Banana bread with brown butter is like a warm hug on a chilly day. The sweet aroma of ripe bananas mingles with the nutty scent of browned butter, creating a cozy atmosphere that makes you want to bake all weekend long.
Every slice is a delightful adventure, offering a rich texture and a flavor that’s as comforting as your favorite childhood memories. Whether you’re enjoying it with coffee on a lazy Sunday morning or serving it at a family gathering, this banana bread is sure to steal the spotlight.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This banana bread with brown butter is incredibly easy to whip up in one bowl.
- The flavor is an irresistible blend of sweetness and nuttiness that will have everyone asking for more.
- Visually, it’s a golden delight that will make your kitchen smell heavenly.
- It’s versatile enough for breakfast or dessert, making it perfect for any occasion.
I once baked this banana bread for my neighbor’s brunch, and it disappeared faster than you can say “banana split.” Everyone was raving about it!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ripe Bananas: Choose bananas that are overripe; their natural sweetness enhances the flavor of the bread.
- Brown Butter: Melt butter until golden and nutty; this adds depth and richness to your banana bread.
- Granulated Sugar: Basic sugar helps sweeten the batter without overpowering the banana flavor.
- Eggs: Use large eggs for proper binding; they help create a moist texture.
- All-Purpose Flour: Standard flour gives structure; sift it before measuring for best results.
- Baking Soda: Essential for leavening; ensure it’s fresh for maximum rise.
- Salt: A pinch enhances sweetness and balances flavors in the batter.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure extract infuses warmth; substitute imitation if needed but avoid if possible.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Brown the Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt your butter until it turns golden brown. Stir frequently until you see it bubbling and smelling nutty—this takes about 5-7 minutes.
Mash Those Bananas!: In a large mixing bowl, mash your ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher until smooth. Aim for about one cup of mashed bananas.
Add Ingredients Together: Pour the browned butter into the bowl with mashed bananas. Add sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until everything is well combined.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in flour and baking soda until just mixed—be careful not to overmix! You’re aiming for a thick batter without lumps.
Bake It Up!: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top. Bake in your preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
Enjoy these steps while you let your kitchen fill up with mouthwatering aromas that will have everyone anticipating what’s coming next!
When it’s finally done baking, let your loaf cool slightly before slicing into that golden goodness. Enjoy every bite of this scrumptious banana bread with its perfectly balanced flavors that make it truly irresistible!
You Must Know
- The secret to the best Banana Bread with Brown Butter is letting your butter brown just right.
- It adds a nutty flavor that elevates the dish, making it irresistible.
- Pay attention to your bananas; overripe ones are sweeter and yield the best texture.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the butter until it’s golden and fragrant. Then, mash those ripe bananas while letting the butter cool slightly before mixing in. This ensures a smooth batter and a rich flavor.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips for an extra crunch or sweetness. You can also swap in maple syrup for sugar or add a dash of cinnamon for warmth.
Storing & Reheating
Store your banana bread wrapped in plastic at room temperature for up to four days. To reheat, slice and pop it in the microwave for about 10 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect banana bread, ensure your bananas are super ripe; brown spots equal more sweetness.
- Use room-temperature eggs to help create a smoother batter.
- Don’t overmix; gentle folding keeps the bread tender and fluffy.
I still chuckle when I recall the first time I made this banana bread. My kitchen smelled like a cozy bakery, and my friends couldn’t believe I baked something so delicious from brown butter and old bananas!
FAQ
What if my bananas aren’t ripe enough?
If your bananas are too firm, place them in a paper bag overnight to speed up ripening.
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes! Just thaw them completely, drain excess liquid, and mash as usual for delicious banana bread.
How do I know when my banana bread is done?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached when fully baked.
Banana Bread with Brown Butter
Banana bread with brown butter is a rich, moist loaf that perfectly balances sweetness and nuttiness. Ideal for breakfast or dessert, this recipe will delight your taste buds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup ripe bananas (about 2–3 medium bananas, mashed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted brown butter (melted)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until golden brown and nutty, about 5-7 minutes. Let it cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Add the browned butter to the mashed bananas along with sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well.
- Gently fold in the flour and baking soda until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Notes
- For added texture, consider folding in chopped nuts or chocolate chips before baking.
- Substitute maple syrup for granulated sugar for a different flavor profile.
- Store leftover banana bread wrapped at room temperature for up to four days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 70g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
