Honey Vanilla Banana Bread

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked banana bread wafting through your kitchen—this Honey Vanilla Banana Bread takes it to the next level. Moist, sweet, and filled with the natural richness of bananas, this recipe adds honey and vanilla for an extra touch of warmth and depth. It’s perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a light dessert.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Naturally Sweetened – Made with ripe bananas and honey for wholesome, natural sweetness
Soft & Moist Texture – Thanks to the mashed bananas and a touch of yogurt or sour cream
No Refined Sugar – A healthier twist on the classic favorite
Great for Meal Prep – Freezes beautifully and makes for easy snacks on-the-go
Simple & Classic – You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry

Ingredients You’ll Need
Dry Ingredients:
1¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional, but highly recommended)
½ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients:
3 ripe bananas (mashed)
½ cup honey
2 large eggs
⅓ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
¼ cup neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Optional Add-Ins:
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
½ cup dark chocolate chips
1 tbsp old-fashioned oats (for sprinkling on top)

Tools You’ll Need
Large mixing bowl
Medium bowl
Whisk or electric hand mixer
Rubber spatula
9×5 inch loaf pan
Parchment paper or non-stick spray

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
2. Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt
4. Set aside—this will help prevent overmixing later

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
5. In a large bowl, mash the bananas using a fork until mostly smooth
6. Add the honey, eggs, yogurt (or sour cream), oil, and vanilla extract
7. Whisk until well combined and smooth

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
8. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture
9. Use a spatula to gently fold everything together—don’t overmix
10. If using nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in now

Step 5: Bake the Banana Bread
11. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan
12. Sprinkle the top with oats or extra nuts, if using
13. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
14. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil during the last 15 minutes

Step 6: Cool and Serve
15. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes
16. Remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing
17. Slice and enjoy on its own or with a pat of butter or nut butter

Tips for Perfect Banana Bread
Use Overripe Bananas – The riper, the better. Brown, spotty bananas bring the most flavor and moisture
Don’t Overmix – Stir just until combined. Overmixing can make the bread dense
Add Texture – Nuts, seeds, or even shredded coconut give a nice contrast to the soft crumb
Room Temp Ingredients – Eggs and yogurt mix better when not cold

Serving Suggestions
Warm with Butter – Classic and delicious
Spread with Peanut or Almond Butter – Adds protein and richness
Top with Fresh Berries – A fresh contrast to the dense, sweet bread
Serve with Coffee or Tea – A cozy morning or afternoon treat

How to Store & Freeze
Storing:
Keep leftovers wrapped tightly or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days
For longer freshness, store in the fridge for up to a week

Freezing:
Wrap the cooled loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap and then foil
Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months
Thaw overnight in the fridge or microwave individual slices for 20–30 seconds

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead?
   Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Just note the bread may be slightly denser
2. Can I make this egg-free?
   Absolutely. Substitute the 2 eggs with flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flax + 6 tbsp water, mixed and rested for 5 minutes)
3. What’s the best substitute for yogurt or sour cream?
   Unsweetened applesauce or mashed avocado can be used for a similar texture and moisture
4. Can I make muffins with this recipe?
   Yes! Divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes
5. Is this recipe suitable for kids?
   Definitely. It’s sweetened naturally, has no refined sugar, and makes a great lunchbox treat

Final Thoughts
This Honey Vanilla Banana Bread is everything you want in a cozy homemade bake—moist, flavorful, and made with wholesome ingredients you can feel good about. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or a sweet finish to your day, it’s a recipe that will quickly become a household favorite.
Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest. I’d love to see your banana bread creations!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 55 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 210 | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 30g | Fat: 8g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 180mg

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