Elevate your banana bread with one simple swap! This Brown Butter Banana Bread is super moist and packed with the delicious flavors of ripe bananas and nutty browned butter. A delicious treat that’s perfect for breakfast or any time of day!

Let’s face it. We ALL love Banana Bread. I mean… correct me if I’m wrong… but I’ve never met someone who doesn’t. And really, what’s not to love!?
It’s moist and flavorful and so easy to make… and the variations on it are endless. From Strawberry Banana Bread to Coconut Rum Banana Bread to Hot Chocolate Banana Bread… I’ve tried and loved them all.
And this Brown Butter Banana Bread is most definitely my newest favorite. Because the browned butter adds such delicious, buttery, nutty flavor to the bread, it actually creates an entirely different flavor experience.
It also creates a loaf that’s perfectly moist and slightly dense, but still has a soft crumb. In other words, basically the most perfect loaf of banana bread there ever was. Who knew browned butter could make SUCH a difference?

what you’ll need for this recipe
Bananas – Bananas are the main ingredient in this recipe. And when it comes to choosing the right bananas… the riper, the better! This is because the ripening process breaks down the starches in bananas, increasing the aroma, sweetness and moisture. Using very ripe bananas will ensure that your bread is moist, sweet, and flavorful.
Browned butter – Browned butter (aka brown butter) replaces regular melted butter and/or oil in this recipe, adding deep, complex, nutty flavor to the bread.
Flour – Flour adds structure to the bread and is another key ingredient. I used all purpose flour, but feel free to substitute 1:1 gluten free flour if you prefer.
Sugar – Along with the bananas, sugar adds extra sweetness to this bread. I used granulated sugar, but you can also substitute brown sugar.
Eggs – Eggs add moisture and structure to this recipe, keeping the bread from becoming too dense or too crumbly.
Baking powder – Baking powder allows the bread to rise and helps create a light, fluffy texture.
Vanilla – Vanilla extra pairs well with the bananas, adding depth of flavor to the bread.
Salt – Adding salt balances out the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the bread.

how to make brown butter banana bread
Brown the butter. Brown the butter in a small saucepan on the stovetop (see instructions below.)
Combine the butter & sugar. In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned butter and sugar and mix well.
Add the eggs, vanilla & bananas. To the same bowl, add the eggs and vanilla extract and mix until eggs are completely incorporated. Stir in the mashed bananas.
Add the dry ingredients. Add the dry ingredients and mix just until combined. (The batter will be lumpy!)
Bake. Transfer to a greased & floured loaf pan. Bake at 350° for 60-70 minutes.
storage tips
Banana bread should be removed from the pan and cooled completely on a wire rack before storing. To store, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 1 week.

How to Make Browned Butter
Browned butter is easy to make with just one ingredient: butter! I like to use salted butter for extra flavor, but either will work the same. Place the butter in a small, light colored saucepan (stainless steel or lightly colored ceramic). This will allow you to see the color as it changes. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until butter melts, then bubbles & foams, and finally browns. You will see brown toasted specks on the bottom of the pan, and the butter will be golden brown in color. Once you reach this point, remove the pan from the heat and use as directed.

Recipe Variations
- Substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar
- Add additional vanilla extract
- Add chocolate chips or chocolate chunks
- Add fresh strawberries or blueberries
- Add chopped nuts
- Use regular melted butter in place of brown butter
- Make 2-3 mini loaves
- Add a streusel topping
- Add vanilla, cinnamon, or maple icing


Brown Butter Banana Bread
Equipment
- 1 loaf pan
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter browned
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large bananas very ripe, mashed
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° F.
- Brown the butter over medium heat in a small, light colored saucepan. *See instructions below.
- In a large bowl, combine browned butter and granulated sugar; mix well.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract; mix until eggs are completely incorporated.
- Mix in mashed bananas.
- Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until dry ingredients are incorporated. Batter will be lumpy.
- Pour into greased & floured 9-inch loaf pan.
- Bake at 350° for 60-70 minutes, until top is golden brown and toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool for 15 minutes, then gently remove from pan to cool completely.
Notes
How to Make Browned Butter
Browned butter is easy to make with just one ingredient: butter! I like to use salted butter for extra flavor, but either will work the same. Place the butter in a small, light colored saucepan (stainless steel or lightly colored ceramic). This will allow you to see the color as it changes. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until butter melts, then bubbles & foams, and finally browns. You will see brown toasted specks on the bottom of the pan, and the butter will be golden brown in color. Once you reach this point, remove the pan from the heat and use as directed.Recipe Variations
- Substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar
- Add additional vanilla extract
- Add chocolate chips or chocolate chunks
- Add fresh strawberries or blueberries
- Add chopped nuts
- Use regular melted butter in place of brown butter
- Make 2-3 mini loaves
- Add a streusel topping
- Add vanilla, cinnamon, or maple icing

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