If you’re looking to elevate the classic comfort of banana bread, this Lavender Banana Bread with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe is a dazzling treat that will delight your senses. Imagine the warm, moist texture of ripe bananas perfectly balanced by the subtle floral notes of dried lavender, all finished with a luscious, tangy cream cheese icing that’s simply irresistible. This recipe brings a sophisticated twist to a beloved favorite, making it ideal for brunches, tea parties, or any cozy gathering where a slice of something special is just what you need.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ingredients arranged on a light wooden surface, with a large white bowl at the top left filled with light brown sugar with a soft texture. To the right, there is a large bowl filled with white flour that has a powdery texture. Below them, there is a small clear glass bowl containing several broken walnut pieces with a rough texture. Next to it, a speckled bowl holds three small pieces of pale yellow butter with a soft, creamy texture. Below these bowls, two brown eggs sit side by side, and a small white dish holds white granulated sugar mixed with small purple dried lavender buds. Nearby, a smaller container has a white powder, likely baking powder or baking soda. At the bottom right, there are two ripe bananas with dark brown spots on their yellow peel, showing softness. A black mortar and pestle are placed on the left side, adding a rustic touch. Some blurred flowers appear on the right, adding color to the scene. The whole setup is on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Lavender Banana Bread with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect loaf with rich flavor, delightful texture, and that beautiful balance between sweet and floral.

All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The foundation for a tender and fluffy bread structure.
Baking soda (1 1/4 teaspoons): Helps the bread rise and become light and airy.
Table salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
Very ripe bananas (2 1/2 cups mashed): The star ingredient that brings natural sweetness and moisture.
Dark brown sugar (1 cup packed): Adds depth with its rich, molasses notes that complement the banana perfectly.
Butter (2/3 cup melted and cooled): Provides richness and tenderness throughout the loaf.
Large eggs (2): Bind ingredients together and add moisture.
Dried lavender buds (2 tablespoons): Infuses the bread with a gentle floral aroma and unique flavor.
Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Works with the lavender buds to create a fragrant lavender sugar blend.
Butter for icing (1/2 cup softened): Creates a smooth, creamy base for the frosting.
Cream cheese (8 oz softened): Adds tanginess and velvety texture to the icing.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and floral notes in both bread and icing.
Salt for icing (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness of the cream cheese frosting.
Powdered sugar (4 1/2 cups): Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese icing to perfection.

How to Make Lavender Banana Bread with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Set your oven rack to the middle position and preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (176 Celsius). Line an 8 by 4 inch loaf pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it with cooking spray. This setup ensures your bread will bake evenly and come out of the pan cleanly every time.

Step 2: Create the Lavender Sugar Blend

Melt your butter so it can cool while you prepare a fragrant lavender sugar. Combine the dried lavender buds with granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, and vanilla extract. You can crush these together in batches using a mortar and pestle or quickly pulse them all in a food processor or blender. This lavender sugar will infuse your banana bread with a subtle, garden-fresh aroma.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. These dry ingredients will ensure your loaf rises to a light, tender perfection without any unwanted clumps.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients and Bananas

In a large bowl, mash the very ripe bananas thoroughly with a fork or potato masher until smooth and fragrant. Stir in the prepared lavender sugar, melted and cooled butter, and eggs. Mix everything until fully incorporated and beautifully homogenous.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Gently fold the dry ingredients into your wet banana mixture, taking care not to overmix. This will keep your bread tender and moist with a fabulous crumb. Pour the batter evenly into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 6: Baking Time

Bake for about one hour and 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. For even baking, I like to rotate the pan at the 45-minute mark. Once done, allow the bread to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes before removing.

Step 7: Prepare Cream Cheese Icing

While the bread cools, it’s time to whip up the cream cheese icing. In the bowl of a stand mixer or using an electric mixer, beat together softened butter and cream cheese until creamy and smooth. Stir in vanilla extract and salt. Gradually add powdered sugar on low speed until the icing reaches a luscious, spreadable consistency.

Step 8: Ice and Serve

Once the banana bread is completely cool, spread the cream cheese icing evenly over the top using an icing spatula. This extra step takes the lavender banana bread to a new level of indulgence and is sure to impress everyone who tastes it.

How to Serve Lavender Banana Bread with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

Garnishes

Add a pretty touch by sprinkling extra crushed lavender buds or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top of the cream cheese icing. Fresh banana slices or edible flowers also work beautifully as a garnish, making each slice look as lovely as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This banana bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea—lavender Earl Grey is a match made in heaven. For a more substantial breakfast or snack, serve alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, or a drizzle of honey to complement the mellow sweetness and floral notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice and serve your lavender banana bread on a rustic wooden board with floral accents for a charming brunch display. Alternatively, cut into small squares and serve as bite-sized treats at a tea party or special event. You can even turn leftovers into delightful French toast for a breakfast twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying a slice or two, tightly wrap the remaining bread in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will stay fresh and moist for up to five days at room temperature, or slightly longer in the fridge. The cream cheese icing helps keep the bread wonderfully soft.

Freezing

This Lavender Banana Bread with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe also freezes well. Wrap the uniced loaf tightly in plastic and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and add freshly made cream cheese icing for best results.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds or toast them lightly if you prefer a crispy edge. If your bread has cream cheese icing, a gentle room temperature warming is best to avoid melting the frosting. This way, each bite is just as delightful as the first.

FAQs

Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?

Dried lavender buds are preferred in this Lavender Banana Bread with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe because fresh lavender tends to have a stronger, more bitter flavor. If you only have fresh, use it sparingly and consider lightly drying it first to mellow the taste.

What if I don’t have a food processor or mortar and pestle for the lavender sugar?

No worries! You can gently crush the dried lavender buds between your fingers into smaller pieces and then mix them thoroughly with the sugar and vanilla extract. This helps release the floral aroma without needing special equipment.

How ripe should my bananas be?

The riper, the better! Look for bananas that are heavily speckled with brown spots or even mostly brown. These bananas are at their peak sweetness and moisture, which makes your bread incredibly flavorful and moist.

Can I skip the cream cheese icing?

Absolutely! The banana bread on its own is delicious and moist with those lovely lavender notes. The cream cheese icing is an optional indulgence that adds a smooth and tangy contrast, but the bread is perfect either way.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing with the cream cheese icing already applied?

For best texture and flavor, freeze the bread without the cream cheese icing. Ice the banana bread after it has fully thawed to keep the frosting fresh, creamy, and irresistible.

Final Thoughts

This Lavender Banana Bread with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe is such a joy to bake and share. It feels like a little celebration in every bite, combining the comforting familiarity of banana bread with that enchanting hint of lavender and creamy richness of the icing. I absolutely encourage you to give it a try—it’s bound to become one of your favorite go-to recipes whenever you want to impress or simply treat yourself.