This Honey Vanilla Banana Bread combines the natural sweetness of overripe bananas with rich honey and aromatic vanilla, creating a moist, fluffy loaf perfect for any occasion. The bread is simple to make and will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma as it bakes. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat or an afternoon snack, this banana bread is a comforting and flavorful delight.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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3 large overripe bananas (about 1.5 cups mashed)
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1 cup All-purpose flour
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½ cup Honey
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¼ cup Unsalted butter, melted
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2 large Eggs
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1 tsp Vanilla extract
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1 tsp Baking soda
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¼ tsp Salt
Directions
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Preheat the Oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan. -
Mash the Bananas:
In a mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. -
Mix Wet Ingredients:
Add melted butter, honey, eggs, and vanilla to the mashed bananas. Stir until combined. -
Prepare Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. -
Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. -
Cool:
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrients (per serving)
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Calories: 190 kcal
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Sugar: 12g
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Sodium: 150mg
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Fat: 7g
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Saturated Fat: 4g
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Unsaturated Fat: 3g
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Trans Fat: 0g
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Carbohydrates: 30g
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Fiber: 2g
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Protein: 3g
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Cholesterol: 40mg
This banana bread is perfect for a cozy treat, packed with flavor and easy to make. Would you like suggestions for add-ins, like nuts or chocolate chips, or other variations of banana bread?
Why You’ll Love Honey Vanilla Banana Bread
There’s a lot to love about Honey Vanilla Banana Bread. Here’s why it should become your new go-to banana bread recipe:
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Naturally Sweetened: This banana bread gets its sweetness from overripe bananas and honey, offering a more natural, less processed way to sweeten the bread. The overripe bananas not only bring sweetness but also contribute to the bread’s moist texture, making it soft and fluffy.
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Aromatic Vanilla: The addition of vanilla extract enhances the natural sweetness of the bananas and honey, creating a subtle yet fragrant flavor that takes the banana bread to the next level.
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Moist and Fluffy Texture: Thanks to the bananas and melted butter, this banana bread is incredibly moist. It has a light, fluffy texture that makes it feel more like a treat than a simple loaf of bread.
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Simple Ingredients: This recipe requires just a few basic ingredients—bananas, flour, honey, eggs, butter, and vanilla—which means you don’t need to make a special trip to the store. Everything you need is likely already in your pantry!
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Versatile: While delicious on its own, this banana bread can easily be customized with your favorite add-ins. Nuts, chocolate chips, dried fruit, or spices can all be mixed in to give the bread your personal twist.
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Great for Any Occasion: Whether you’re making it for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or as a sweet treat to share with friends, this Honey Vanilla Banana Bread is perfect for any occasion. It’s great for sharing at brunch, bringing to a potluck, or enjoying as a comforting snack at home.
How to Make Honey Vanilla Banana Bread
Making this Honey Vanilla Banana Bread is incredibly simple and doesn’t require any special skills or equipment. With just a few steps, you’ll have a loaf of delicious, moist banana bread ready to enjoy.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9”x5” loaf pan with cooking spray, butter, or parchment paper to ensure the bread doesn’t stick.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, take 3 large overripe bananas and mash them with a fork until smooth. Overripe bananas are key to this recipe, as they provide the natural sweetness and moisture that makes the bread so tender. If your bananas are too firm, try microwaving them for a few seconds to soften them up.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
To the mashed bananas, add ½ cup melted butter, ½ cup honey, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir everything together until well combined. The honey and butter contribute to the cake-like texture, while the eggs help bind the ingredients together.
Step 4: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon salt. These dry ingredients help the bread rise and develop the perfect texture.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix the batter, as this can lead to a denser loaf. You want to keep the batter light and fluffy.
Step 6: Bake the Banana Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary depending on your oven, so it’s always a good idea to start checking around the 50-minute mark.
Step 7: Cool the Banana Bread
Once the banana bread is baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s important to let the bread cool before slicing so that it holds its shape and the texture firms up.
Tips for Perfect Honey Vanilla Banana Bread
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Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and moister your banana bread will be. Overripe bananas are naturally sweeter and packed with flavor, making them perfect for this recipe.
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Don’t Over-Mix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Over-mixing can lead to a dense, heavy loaf.
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Add-Ins: If you’d like to add extra texture and flavor, consider mixing in chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit like raisins or cranberries. You can also add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced version.
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Check for Doneness: Ovens vary, so check the banana bread with a toothpick or cake tester around 50 minutes to ensure it’s not overbaking. If the top starts to brown too much, tent the pan with foil to prevent burning.
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Storage: To keep your banana bread fresh, store it in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days at room temperature, or you can refrigerate it for longer shelf life.
Conclusion: A Sweet and Comforting Treat
Honey Vanilla Banana Bread is the ultimate comfort food—a sweet, moist loaf that’s bursting with flavor. With the combination of naturally sweet bananas, rich honey, and aromatic vanilla, this cake-like banana bread is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a morning treat, an afternoon snack, or a dessert to share with loved ones, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and indulgent taste make it a must-try. Whip up a batch today and enjoy the sweet, comforting goodness of Honey Vanilla Banana Bread!