This Honey Vanilla Banana Bread is everything I love about a classic banana bread—moist, tender, and full of natural sweetness—with a delicious twist. I use honey and pure vanilla extract to elevate the flavor, making each slice rich, aromatic, and perfectly comforting. Whether I enjoy it as a breakfast treat or an afternoon snack, it never lasts long in my kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this banana bread comes together with wholesome, simple ingredients and a bit of natural sweetness from honey. The vanilla adds a smooth, warm depth, and the bananas keep the loaf soft and moist for days. It’s a no-fuss recipe that feels both nostalgic and a little bit special. Plus, my kitchen smells incredible while it bakes.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Ripe bananas, mashed
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All-purpose flour
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Baking soda
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Salt
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Eggs
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Honey
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Vanilla extract
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Melted butter or oil
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Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (optional, for added moisture)
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Cinnamon (optional, for a cozy flavor boost)
Directions
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I preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, I mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
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I whisk in the eggs, honey, vanilla, and melted butter until well combined.
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In a separate bowl, I mix the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if using.
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I gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined—being careful not to overmix.
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I fold in the Greek yogurt or sour cream if using, then pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
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I bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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I let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 1 loaf (about 8–10 slices).
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 55 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Variations
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I like adding chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
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A handful of dark chocolate chips makes it feel more like dessert.
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I sometimes swirl in a spoonful of nut butter for extra richness.
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For a tropical twist, I mix in shredded coconut or a bit of pineapple.
Storage/Reheating
I store the banana bread wrapped in foil or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, I refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze slices individually.
To reheat, I warm a slice in the microwave for about 15 seconds or toast it lightly—perfect with a pat of butter.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, I thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before mashing them into the batter.
What’s the best type of honey to use?
I use mild-flavored honey like clover or wildflower so it doesn’t overpower the vanilla and banana.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, I substitute the butter with coconut oil and skip the yogurt or use a dairy-free version.
How ripe should the bananas be?
The riper, the better—I use bananas with lots of brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture.
Can I make this into muffins?
Absolutely. I divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F for about 18–22 minutes.
Conclusion
This Honey Vanilla Banana Bread is a cozy, flavorful twist on a beloved classic. It’s sweetened naturally, incredibly moist, and so easy to make. I love how it brings comfort and warmth to any moment, whether it’s a lazy morning or a quick pick-me-up during the day. It’s a recipe I keep coming back to, one slice at a time.
Print
Irresistible Honey Vanilla Banana Bread Recipe to Savor
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Honey Vanilla Banana Bread is a moist, naturally sweetened loaf made with ripe bananas, honey, and pure vanilla extract. This aromatic, comforting treat is perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert, and stays soft and flavorful for days.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup melted butter or oil
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (optional)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
- Whisk in eggs, honey, vanilla, and melted butter until combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
- Gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined.
- Fold in Greek yogurt or sour cream (if using).
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans for texture.
- Include dark chocolate chips for a dessert version.
- Swirl in nut butter for richness.
- Mix in shredded coconut or pineapple for a tropical twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
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