Skip to content
Make the most delicious, moist honey banana bread with just a handful of basic ingredients. We’ve all been there: starting the week with grand plans, shopping for our favorite ingredients, only to find ourselves with over-ripe bananas by Friday. Don’t let them go to waste - try this banana bread recipe with honey! Incorporating mashed banana into the wet ingredients ensures a moist and flavorful bread. It really is moist, delicious and as long as you follow all of the directions, to a “T” you will achieve fabulous results every time.
Get Your Loaf Pan Ready for Baking!
Welcome to the ultimate guide to making the best healthy banana bread recipe! Banana bread is a classic comfort food that never goes out of style. With its moist texture, sweet flavor, and versatility, it’s no wonder why it’s a favorite among both kids and adults. In this article, we’ll share with you our secrets to making the perfect healthy banana bread recipe that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this guide will help you create a loaf that’s sure to impress.
This is the best banana bread recipe, and so versatile. I find myself experimenting with it all the time. This last batch I made into muffins and I froze them for future enjoyment when we are on the go. You can also explore various banana bread recipes using honey instead of sugar for a unique flavor profile and healthier alternative. Don’t forget to add baking soda when you replace sugar with honey. It helps prevent burning when baking with honey.
You can make a healthier version of honey banana bread by swapping out the butter with coconut oil but really, whenever you change out an ingredient in any recipe, you should make a batch to figure out if anything needs adjusting. Additionally, consider banana bread sweetened with honey as an alternative to sugar for a different taste and dietary option.
You can experiment with various flour types, but I always find that with alternative gluten-free flour, a blend of flours works best. Traditional organic all-purpose flour plays a crucial role in this recipe as nothing truly substitutes it. With the addition of honey, this homemade honey banana bread is incredibly moist and packed with flavor.
Whether you serve it at brunch, as an afternoon snack, or a midnight indulgence, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it just as much as we do in our home.
The History of Banana Bread
Banana bread—a delicious, sweet treat that foodies and home bakers love. But have you ever wondered how this yummy loaf came to be? Let’s dig in and explore the history of banana bread.
The Early Days
Bananas were introduced to the US in the late 1800s. But it wasn’t until the 1930s that banana bread started to take off. The Great Depression played a big role in this. During that time, being resourceful in the kitchen was a must and wasting food was not an option. Overripe bananas that would’ve been tossed were given new life in banana bread recipes.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda
Another reason banana bread became popular was the introduction of chemical leavening agents like baking powder and baking soda. These made it possible to bake quick breads that didn’t require yeast to rise. Early banana bread recipes showed up in community cookbooks and homemaker magazines and became a staple in American kitchens.
A Classic Banana Bread Recipe is Born
One of the first known banana bread recipes was published in the 1933 edition of “Balanced Recipes” a cookbook by the Pillsbury Flour Company. This recipe had all the ingredients we associate with banana bread today—mashed bananas, flour, sugar, eggs and a leavening agent. The use of mashed banana is crucial for creating moist and flavorful bread, as it should be well-mixed with other wet ingredients like butter, honey, and eggs before combining with the dry ingredients.
The Post-War Era
Banana bread had another heyday in the post-war era. The 1950s and 60s was the era of home baking and the rise of convenience foods and kitchen appliances. During this time banana bread recipes continued to evolve with the addition of nuts, chocolate chips and spices.
Banana Bread Today
Today banana bread is a classic for both beginner and experienced bakers. It’s versatile and can be made in endless ways—gluten-free, vegan, gourmet with exotic ingredients. Social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest have only fueled the banana bread craze and made it a foodie favorite.
Why We Love Banana Bread
So why do we love banana bread? For one, it’s super forgiving. Even beginner bakers can get a great result with minimal effort. Overripe bananas mean even imperfect fruit can be turned into a tasty treat. And banana bread’s natural sweetness and moistness make it a perfect snack, breakfast or dessert.
