Description
This Honey Vanilla Banana Bread is a moist and flavorful loaf that combines ripe bananas, natural honey, and pure vanilla extract for a wholesome treat. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, this easy-to-make bread features a tender crumb and optional mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and indulgence.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 medium or 2 large bananas (about 1 1/2 cups), mashed
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract or paste
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional Mix-ins or Toppings
- Crushed nuts
- Chocolate chips
- Peanut butter glaze or frosting (recipe provided separately)
- Sliced banana (placed on top before baking)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease an 8½ x 4½ inch loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter and honey until blended. Then add the eggs, mashed bananas, milk, and vanilla extract, whisking all ingredients together until well combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt throughout the batter.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients, and stir gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Pour Batter and Add Toppings: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. If desired, add any toppings such as crushed nuts, chocolate chips, or sliced banana placed cut side up on the batter surface.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the loaf pan for 15 minutes. Then transfer it onto a wire rack to cool completely for at least 30 minutes before slicing to ensure the best texture.
Notes
- Peanut butter glaze and peanut butter cream cheese frosting recipes are available separately to add a rich, creamy topping to your banana bread.
- Using ripe bananas enhances the natural sweetness and moisture of the bread.
- You can substitute milk with a non-dairy alternative if desired.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense loaf; mix until just combined.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/10 of loaf)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
