Description
Enjoy the delightful taste of Brown Butter Banana Bread, featuring ripe bananas and a touch of cinnamon. This moist loaf is perfect for any time of day and can be enhanced with nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), browned
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Start by placing the unsalted butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat.
- Allow the butter to melt completely, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once melted, continue to cook the butter, stirring frequently, until it begins to foam.
- Watch closely as the butter turns a golden brown color and develops a nutty aroma, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from heat immediately to prevent burning, and transfer the browned butter to a mixing bowl. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the other ingredients.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas with the cooled brown butter. Mix well until fully incorporated.
- Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the banana-butter mixture. Stir until the sugars are well combined.
- Crack the eggs into the bowl and add the vanilla extract. Mix until the eggs are fully incorporated into the batter.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, and all-purpose flour. If you are using ground cinnamon, add it to this mixture as well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- If desired, fold in the chopped nuts and/or chocolate chips at this stage for added texture and flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- While the oven is preheating, prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing it with butter or non-stick cooking spray. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal.
- Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Check the bread at the 50-minute mark; if the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes.
- After cooling, carefully remove the bread from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the banana bread has cooled, slice it into thick pieces using a serrated knife.
- Serve plain, or spread with butter, cream cheese, or your favorite nut butter for an extra treat.
- This banana bread can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature and pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea.
- For storage, wrap the banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze slices for up to 3 months.
Notes
- Ensure your bananas are very ripe for the best flavor and sweetness. The more brown spots, the better!
- Feel free to customize your banana bread by adding spices or other mix-ins according to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-70 minutes