Brown Butter Banana Bread Recipe
This Brown Butter Banana Bread recipe adds a rich, nutty flavor by browning the butter before mixing. Combine mashed ripe bananas, browned butter, eggs, sugar, flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth, pour into a loaf pan, and bake until golden. The result is a moist, flavorful twist on classic banana bread.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Loaf pan (9×5 inches recommended)
- Spatula
- Saucepan or skillet (for browning butter)
- Fork or potato mashe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 overripe bananas mashed
- 1 large egg
- 2 to 4 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Step 1:
- Place the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Let it melt and keep cooking, swirling the pan now and then. After about 3–5 minutes, the butter will turn golden brown and release a nutty aroma. Take it off the heat and set it aside to cool slightly.
Step 2:
- In a large bowl, whisk the browned butter and brown sugar until smooth. Stir in the mashed bananas, then add the egg, vanilla, and milk (start with 2 tablespoons—add a little more only if the batter feels too thick). Mix until everything is fully blended.
Step 3:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold this into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix this keeps the bread soft and tender.
Step 4:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Pour in the batter, smooth the top, and bake for 50–60 minutes.
Step 5:
- The bread is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then move it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Using brown butter gives this Brown Butter Banana Bread Recipe a rich, nutty flavor. If your bananas aren’t quite ripe, you can speed ripening by placing them in a paper bag for a day or two.