Classic Honey Vanilla Banana Bread

The first time I baked banana bread, it was a rainy Sunday afternoon. I had three overly ripe bananas on my kitchen counter that were just begging for a purpose. Fast forward a few hours, and the house was filled with the warm, sweet aroma of baking. That etched memory has made this recipe my go-to comfort food ever since. It’s simple, wholesome, and always invites compliments. If you’re looking for that golden-crusted slice that delivers both nostalgia and bliss, you’ve just found it!

Reasons to Try It

You’ll absolutely fall in love with this banana bread because it’s not just any banana bread—it’s a warm hug in loaf form! Made with the perfect balance of sweetness from honey and richness from melted butter, this recipe pays homage to classic flavors while keeping things cozy. Not only is it bursting with flavor, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can serve it for breakfast, as a snack, or as a light dessert.

Another reason to whip this up today is that it’s a great way to reduce food waste! Those overripe bananas sitting on your counter? They are your secret weapon! Plus, the honey adds a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the earthiness of banana, making it a wholesome treat.

Gather These Ingredients

Let’s dive into what you’ll need to create this masterpiece:

• 3 ripe bananas: The riper, the better! They add natural sweetness and moisture, creating that lovely tender crumb.
• 1/3 cup melted butter: Butter is essential for rich flavor. Just melt it gently; it should be warm but not bubbling.
• 1/2 cup honey: This natural sweetener elevates the flavor profile and adds a hint of floral notes that sugar just can’t replicate.
• 1 egg, beaten: This helps bind the bread and adds a little lift.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla is the secret ingredient that pulls all those flavors into harmony.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: This is your leavening agent—don’t skip it, or you’ll have a dense loaf!
• Pinch of salt: This brightens all the flavors, making them pop!
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: Regular flour works wonders in making that perfect loaf.

Feel free to swap out the honey for brown sugar if you’re in the mood for a more caramel-like flavor, or use a gluten-free flour mix for dietary needs.

Preparing Classic Banana Bread

Now, let’s get our hands dirty and make some magic happen!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial, so don’t skip this step—think of it as prepping the stage for your loaf.
2. In a mixing bowl, use a fork to mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Go for that beautiful, creamy texture.
3. Stir in the melted butter until it’s all combined.
4. Next, mix in the honey, your beaten egg, and vanilla extract. You should start to see a lovely mixture forming.
5. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and give it a good stir until fully mixed in.
6. Now, add the flour and stir just until combined—don’t over mix! We want to keep that tender texture, so be gentle.
7. Pour the batter into a greased 4×8 inch loaf pan. Give it a few taps on the counter to settle it in.
8. Bake for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell will drive you wild!
9. Allow it to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Best Way to Enjoy It

Banana bread is like a blank canvas—you can enjoy it straight up or get creative! Serve it warm, slathered with a bit of butter or cream cheese for a luxurious breakfast or snack. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk. Craving something a little different? Top it with sliced bananas and a drizzle of honey just before serving, or even sprinkle some nuts or chocolate chips into the batter for an extra touch of indulgence.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

If you find yourself with extra banana bread (which is rare but possible), you’ll want to store it right! Keep it wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it! Slice it into pieces, wrap in plastic, and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, and you’ve got a treat ready to go!

Extra Tips and Advice

Here are a few handy tips to keep in your back pocket when making this lovely loaf:

• Want to elevate the flavor? Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.
• If you prefer a nutty crunch, throw in some walnuts or pecans!
• For a vegan twist, substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal or a banana puree.
• If your bananas are less than ripe or you’ve got some that are getting brown but aren’t mushy, pop them in the oven for about 15 minutes at 300°F to speed up the ripening process.

Creative Twists

Feel free to experiment with this recipe! Swap in half whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, or add in a spoonful of cocoa powder to create a chocolate banana loaf. The sky’s the limit! Delicious add-ins could include dark chocolate chunks, dried fruits like raisins or cranberries, or even a swirl of peanut butter.

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour

Directions to Follow

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
3. Stir in the melted butter.
4. Mix in the honey, egg, and vanilla.
5. Sprinkle baking soda and salt over the mixture and mix well.
6. Add flour and mix just until incorporated.
7. Pour the batter into a greased 4×8 inch loaf pan.
8. Bake for 60-65 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Cool in the pan for a few minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.

Your Questions Answered

• Can I use frozen bananas? Absolutely! Just thaw them out first and drain any excess liquid.
• What if I don’t have honey? You could substitute brown sugar, maple syrup, or even agave nectar.
• Can I make this gluten-free? Yes! Use your preferred gluten-free flour blend.
• How do I know when it’s done? A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
• Can I add nuts? You sure can! Walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch.

Next time you want to create something comforting and delicious, turn to this classic banana bread recipe. It’s been a beloved staple in my kitchen, and I’m sure it will find a special place in yours too. So, roll up your sleeves, grab those ripe bananas, and let’s bake together! Share your twists and stories in the comments—I’m excited to hear how your loaves turn out!

Print Recipe

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Classic Honey Vanilla Banana Bread

Cooking Method: Baking Cuisine: Indian

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 65 mins Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 1 hr 25 mins

Cooking Temp: 350  F Servings: 8 Estimated Cost: $ 5 Calories: 200

Best Season: All year round

Description

A delightful banana bread that’s moist, sweet, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 3 pieces ripe bananas (The riper, the better.)
• ¹⁄₃ cup melted butter (Must be warm, not bubbling.)
• ¹⁄₂ cup honey (Can substitute with brown sugar.)
• 1 piece egg, beaten (Helps bind the bread.)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda (Do not skip!)
• a pinch salt (Brightens flavors.)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (Regular flour works best.)

Instructions

Baking Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   This is crucial for proper baking.
   Mark as complete

2. Mash Bananas

   In a bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
   Aim for a creamy texture.
   Mark as complete

3. Combine Ingredients

   Stir in the melted butter, mix in the honey, beaten egg, and vanilla.
   Ensure everything is well mixed.
   Mark as complete

4. Add Leavening

   Sprinkle baking soda and salt over the mixture and mix well.
   Mix until fully combined.
   Mark as complete

5. Incorporate Flour

   Add the flour and mix just until incorporated.
   Do not over-mix.
   Mark as complete

6. Pour and Bake

   Pour the batter into a greased 4x8 inch loaf pan.
   Bake for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
   Mark as complete

7. Cool the Bread

   Allow to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.
   Let it cool completely before slicing.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 200kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 6g10%

Saturated Fat 4g20%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 30mg10%

Sodium 100mg5%

Potassium 200mg6%

Total Carbohydrate 35g12%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%

Sugars 15g

Protein 3g6%

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Vitamin A 150 IU

Vitamin C 3 mg

Calcium 20 mg

Iron 1 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 0 IU

Vitamin K 0 mcg

Thiamin 0 mg

Riboflavin 0 mg

Niacin 0 mg

Vitamin B6 0 mg

Folate 10 mcg

Vitamin B12 0 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 0 mg

Phosphorus 20 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 15 mg

Zinc 0 mg

Selenium 0 mcg

Copper 0 mg

Manganese 0 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Can substitute honey with other sweeteners. Store leftovers at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Keywords: banana bread, quick bread, dessert, snack, comfort food