🍌 Brown Butter Banana Bread:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 50–60 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices)
Ingredients
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
3 very ripe bananas, mashed
¾ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans, optional
½ cup chocolate chips, optional
Instructions
1. Brown the butter
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until it becomes golden brown and smells nutty, with little brown flecks forming at the bottom.
Remove from the heat and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
2. Prepare the batter
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, brown sugar, cooled brown butter, eggs, and vanilla. Whisk until well combined.
3. Add the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture. Mix just until combined—don't overmix.
Fold in the nuts and/or chocolate chips if using.
4. Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
If the top begins browning too quickly, loosely cover it with foil during the last 15 minutes.
5. Cool and serve
Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack.
For the best flavor, let it cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
✨ Tips for the Best Brown Butter Banana Bread
Use very ripe, heavily speckled bananas for maximum sweetness and banana flavor.
Don't rush the brown butter—it should smell nutty and have golden-brown milk solids.
Let the butter cool slightly before adding the eggs.
Don't overmix the batter, which can make the bread dense.
For an extra-special finish, sprinkle the top with brown sugar and chopped walnuts before baking.
Optional Brown Butter Glaze
For an indulgent topping, brown 2 tablespoons of butter, then whisk with 1 cup powdered sugar and 1–2 tablespoons of milk or cream. Drizzle over the completely cooled banana bread.
