There’s something simply enchanting about the combination of banana and lavender. The first time I tried Lavender Banana Bread, I was taken aback by how the rich, familiar flavor of ripe bananas melded beautifully with delicate floral notes. It’s like a warm hug on a cozy afternoon, making it the perfect companion for your next brunch or a delightful snack while curling up with a good book.
What I love most about this recipe is how effortlessly it comes together—minimal steps, plenty of room for creativity, and a stunning lavender glaze that transforms an everyday loaf into a showstopper. Whether you’re looking to impress guests, enjoy a slice with your morning coffee, or explore gluten-free and dairy-free options, this Lavender Banana Bread is your ticket to a deliciously elevated baking experience. So, let’s dive into making this dreamy bread that will undoubtedly become a favorite in your kitchen!
Why is Lavender Banana Bread a must-try?
Delightful Combination: The fusion of banana‘s rich sweetness with lavender‘s floral aroma creates an unforgettable taste experience that delights all the senses.
Easy Baking: This recipe features simple steps and minimal ingredients, making it accessible even for beginner bakers.
Creative Variations: Feel free to customize your loaf by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or opting for gluten-free alternatives, ensuring it suits everyone’s taste.
Stunning Presentation: The lavender glaze not only adds flavor but also turns this loaf into a gorgeous centerpiece for any gathering.
Comfort and Warmth: Perfect for brunch or a cozy snack, each slice wraps you in warmth, making it a beloved favorite for all occasions.
Make Ahead Option: Bake it in advance and enjoy its deliciousness throughout the week—great for busy schedules!
Lavender Banana Bread Ingredients
For the Bread
• All-purpose flour – Provides the perfect structure. Substitution: Gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
• Baking soda – Helps the bread rise beautifully. Ensure freshness for optimal results.
• Salt – Enhances all the flavors. Essential for flavor balance.
• Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted) – Adds moisture and richness. Substitution: Coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
• Brown sugar (¾ cup) – Brings a hint of caramel sweetness. Alternative: Coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index.
• Eggs (2 large, lightly beaten) – Binds all the ingredients together. Substitution: Flax egg for a vegan option.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) – Enhances the flavors perfectly. Use high-quality extract for best results.
• Lavender extract (¼ teaspoon) – Infuses the bread with delicate floral notes. Substitution: Culinary lavender flowers for a natural flavor.
• Ripe bananas (4 medium, mashed) – Provides natural sweetness and moisture. Very ripe bananas with brown spots work best.
For the Lavender Glaze
• Powdered sugar (1 ¼ cups) – Base for a sweet glaze.
• Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon) – Adds depth and sweetness.
• Lavender extract (¼ teaspoon) – Reinforces the aromatic flavor.
• Heavy cream (2 tablespoons) – Ensures a rich texture.
• Milk (2 ½ tablespoons) – Adjusts glaze consistency. Use more milk for a thinner glaze.
• Food coloring (optional) – Light pink or purple for visual appeal.
How to Make Lavender Banana Bread
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Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare your 6-cup loaf pan by spraying it with nonstick spray. This will ensure your bread comes out easily after baking.
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Whisk together the dry ingredients in a small bowl: flour, baking soda, and salt. This uniform mix helps the bread rise properly and enhances the flavor balance.
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Combine melted butter and brown sugar in a large bowl, whisking until smooth. Then, add the beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and lavender extract, followed by the mashed bananas. Stir until everything is well mixed.
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Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—be sure to avoid overmixing to keep the bread light and fluffy.
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake it for 55 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Cool the bread in the pan for 15 minutes, then invert it onto parchment paper to cool completely before slicing.
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For the Glaze: whisk together all the glaze ingredients until smooth, adjusting with milk to achieve your desired consistency.
Optional: Drizzle with extra lavender glaze and serve with fresh berries for a delightful touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Lavender Banana Bread
• Ripe Bananas Matter: Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture in your Lavender Banana Bread.
• Gentle Mixing: Avoid overmixing your batter; folding ingredients gently ensures a light and fluffy texture that’s key to a perfect loaf.
• Perfect Glaze Consistency: If your lavender glaze turns out too thick, gradually add more milk to achieve your desired consistency without sacrificing flavor.
• Customization is Key: Don’t hesitate to get creative! Add nuts or chocolate chips to your Lavender Banana Bread for extra texture and flavor.
• Baking Time Check: Ovens can vary—check your bread at the 55-minute mark to avoid overbaking. A toothpick should come out clean when it’s done.
