Name: Honey Vanilla Banana Bread – A Hug in Loaf Form
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 overripe bananas, mashed; 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup honey; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; Optional add-ins: chopped walnuts, chocolate chips

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Honey Vanilla Banana Bread is a warm, comforting treat I love baking any time I want to fill my home with the nostalgic aroma of sweet bananas, rich vanilla, and golden honey. Every slice is soft and moist, with a delicate crust and just the right balance of natural sweetness. Whether I enjoy it warm from the oven or lightly toasted with a pat of butter, it always feels like a cozy little indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like how this banana bread blends the wholesome sweetness of honey with the familiar warmth of ripe bananas and vanilla. It’s easy to make with pantry staples, and it works just as well for breakfast as it does for an afternoon treat. It’s a recipe that feels special, but requires zero fuss—just the kind of baking I love.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Overripe bananas
All-purpose flour
Honey
Unsalted butter, melted
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Baking soda
Salt

directions

I start by preheating my oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a loaf pan or lining it with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, I mash the overripe bananas until smooth.
I stir in the melted butter, honey, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
In a separate bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. I gradually fold this into the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined.
I pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
I bake the bread for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, I let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 10 servings. Prep time is 15 minutes, and bake time is 60 minutes, for a total of 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Variations

I often add chopped walnuts or chocolate chips to the batter for texture and extra richness.
For a flavor twist, I swap the vanilla extract for almond extract.
Maple syrup works as a nice substitute for honey if I want a deeper, earthy sweetness.
I sometimes replace half of the flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.

storage/reheating

I store any leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, I freeze individual slices and warm them in the microwave for a quick, comforting snack. A slice reheated and topped with butter or nut butter always hits the spot.

FAQs

What ingredients do I need for honey vanilla banana bread?

You’ll need overripe bananas, all-purpose flour, honey, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Optional add-ins like walnuts or chocolate chips are great, too.

How long does honey vanilla banana bread last?

It lasts up to 4 days at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, I freeze slices individually and thaw them as needed.

Can I substitute ingredients?

Yes. I often swap honey for maple syrup, use coconut oil instead of butter, or switch half the flour for whole wheat. It’s an easy recipe to personalize.

Is honey better than sugar for banana bread?

Honey adds moisture and a deeper, more complex sweetness. I find it also gives the loaf a slightly richer flavor than plain white sugar.

How can I make it more special?

I like to top the batter with a sliced banana or a drizzle of honey before baking for extra flair. A sprinkle of cinnamon also adds a lovely touch.

Conclusion

This Honey Vanilla Banana Bread is the kind of recipe I come back to again and again. It’s simple, reliable, and so comforting—each slice feels like a little moment of joy. Whether I’m sharing it with loved ones or enjoying it solo with a warm drink, it always reminds me that the best treats are often the simplest.

Honey Vanilla Banana Bread – A Hug in Loaf Form