From its Depression era roots to its modern day status as a baking classic, the history of banana bread is as varied as the flavors it comes in. Whether you’re a foodie or a newbie, there’s no denying the simple joy of a warm slice of banana bread.
Darker honey, such as Buckwheat and Bamboo, are perfect for baking
Reasons You'll Love this Honey Banana Bread
- Honey is a wonderful natural sweetener.
- This is a perfect way to use up ripe bananas.
- It's a simple recipe to follow.
- Homemade banana bread is so much better than store-bought.
- This is a healthy banana bread recipe due to it being naturally sweetened with honey and ripe bananas.
Ingredients, Substitutions, & Equipment
Honey - There are so many different types of honey you could use for this recipe. We have several varietals of Bee Inspired Honey to choose from. Maple syrup is also a great alternative natural sweetener, especially for vegan and gluten-free versions of the recipe.
Brown Sugar - is refined sugar mixed with molasses. A small amount of brown sugar is crucial to the moistness of this recipe. It does something, chemically to the ingredients that nothing else can do, I suspect it’s the molasses that makes it an excellent addition to this recipe for moisture retention.
Unsalted Butter - I like using unsalted butter and then adding a pinch of salt to the batter. Alternatively you could use salted butter and skip the extra pinch. Most important of all, pull the butter out of the fridge a few hours before you make this recipe. you want the butter soft. Don’t rush it like I did on the first pass and melt in the microwave. That was silly.
Eggs - You’ll need 2 eggs to make this banana bread with honey recipe. It’s really important to get them to room temperature before you make this recipe.
Bananas - Very ripe bananas are best! The sugar content, texture and intense flavor add so much to the final results. The trick is in getting the mashed bananas to the correct consistency. Use a stand or hand mixer and whip the mashed banana until fluffy.
Plain Greek yogurt - Another reason why this bread is so moist! It also brings a touch of tang to the mix.
Ground cinnamon and vanilla extract - Both are warm and earthy and complement the bananas perfectly.
Organic all-purpose/bread flour - Again, remember that you can play around with the flour that you use if you want. I love GF Jules almond flour blends, but this recipe will likely need some adjustment. Whole wheat flour is a nutritious option that can produce sweet and moist bread without the overtly nutty flavor.
Baking soda and Baking powder - You need both, and both will help the bread to rise as it bakes. The soda helps prevent the honey from burning.
Chopped pecans or walnuts - Are optional, but I definitely recommend that you use them. Who doesn’t like nuts?
Equipment
You’ll need the following equipment:
- 9x5-inch loaf pan: The perfect size for baking your banana bread.
- Mixing bowls: For combining ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate measurements.
- Whisk: For mixing wet ingredients.
- Spatula: For folding ingredients together.
- Electric mixer (optional): Makes mixing easier and faster.
How to Make Honey Banana Bread
Step 1: Banana Bread Recipe Prep
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F and grease a loaf pan with coconut oil, cooking oil, or butter and set aside.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in this Order
The nice thing about making honey banana bread is that following this order will make all the ingredients come together like a beautiful symphony.
- Start by putting the bananas in the stand-mixer and whip them to a smooth creamy texture. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- Next, whisk all the dry ingredients together in a bowl and set aside. This includes the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- Cream the room temperature butter with the honey and brown sugar using the stand mixer.
- On medium speed, add one room temperature egg at a time, making sure to mix together well.
- Add the mashed banana to the creamed butter, honey, eggs, and sugar, ensuring it is well-mixed with the other components.
- Now add the vanilla.
- Next, on low speed, slowly add the dry ingredients mixture.
- Fold in chopped walnuts or chopped pecans.
Step 3: Pour Batter into a Prepared Pan
Once the banana breat batter is combined, distribute the batter in a metal loaf pan or pour evenly in prepared muffin tins. For a delicious variation, consider adding chocolate chips to the batter. If you want to decorate the top, try using sliced bananas on top.
