Browned Butter Banana Nut Bread is a decadent and flavorful twist on the classic banana bread recipe. The rich, nutty flavor of browned butter combined with ripe bananas and crunchy walnuts creates a moist and aromatic bread that is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. This easy-to-make recipe will quickly become a favorite for its delicious taste and wonderful texture.
Overview of the Recipe
This recipe involves browning the butter to enhance its flavor, mixing it with mashed bananas and dry ingredients, and then baking it to perfection. The result is a loaf of banana bread that’s rich, moist, and loaded with nutty goodness from the walnuts.
History and Origin
Banana bread is a beloved baked good with origins in the early 20th century, coinciding with the rise of baking soda and baking powder as household staples. The addition of browned butter adds a gourmet twist to this classic, infusing the bread with a deep, nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of ripe bananas.
Ingredients
Bread:
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups (187.5 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 large ripe bananas, mashed (about 2 cups)
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped walnuts, divided
Instructions
Preparation:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray an 8×4-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper.
Brown the Butter:
- Melt and Brown Butter: In a stainless steel skillet (or another light-bottomed pan) over medium-high heat, melt the butter, swirling the pan occasionally. The butter will begin to foam, signaling that the water in the butter is boiling off. Watch closely at this stage; browned butter and burnt butter are within seconds of each other. Tiny brown specs of milk solids will begin to appear at the bottom of the pan; constantly stir and scrape these off using a spatula so they don’t stick. As soon as the butter turns chestnut brown and smells nutty, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Prepare the Batter:
- Mash Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth. You can use up to 5 regular-sized bananas or 6 small bananas for this recipe.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: To the mashed bananas, add the browned butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix well until combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, mixing until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
Add Walnuts:
- Fold in Walnuts: Gently fold in ¾ cup of chopped walnuts into the batter.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of walnuts on top of the batter.
Bake:
- Initial Baking: Bake for 35 minutes.
- Cover and Continue Baking: After 35 minutes, cover the loaf with aluminum foil to prevent the top from over-browning. Bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few crumbs but not wet batter.
Cool:
- Cool in Pan: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack or plate to cool completely.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy your delicious Browned Butter Banana Nut Bread!
Serving
This recipe makes one loaf of banana bread, serving approximately 8-10 slices. It is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
- Side Dishes: Pair with fresh fruit, yogurt, or a light salad for a complete breakfast or brunch.
- Beverages: Complement with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk.
Variations of the Recipe
- Chocolate Chip: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist.
- Coconut: Mix in ½ cup of shredded coconut for a tropical flavor.
- Spiced: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a spiced version.
Health Benefits Notes
- Potassium: Bananas are a good source of potassium, which is important for heart health and muscle function.
- Omega-3: Walnuts provide omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for brain health.
- Vitamins: This bread contains several vitamins, including vitamin C from bananas and vitamin E from walnuts.
FAQs
Q: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? A: Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for a portion of the all-purpose flour for a healthier option. However, this may slightly alter the texture of the bread.
Q: How do I store leftover banana bread? A: Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I use pecans instead of walnuts? A: Absolutely. Pecans can be used in place of walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
Conclusion
Browned Butter Banana Nut Bread is a rich and flavorful take on the classic banana bread. The browned butter adds a nutty depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of ripe bananas and the crunch of walnuts. This easy recipe is perfect for any occasion and sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the delightful aroma and taste of this delicious banana bread!