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Lavender Banana Bread with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

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4.1 from 4 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Yield: 14 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Lavender Banana Bread with Cream Cheese Icing is a fragrant twist on classic banana bread, infused with dried lavender buds for a unique floral note. Moist and flavorful, it’s topped with a creamy, smooth cream cheese icing that complements the sweet and aromatic loaf perfectly. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, this recipe yields 14 generous slices and combines a comforting texture with elegant flavors.

Ingredients

Banana Bread

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (213 grams)
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon table salt
  • 2 1/2 cups mashed very ripe bananas (about 5 bananas)
  • 1 cup packed dark brown sugar (200 grams)
  • 2/3 cup butter (150 grams, melted and cooled)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons dried lavender buds
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Cream Cheese Icing

  • 1/2 cup butter (softened, 1 stick or 113 grams)
  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened, brick-style or 226 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar (500 grams)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Adjust your oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C). Prepare an 8 by 4 inch loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper and spraying it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Create Lavender Sugar: While melting the butter, grind together the dried lavender buds with granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. This can be done in small batches using a mortar and pestle, or all at once in a food processor or blender. Set this fragrant lavender sugar mixture aside.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and table salt until evenly combined.
  4. Prepare Wet Mixture: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly with a fork or potato masher. Add the prepared lavender sugar, cooled melted butter, and eggs. Mix until everything is well combined.
  5. Combine Batter: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet banana mixture, stirring gently until just incorporated to avoid overmixing.
  6. Pour and Bake: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. For even baking, rotate the loaf pan at the 45-minute mark.
  7. Cool Bread: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Then, carefully remove from the pan and let it cool completely before icing.
  8. Prepare Cream Cheese Icing: In a stand mixer bowl or large bowl with an electric mixer, beat together softened butter and cream cheese until creamy and smooth.
  9. Add Flavor and Sweetener: Mix in the vanilla extract and salt until combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar while mixing on low speed until well incorporated and smooth.
  10. Frost Banana Bread: Use an icing spatula to spread the cream cheese icing evenly over the cooled banana bread. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator. The iced banana bread is best enjoyed within five days.

Notes

  • For best flavor, use very ripe bananas with brown spots for natural sweetness and moisture.
  • If you prefer a stronger lavender aroma, increase dried lavender buds by 1 tablespoon, but avoid overpowering the bread.
  • Ensure the butter for the bread is cooled before mixing to prevent cooking the eggs prematurely.
  • If you do not have a food processor, a mortar and pestle or finely chopping lavender buds can work for making lavender sugar.
  • If you want a dairy-free version, consider substituting the butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives.
  • Storage: Keep the iced banana bread wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze un-iced slices for up to 2 months.
  • To serve, for best texture and flavor, bring chilled bread to room temperature or warm slightly before slicing.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/lavender-banana-bread-with-cream-cheese-icing-recipe/