Description
Honey vanilla banana bread offers a delightful twist on classic comfort. Moist, fragrant slices promise pure enjoyment with golden sweetness and warm vanilla notes that welcome you home.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 medium or 2 large bananas (about 1 ½ cups), mashed
- ½ cup honey
- 2 eggs
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
Wet Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup (75 grams) unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) milk
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract or paste
Dry and Optional Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Optional mix-ins or toppings: crushed nuts, chocolate chips, peanut butter glaze, or frosting
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by warming it to 325°F and coating an 8½ x 4½-inch loaf pan with a light layer of grease to prevent sticking.
- Create a silky wet mixture by whisking melted butter and honey until they form a harmonious blend, then incorporate eggs, thoroughly mashed bananas, milk, and vanilla extract, stirring until the consistency becomes uniformly smooth.
- In a separate mixing vessel, combine the dry ingredients – flour, baking soda, and salt – ensuring even distribution of leavening agents.
- Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, using delicate strokes to integrate them without overworking the batter, which could result in a dense texture.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan, distributing it evenly and allowing creativity with optional embellishments like sliced bananas, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips; for visual appeal, arrange banana slices on top with the cut side facing upward.
- Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges completely clean.
- Allow the freshly baked bread to rest in the pan for 15 minutes, then carefully transition it to a wire cooling rack, permitting it to cool for a minimum of 30 minutes before slicing to maintain structural integrity.
Notes
- Ripeness matters: Use overripe, soft bananas with dark brown or black spots for deeper, sweeter flavor and natural moisture.
- Gentle mixing technique prevents tough bread: Stir ingredients just until combined to keep the texture light and tender.
- Versatile topping options: Enhance the bread with sliced bananas, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips before baking for extra texture and flavor.
- Perfect for meal prep: Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Freezer-friendly option: Slice and freeze the bread for up to 3 months, wrapped securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
- Serving suggestion: Enjoy warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese for a delightful breakfast or afternoon treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg