Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Naturally Sweetened: Uses honey instead of refined sugar.
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Soft & Moist: The combination of bananas and butter creates a perfect texture.
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Versatile: Add your favorite mix-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or a glaze.
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Simple to Make: Comes together quickly and bakes up beautifully.
Ingredients
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3 medium or 2 large bananas (about 1 1/2 cups mashed)
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1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1/2 cup honey
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2 eggs
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1/4 cup milk
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1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract or vanilla paste
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1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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Optional: crushed nuts, chocolate chips, peanut butter glaze or frosting
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease an 8½x4½ inch loaf pan.
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Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and honey. Add eggs, mashed bananas, milk, and vanilla. Mix until well combined.
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Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt.
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Combine all: Gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Add optional toppings like sliced banana, nuts, or chocolate chips. Bake for 50–55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
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Cool: Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 8–10 slices
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Bake Time: 50–55 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
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Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
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Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use plant-based milk.
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Flavor Boost: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or lemon zest.
Storage/Reheating
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
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To reheat, microwave individual slices for 10–15 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
Yes, maple syrup works as a 1:1 substitute for honey.
Can I make this into muffins?
Yes! Bake at 325°F for about 20-25 minutes.
Can I freeze banana bread?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave individual slices.
What kind of milk can I use?
Any milk works—dairy or plant-based.
Conclusion
This Honey Vanilla Banana Bread is a light, naturally sweetened version of a beloved classic. Perfectly moist and easy to customize, it’s a go-to recipe for banana bread lovers everywhere. Try it once, and it may become your new favorite!

Honey Vanilla Banana Bread
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- Author: Chef Sara
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 slices
Description
Honey Vanilla Banana Bread is a soft, naturally sweetened quick bread made with ripe bananas, honey, and rich vanilla. It’s a healthier twist on the classic recipe—perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert. Moist, fluffy, and full of flavor!
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 (any kind)
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract or vanilla paste
1¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
Optional Add-ins:
Crushed nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans)
Chocolate chips
Sliced banana on top
Peanut butter glaze or frosting
Instructions
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Preheat Oven:
Preheat to 325°F (165°C). Grease an 8½x4½-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper. -
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and honey. Add eggs, mashed bananas, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until well blended. -
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt. -
Combine All:
Gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix. -
Bake:
Pour batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with optional toppings. Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. -
Cool:
Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.
Notes
Variations:
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use almond or oat milk.
Flavor Boost: Add 1 tsp cinnamon, nutmeg, or a touch of lemon zest.
Muffins: Bake in a muffin tin at 325°F for 20–25 minutes.
Storage & Reheating:
Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Fridge: Up to 1 week for longer freshness.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight or reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50–55 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert, Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American