Why You’ll Love Lavender Banana Bread Recipe
This recipe takes traditional banana bread and elevates it with a subtle floral flavor that feels both elegant and comforting. The lavender enhances the sweetness of the bananas without overpowering them, creating a balanced and unique taste.
It’s easy to prepare with simple pantry staples, making it approachable even for beginner bakers. The texture is soft and moist, with a tender crumb that slices beautifully. The optional lavender glaze adds a lovely finishing touch, both visually and in flavor.
Whether you’re baking for guests or simply treating yourself, this loaf offers something a little different while still delivering the comforting familiarity of classic banana bread.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the bread:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon lavender extract
4 medium ripe bananas, mashed
For the lavender glaze:
1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon lavender extract
2 tablespoons heavy cream
2 to 3 tablespoons milk
1 drop light pink or purple food coloring (optional)
Culinary lavender flowers for garnish (optional)
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 6-cup loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and lavender extract, stirring until fully incorporated.
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Mix in the mashed bananas until evenly blended.
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Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the bread dense.
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
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Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
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Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
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To make the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, lavender extract, heavy cream, and milk until smooth. Adjust the consistency with additional milk if needed. Add a drop of food coloring if desired.
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Once the bread has completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Garnish with culinary lavender flowers if using. Let the glaze set before slicing.
Servings and timing
Servings: 8 slices
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 55 to 60 minutes
Cooling time: 15 to 30 minutes
Total time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
Variations
For a nutty twist, fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans before baking.
Add white chocolate chips for a sweeter, dessert-style loaf that pairs beautifully with the floral notes.
For a citrus lift, stir in 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to brighten the flavor profile.
To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with melted coconut oil and use a plant-based milk in the glaze.
For a stronger lavender presence, infuse the sugar with culinary lavender by blending them together briefly before mixing into the batter.
Storage/Reheating
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 1 week. Make sure it is well wrapped to prevent it from drying out.
To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, allow frozen slices to thaw at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator. Warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or microwave for 15 to 20 seconds until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use dried culinary lavender instead of lavender extract?
Yes, but use it sparingly. Finely grind the dried culinary lavender and start with a small amount to avoid overpowering the bread.
What kind of bananas work best?
Very ripe bananas with brown spots are ideal. They provide maximum sweetness and moisture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend designed for baking.
How do I keep the bread from becoming dense?
Avoid overmixing the batter. Stir just until the dry ingredients are incorporated.
Is the glaze necessary?
No, the bread is delicious on its own. The glaze simply adds extra sweetness and visual appeal.
Can I turn this into muffins?
Yes, divide the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
How strong is the lavender flavor?
When measured properly, the lavender flavor is subtle and complements the banana rather than overpowering it.
Can I reduce the sugar?
You can slightly reduce the sugar, but keep in mind it may affect the texture and moisture of the bread.
Why did my banana bread sink in the middle?
This can happen if the bread is underbaked or if the oven door is opened too early during baking.
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to bake the batter immediately after mixing to ensure proper rise and texture.
Conclusion
Lavender Banana Bread offers a delightful balance of comforting sweetness and gentle floral aroma. It’s simple enough for everyday baking yet unique enough to impress guests. With its moist texture, tender crumb, and elegant glaze, this loaf is a beautiful way to reimagine a classic favorite. Whether enjoyed with coffee, tea, or on its own, it’s sure to become a memorable addition to your baking collection.