Step 4: Bake
Place the bread tin in the lower third of the oven and bake for 1 hour, checking in on the bread every 20 minutes to make sure it's not over-browning. You will know it's ready when you put a toothpick into the bread and it comes out clean.
Tips for the Best Banana Bread
To make the best healthy banana bread recipe, follow these tips:
- Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots.
- Don’t overmix: Mix the wet and dry ingredients separately and gently fold them together to avoid overmixing, which can make the bread dense.
- Use the right flour: Whole wheat flour or almond flour will give your banana bread a nutty flavor and a denser texture. Experiment to find your favorite.
- Don’t overbake: Bake the banana bread until it’s golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Overbaking can make the bread dry.
- Add-ins are optional: Feel free to add chopped nuts, dark chocolate chips, or dried fruit to give your banana bread an extra boost of flavor and texture.
Adapting Our Honey Banana Bread
Feeling adventurous? Play around with the ingredients in your healthy banana bread there’s lots of room to play with a simple recipe like this! This is a favorite recipe due to its moist texture and unique flavor profile. Here are some of our favorite tricks:
- Change up the nuts in the mix (walnuts and pecans work well). Toast the nuts for added flavor.
- Serve topped with Honey Almond Butter or Honey Strawberry Jam
- Drizzle with Cashew Cream Icing when the bread is cool.
- You can easily turn this recipe into banana muffins if you are looking for smaller portions that are easy to freeze.
Note: Take care not to overcook the healthy banana bread as it may become overly browned and dry. Honey and brown sugar caramelizes faster than refined sugar, so keep a close watch on your oven when baking with it. If your oven runs hot, lower the temperature or adjust the baking time accordingly. This recipe can be considered the best banana bread due to its versatility and deliciousness.
Freezing and Storage
To freeze and store your healthy banana bread, follow these tips:
- Cool the banana bread completely before freezing: This prevents condensation and freezer burn.
- Wrap the banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil: This helps maintain its moisture and flavor.
- Place it in a freezer-safe bag: For extra protection against freezer burn.
- Store the banana bread in the freezer for up to 3 months: Enjoy homemade banana bread anytime.
- To thaw, leave the banana bread at room temperature for a few hours or thaw it in the microwave: This ensures it retains its moist texture.
Healthy Banana Bread Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Keep My Banana Bread Recipe with Honey From Sinking in the Middle?
To prevent your banana honey bread from sinking in the middle, ensure that you:
- Use the correct leavening agents (baking powder and baking soda) and check their expiration dates.
- Avoid opening the oven door during baking, as the sudden change in temperature can cause the bread to sink.
- Do not overmix the batter, as it can create too much air, leading to sinking.
- Bake the bread in the center lower third of the oven, allowing for even heat distribution, preventing the top from over-browning.
How Long Does This Honey Banana Bread Recipe Stay Fresh?
This healthy banana bread recipe with honey typically stays fresh for about 3-4 days when stored properly. To maximize its freshness, store cooled healthy banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also store it in the refrigerator to extend its shelf life.
If you’d like to enjoy it for longer, you can freeze the bread. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. Frozen honey banana bread can last for up to 2-3 months.
Can I Make Honey Banana Bread Muffins Instead?
Yes, you can definitely use honey banana bread recipe to make muffins! Simply fill a greased or lined muffin pan with the batter, filling each tin about 2/3 full. Adjust the baking time accordingly, as muffins will bake faster than a whole loaf. I pulled the muffins out at least 15 minutes earlier than the bread recipe called for!
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the delicious banana bread around 12-15 minutes before it should be finished. Make sure the toothpick comes out clean. Keep an eye on the baking time, as it may vary, and adjust accordingly.
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth in a Healthy Way
Honey banana bread is a delightful treat that satisfies your sweet tooth. Using honey instead of sugar adds a unique and delicious flavor. Our tried and tested recipe guarantees the best results. Give it a try and experience the deliciousness for yourself. If you bake up our banana bread with honey recipe, share a photo with us on Instagram. We love seeing your photos!