Make Ahead Options
These Lavender Banana Bread delights are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all wet ingredients and dry ingredients separately, then storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. For the best results, keep the mashed bananas mixed into the wet ingredients just before baking to retain their moisture and sweetness. When you’re ready to bake, simply combine the mixtures, pour the batter into your loaf pan, and bake as directed. This way, you’ll have a delicious loaf ready with minimal effort, perfect for busy mornings or surprise guests!
Lavender Banana Bread Variations
Feel free to elevate your baking by adding your personal touches to this lovely loaf!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour to enjoy gluten-free delight without sacrificing taste.
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Nutty Addition: Stir in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture that beautifully complements the soft bread.
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Chocolate Lovers: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips to introduce a rich, sweet surprise in every bite, perfect for dessert enthusiasts.
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Dairy-Free: Swap out the butter for coconut oil and use almond milk in the glaze to keep it creamy without dairy.
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Herb Infusion: Finely chop fresh rosemary or thyme and add to the batter for an herbaceous twist that brightens the floral notes of lavender.
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Citrus Zing: Incorporate the zest of one lemon or orange into the batter for a refreshing citrus burst that balances the sweetness of bananas.
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Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter for a warm, spicy flavor that surprises and delights.
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Berry Bliss: Fold in ½ cup of fresh or dried blueberries for a fruity addition that pairs wonderfully with the banana and lavender.
Storage Tips for Lavender Banana Bread
- Room Temperature: Store leftover Lavender Banana Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its moistness.
- Fridge: For longer freshness, refrigerate the bread in an airtight container for up to a week, keeping the flavors intact.
- Freezer: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast them lightly for a cozy, fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.
What to Serve with Lavender Banana Bread?
Nothing complements the delicate floral notes of this enchanting loaf better than a few thoughtfully paired accompaniments.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or blueberries add a refreshing contrast, balancing the sweetness and enhancing the flavors of the bread.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of freshly whipped cream softens the bread’s richness and elevates it into a delicious dessert.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream beside a warm slice of Lavender Banana Bread creates an irresistible flavor combination.
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Herbal Tea: The soothing flavors of chamomile or mint tea complement the lavender notes perfectly, offering a relaxing break any time of day.
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Honey Drizzle: Drizzling honey adds a layer of natural sweetness while enhancing the floral notes, making each bite even more delightful.
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Nutty Granola: A sprinkle of crunchy granola introduces a fun texture contrast, along with nutty flavors that work wonderfully with the soft bread.
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Sparkling Lemonade: The bright, citrusy notes of a sparkling lemonade cut through the bread’s sweetness, refreshing your palate with every sip.
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Citrus Salad: A vibrant salad of oranges and grapefruit brightens the meal, providing a zesty freshness that pairs beautifully with the bread.
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Lemon Glaze: For a flavor boost, serve with a light lemon glaze drizzled on top, complementing the sweetness with a zesty kick.
Lavender Banana Bread Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best Lavender Banana Bread, it’s important to use very ripe bananas with dark brown spots. This not only enhances the sweetness but also contributes to the moisture of the bread. If your bananas are still yellow, simply leave them out to ripen for a few days or place them in a brown paper bag to speed up the process.
What is the best way to store leftover Lavender Banana Bread?
Very good question! You can store leftover Lavender Banana Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer shelf life, refrigerate it for up to a week. Make sure to let it cool completely before storing to keep it moist.
Can I freeze Lavender Banana Bread, and if so, how?
Of course! Freezing is a fantastic way to preserve the deliciousness. Wrap your slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This can keep your bread fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight before warming it.
What if my Lavender Banana Bread turns out too dense?
If your bread is dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter. When combining wet and dry ingredients, gently fold until just combined to prevent gluten formation that can lead to heaviness. Also, double-check that your baking soda is fresh, as this is crucial for the bread to rise properly.
What dietary variations can I make for this Lavender Banana Bread?
The more the merrier! For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, simply replace the unsalted butter with coconut oil and use almond milk in the glaze. For a vegan twist, you can use a flax egg instead of regular eggs; just mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens.
Irresistible Lavender Banana Bread with Floral Glaze Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare your 6-cup loaf pan by spraying it with nonstick spray.
- Whisk together the dry ingredients in a small bowl: flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine melted butter and brown sugar in a large bowl, whisking until smooth. Then, add the beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and lavender extract, followed by the mashed bananas.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake it for 55 to 60 minutes.
- Cool the bread in the pan for 15 minutes, then invert it onto parchment paper to cool completely.
- For the Glaze: Whisk together all the glaze ingredients until smooth, adjusting with milk to achieve your desired consistency.
- Optional: Drizzle with extra lavender glaze and serve with fresh berries.