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Ultra-Moist Brown Butter Banana Bread Recipe with Walnuts

brown butter banana bread - featured image

This ultra-moist brown butter banana bread with walnuts is a comforting, easy-to-make loaf with a deep, nutty flavor and perfect texture. It’s quick, simple, and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, browned and cooled slightly
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (55g) packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 3/4 cup (90g) chopped walnuts, toasted if possible

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Brown the butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter. Swirl frequently until brown specks form and a nutty aroma develops (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and cool slightly.
  3. In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth but still a bit chunky. Stir in the browned butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until just combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and sea salt.
  5. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients in batches until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Fold in the chopped walnuts, reserving a few to sprinkle on top if desired.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle reserved walnuts on top if using.
  8. Bake for 55-65 minutes, checking at 55 minutes. The loaf is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter. Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly.
  9. Cool the bread in the pan on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes before removing and slicing.

Notes

Use very ripe bananas for best sweetness and moisture. Toast walnuts lightly in a dry skillet to enhance flavor. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the bread tender. Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly. For gluten-free, substitute with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend containing xanthan gum. Vegan adaptations include using coconut oil for browning, flax eggs, and coconut sugar.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana bread, brown butter, walnuts, easy banana bread, moist banana bread, quick bread, snack, dessert