Banana bread is a beloved classic, but when you add brown butter, it transforms into something truly special. The process of browning butter brings out deep, caramelized, nutty flavors, making this Brown Butter Banana Bread irresistibly rich and delicious.
Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or even dessert, this easy one-bowl quick bread will become your new favorite way to use overripe bananas. Plus, your kitchen will be filled with the amazing aroma of toasted butter and cinnamon as it bakes!
Why You’ll Love This Brown Butter Banana Bread
✅ Rich & Nutty Flavor – Brown butter enhances the banana bread with a caramelized, toasted taste.
✅ Easy One-Bowl Recipe – Simple ingredients and minimal cleanup.
✅ Super Moist & Soft – Mashed bananas and brown sugar keep it incredibly tender.
✅ Perfect for Breakfast or Dessert – Enjoy it with coffee, spread with butter, or topped with nuts.
✅ Make-Ahead Friendly – Stays moist for days and freezes beautifully!
What Is Brown Butter?
Brown butter (or beurre noisette in French) is melted butter that’s cooked until the milk solids toast, giving it a rich, nutty, caramel-like aroma and taste. It’s a simple yet magical ingredient that elevates everything from cookies and cakes to pasta and sauces.
Using brown butter in banana bread takes it from good to gourmet-level delicious by adding a deep, toasty richness that pairs perfectly with sweet bananas and warm cinnamon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple pantry staples, but the combination creates incredible flavor!
Wet Ingredients
- Unsalted butter – Browning the butter gives this bread its signature flavor.
- Mashed ripe bananas – The riper, the better! Brown-speckled bananas add natural sweetness.
- Light brown sugar – Provides moisture and a subtle caramel note.
- Egg – Helps bind everything together.
- Vanilla extract – Enhances the flavors with a warm, sweet aroma.
Dry Ingredients
- Ground cinnamon – Complements the brown butter and banana flavors beautifully.
- Baking soda – Helps the bread rise and stay light.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness.
- White whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour) – Whole wheat flour adds extra fiber, while all-purpose flour keeps it soft and fluffy.
How to Make Brown Butter Banana Bread
This easy banana bread recipe comes together in just a few steps!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spray a 9×5-inch or 8.5×4.5-inch loaf pan with baking spray or grease with butter.
Step 2: Brown the Butter
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
- Stir constantly with a rubber spatula until it turns golden brown and small brown flecks appear (about 3-5 minutes).
- Immediately remove from heat, stir for 30 more seconds, and let it cool slightly.
💡 Tip: Brown butter can burn quickly, so keep an eye on it! Once it turns golden and smells nutty, remove it from the heat.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, brown sugar, and browned butter.
- Whisk until well mixed.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, whisking again until smooth.
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients
- Stir in the cinnamon, baking soda, and salt until fully incorporated.
- Add the flour and mix gently with a spatula until just combined (do not overmix!).
Step 5: Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely cover it with foil after 35-40 minutes.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
- Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
💡 Serving Tip: Enjoy warm slices with butter, peanut butter, or honey for an extra treat!
Optional Add-Ins & Variations
Want to customize your banana bread? Try these delicious add-ins:
🍫 Chocolate Chips – Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
🌰 Chopped Nuts – Add ½ cup of walnuts or pecans for crunch.
🥥 Coconut Flakes – Mix in ¼ cup shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
🍌 Extra Banana Flavor – Add ½ teaspoon banana extract for a more intense banana taste.
Storage & Freezing Tips
🥡 Store at Room Temperature – Wrap the loaf in plastic wrap and keep it at room temp for 3-4 days.
❄️ Refrigerate for Longer Storage – Keeps fresh for up to a week in the fridge.
🧊 Freeze for Later – Wrap slices in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months.
💡 Pro Tip: Warm up leftover slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make them taste freshly baked!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use melted butter instead of browned butter?
A: Yes, but browning the butter adds a deeper flavor that makes this recipe extra special!
Q: How do I make this banana bread dairy-free?
A: Use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes! Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for the regular flour.
Q: What if I don’t have brown sugar?
A: Use granulated sugar + 1 teaspoon molasses to mimic brown sugar’s flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Brown Butter Banana Bread is a rich, flavorful twist on the classic recipe, with nutty, caramelized notes that take it to the next level. Whether you’re making it for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert, this moist, tender loaf will disappear fast!
Try this easy and delicious banana bread recipe today—you’ll never go back to regular banana bread again! 🍌✨
Short version
Brown Butter Banana Bread
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups mashed ripe banana about 4 medium bananas
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups white whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×5-inch (or 8.5×4.5-inch) loaf pan with baking spray (such as coconut oil spray) or grease with butter.
- Brown the butter: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Bring it to a low boil, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula. Continue stirring until the butter turns golden and small brown flecks appear. Watch closely, as browned butter can quickly burn. Immediately remove from heat and continue stirring for 30 seconds. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed banana, brown sugar, and browned butter. Whisk until well combined. Whisk in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Add the cinnamon, baking soda, and salt, whisking until fully incorporated.
- Stir in the flour using a rubber spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking. Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Check the banana bread after 35-40 minutes of baking. If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover it with foil to prevent over-browning.
