, or gifting.

Yield: 2 Loaves | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Bake Time: 60–75 minutes | Oven: 325°F

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
• 4–5 very ripe bananas (about 2 cups mashed)
• 1 cup sour cream

Optional Add-Ins

• 1 cup toasted walnuts or pecans
• ½ cup chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Butter and flour two loaf pans.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3–4 minutes).
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Mix in mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
6. Alternate adding dry ingredients and sour cream, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
7. Fold in nuts or chocolate chips if using.
8. Fill loaf pans about ⅔ full.
9. Bake 60–75 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Cool 15 minutes in the pan, then remove and cool completely on a rack.

Chef Notes

Storage

• Room Temperature: 3 days wrapped tightly
• Refrigerated: up to 1 week
• Frozen: up to 3 months