Description

This Lavender Banana Bread is a fragrant twist on the classic favorite, infused with subtle floral notes of lavender and topped with a smooth lavender glaze. Perfectly moist and tender, it combines ripe bananas with a hint of lavender extract for a unique and delightful flavor. Finished with a light pink or purple tinted glaze and optional culinary lavender flowers, this bread is a beautiful and delicious treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Bread Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
¾ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon lavender extract
4 medium ripe bananas, mashed

Lavender Glaze

1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon lavender extract
2 tablespoons heavy cream
2 1/2 tablespoons milk
A drop of light pink or purple food coloring (optional)
Optional: culinary lavender flowers for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 6-cup loaf pan with nonstick baking spray to ensure easy removal of the bread.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures an even distribution of the leavening agents and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted and cooled butter with the brown sugar until smooth. Then whisk in the lightly beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and lavender extract. Finally, add the mashed ripe bananas and stir to combine.
Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful to avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. After baking, let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes before carefully inverting it onto parchment paper to cool completely.
Prepare the Lavender Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, lavender extract, heavy cream, and milk until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk one teaspoon at a time if the glaze is too thick. Optionally, add a drop of food coloring to achieve a light pink or purple hue.
Glaze and Garnish: Drizzle or spread the lavender glaze over the cooled banana bread. For an extra touch, sprinkle culinary lavender flowers on top of the glaze.

Notes

Ensure the bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
Do not overmix the batter to avoid dense bread.
Use culinary-grade lavender flowers for garnish to ensure they are safe to eat.
The glaze consistency can be adjusted according to preference by varying the milk amount.
Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American