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Brown Butter Banana Bread

Moist banana bread slice with crackly sugar crust on rustic cutting board

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This recipe transforms pantry staples and overripe bananas into a luxurious loaf with a crackly sugar crust and a tender, moist crumb. The simple step of browning butter adds a deep, nutty flavor that makes this banana bread memorably special. It’s a comforting, foolproof bake perfect for any day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 3 medium ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar, plus 1 tablespoon for topping
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the butter: Melt butter in a light-colored skillet over medium heat. Swirl pan frequently until butter foams, crackles, and develops golden brown solids with a nutty aroma. Immediately pour into a heat-proof bowl and let cool for 10 minutes until warm.
  2. Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides. Mash bananas in a separate bowl.
  3. Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the cooled brown butter and 3/4 cup sugar for 1 minute. Whisk in eggs one at a time, then vanilla and mashed bananas. Mixture may look curdled.
  4. Add dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Bake: Pour batter into prepared pan. Sprinkle remaining 1 tablespoon sugar over top. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.
  6. Cool: Let bread cool in pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Use parchment to lift bread out and cool completely on rack before slicing.

Notes

For banana nut bread, fold in 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans with the dry ingredients. For chocolate chip, add 3/4 cup. Ensure bananas are very ripe with brown spots for best sweetness and moisture. Let brown butter cool to avoid cooking the eggs. Do not slice bread while warm for clean slices and perfect texture.

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