I enjoyed the banana bread with honey.It’s truly one of my favorites due to its ease and delicious results. The simple process really allows the high-quality ingredients to shine through. I find the honey to be a fantastic addition that not only keeps the bread moist but provides such a lovely subtle sweetness complementary to the bananas’ rich flavor. Rather than being cloyingly sweet, it hits just the right note.
And of course, using honey in place of refined sugar offers a nutritious twist. Overall, its goodness makes it a go-to for me as well. The balanced and wholesome taste far surpasses traditional banana breads, in my opinion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a simple one-bowl banana bread recipe with fewer than 10 common ingredients.
- Ideal for using up overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste.
- Honey and cinnamon create a lovely flavor combination with the banana.
- Perfect alongside coffee or tea, whether it’s morning or afternoon.
Honey Banana Bread Ingredients
- Unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- Local Hive™ Clover Raw and Unfiltered Honey
- Large eggs, room temperature
- Vanilla extract
- Overripe bananas, mashed
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Ground cinnamon
- Salt
How To Make Honey Banana Bread
1. Prepare the Bananas
Mash the bananas thoroughly in a medium-sized bowl. The riper the bananas, the easier they will mash and the sweeter the bread will be. Measure the mashed bananas to ensure you have the correct amount, then set them aside.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, melt the butter and allow it to cool slightly. Pour the melted butter into a large mixing bowl and add the honey, blending them together until smooth.
Stir in the eggs and vanilla extract. Whisk until fully incorporated.
Add the mashed bananas to the bowl and mix everything together until smooth and evenly combined.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Make sure the ingredients are evenly mixed to avoid clumps of baking soda or salt in the final batter.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients into Wet Mixture
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a denser loaf.
5. Prepare the Loaf Pan
Line a loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the bread after baking. Pour the banana bread batter into the pan, spreading it out evenly.
6. Bake the Banana Bread
Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Bake the bread for 55-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary depending on the size of your loaf pan and the oven, so check it at the 55-minute mark to ensure it’s not overbaked.
7. Cool and Serve
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy the soft, sweet texture of your honey banana bread!
Pro Tips for Perfect Honey Banana Bread
Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the better the flavor and moisture content. If your bananas aren’t overripe, place them in a brown paper bag for a day or two to speed up ripening.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, fold them gently. Overmixing can result in a dense loaf.
Butter Temperature: Make sure the melted butter has cooled slightly before mixing it with other ingredients. Hot butter can cook the eggs and affect the texture.
Test for Doneness: Oven temperatures can vary, so check your bread at the 55-minute mark. If the top is browning too quickly, cover the bread loosely with foil to prevent it from burning while the inside continues to cook.
Add-ins: For added texture, consider adding chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans), chocolate chips, or dried fruit (like raisins or cranberries) to the batter.
Variations
Vegan Banana Bread: Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes), and use dairy-free butter or coconut oil in place of regular butter.
Gluten-Free Banana Bread: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that the flour blend contains a binder, such as xanthan gum.
Spiced Banana Bread: If you love spices, try adding a teaspoon of ground nutmeg, or even pumpkin pie spice for an extra cozy flavor profile.
Chocolate Banana Bread: Add cocoa powder and chocolate chips for a decadent twist on the classic recipe.
Ingredient Substitutes
Butter: If you need to reduce dairy or prefer a healthier option, you can substitute the butter with applesauce or coconut oil. Both will provide moisture without sacrificing flavor.
Honey: You can replace honey with maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar for different sweetness profiles.
Flour: If you’re looking to make this bread gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or almond flour (though you may need to adjust the liquid slightly).
Eggs: If you’re egg-free, consider using chia seeds or flaxseed meal to create a binding agent. For one egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flax or chia seeds with 2.5 tablespoons of water.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature: Store your honey banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will help keep the bread soft and fresh.
Refrigeration: If you live in a particularly warm climate, store the bread in the refrigerator for up to 1 week to extend freshness.
Freezing: For longer storage, wrap slices of banana bread tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or place the loaf in a freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or heat in the microwave for a warm treat.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for banana bread?
Yes! In fact, frozen bananas tend to be even sweeter once thawed. Simply thaw them in the fridge overnight before mashing and using them in the recipe.
Can I make banana bread without honey?
Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup, agave nectar, or even brown sugar. Just note that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
Why did my banana bread turn out too dense?
Over Mixing the batter can cause the bread to become dense. Be sure to gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Additionally, make sure the baking soda is fresh for proper leavening.
Can I add nuts to this banana bread?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pecans are a great addition to banana bread for added crunch and flavor. Fold them into the batter before baking.
How do I know when my banana bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is done. If it’s covered in wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.
More Recipes
- Banana Bread
- Banana Bread Without Baking Soda
- High-altitude Banana Bread
- No Bake Banana Pudding Cheesecake
- Banana Muffins without Baking Powder or Soda
Honey Banana Bread
Ingredients
- ½ cup 113.5 g unsalted butter melted and cooled
- ½ cup 168 g Honey
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups 350 g overripe bananas mashed
- 2 cups 250 g all-purpose flour weighed in grams or spooned and leveled
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly coat an 8-9 inch loaf pan with nonstick spray and line it with parchment paper, allowing the paper to extend over the edges.
- In a large bowl, blend the melted butter and honey together until smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract, eggs, and mashed bananas until fully incorporated.
- Gently mix the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon into the wet ingredients until the dry ingredients are just absorbed and no longer visible.
- Transfer the honey banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean, which should take approximately 55 to 70 minutes.
- Allow the loaf to cool in the pan until it’s slightly warm. Then, lift it out by pulling up on the parchment paper that overhangs the sides.