Honey Vanilla Banana Bread
This easy banana bread is sweetened with honey and rich in vanilla—moist, simple, and refined sugar-free.
Ingredients
- 3 medium or 2 large ripe bananas about 1½ cups, mashed
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter melted
- ½ cup honey
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Optional Mix-ins/Toppings: Crushed walnuts, chocolate chips, peanut butter glaze, or sliced banana for topping
Instructions
Prep the Oven and Pan
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease or line an 8½ x 4½ inch loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and honey. Add the eggs and whisk until smooth. Stir in the mashed banana, milk, and vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Make the Batter
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined—do not overmix. The batter will be thick and slightly lumpy.
Add Toppings or Mix-ins
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Add toppings like sliced banana (cut lengthwise and placed on top), chopped nuts, or chocolate chips as desired.
Bake
- Bake for 50–55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly cracked.
Cool and Slice
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Allow to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing to avoid crumbling.