Browned Butter Banana Bread

Name: Browned Butter Banana Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 1 1/3 cups mashed ripe banana (3 large); 1/2 cup unsalted butter (browned); 2 large eggs; 2/3 cup fine cane sugar or light brown sugar; 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2/3 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate Chips (plus 2 tablespoons to top)

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This Browned Butter Banana Bread recipe will make you want to bake it whenever you have ripe bananas. It is soft, fluffy, and so tasty. Easy to make and perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert.

Banana bread on a wire rack with half sliced off.

I am always making all sorts of healthy banana bread recipes, and some of my favorite ones have been peanut butter banana bread, protein banana bread, blueberry banana bread, double chocolate banana bread, and cottage cheese banana bread.

Banana bread is just something we never get tired of eating, and it is one of those recipes you can always get creative with.

Recipe Overview

Skill Level

Beginner

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

55 mins

Ingredients and Substitutes

Below are the main ingredients that will be needed to make this banana bread, and what you can swap them with. Full measurements are listed further down in the recipe card.

ingredients to make browned butter banana bread.

Mashed ripe banana: Spotted bananas work best because they are sweet. You will need 3 large or 4 small bananas.
Unsalted butter: The whole point of this recipe is to use browned butter, since I have other banana bread variations without it.
Eggs: To replace this, you can use ground flaxseed or an egg substitute. For each egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flax with 3 tablespoons of water. Whisk and allow it to sit for 5 minutes.
Fine cane sugar or light brown sugar: Other sugars can be used here, or you can use a low-calorie sweetener.
All-purpose flour: Other flours you have on hand should work, except for bread flour, which I do not recommend. Gluten-free, whole wheat, oat flour, and so on are fine.
Pantry Staples: Baking powder, Baking soda, Salt, and Vanilla Extract
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate Chips. Alternatively, you can use a dairy-free or sugar-free option.

How To Make Browned Butter Banana Bread

Preheat oven to 350 F and line a bread pan with parchment paper.

Mix the wet ingredients: In a bowl, add the mashed bananas, eggs, browned butter, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix to combine. To brown the butter, place it over medium to low heat and cook it for 2-3 minutes just until it starts to turn golden- you do not want to burn the butter.

collage showing making the batter for banana bread in a bowl.

Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Use any flour you have on hand except for bread flour. Almond flour works, but you will need to add 1-2 more eggs to act as a minder since almond flour is just too moist.

Combine wet and dry ingredients: Next, add the flour mixture to the egg mixture. Whisk to incorporate. Try not to overmix the batter here to prevent the banana bread from turning tough.

collage showing adding the batter in a pan and baking the banana bread.

Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips into the batter. If you do not want to use chocolate chips, you can use chopped walnuts or pecans.

Transfer and Bake:Transfer the batter to the bread pan and top with more chocolate chips if desired. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve: Allow it to cool, slice, and enjoy.

sliced banana bread stacked over each other.

Recipe Tips

Brown the butter slowly: Keep the heat medium-low and stir often. You want a nutty aroma and golden color, not dark or burnt butter.
Let the butter cool slightly: Hot butter can scramble the eggs. Warm is fine, just not piping hot.
Use ripe bananas: The darker and spottier the bananas are, the better. It will add sweetness and moisture.
Mix gently: Once the flour goes in, stir just until combined. Overmixing will make the banana bread tough.
Check for doneness early: Start checking about 5 to 10 minutes before the suggested bake time. A toothpick should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing: This helps the bread set and keeps it from crumbling.

Common Questions

Can I use frozen Bananas?

Yes. Thaw the frozen bananas completely and drain off any excess liquid before mashing. Frozen bananas are very sweet and work great in banana bread.

Why did my banana bread turn out dense?

This usually happens from overmixing the batter or adding too much banana. Mix just until combined, and measure the mashed bananas for best results.

Do I need to chill the browned butter?

No, just let it cool slightly. It should be warm, not hot, so it doesn’t affect the eggs or batter texture.

Storage Recommendation

Storing: Store the banana bread tightly wrapped or covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Wrap the cooled loaf or individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.