Description
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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Ingredients
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)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
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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
Notes
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
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Cuisine: American