Brown Butter Banana Bread Joy The Baker
Banana bread is a classic baked good that's enjoyed by people of all ages for its comforting taste and texture. It's also a great way to use up overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste. But have you ever tried making brown butter banana bread? If not, you're missing out on a truly delicious twist on the classic recipe.
What is brown butter?
Brown butter, also known as beurre noisette in French, is a type of cooked butter that has a nutty, caramel-like flavor and aroma. It's made by heating butter in a pan until the milk solids and water evaporate, leaving behind a golden-brown liquid. The process of browning the butter intensifies its flavor and gives it a unique character that's perfect for adding depth to baked goods like banana bread.
Why use brown butter in banana bread?
Brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor to banana bread that complements the sweetness of the bananas and the warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It also gives the bread a slightly caramelized aroma and color, making it even more irresistible. In this recipe from Joy the Baker, brown butter is combined with mashed ripe bananas, flour, sugar, eggs, and other ingredients to create a moist and flavorful banana bread that's perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook the butter, stirring occasionally, until the milk solids turn golden-brown and the butter smells nutty, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk in the mashed bananas and brown butter until smooth.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the chopped nuts and raisins, if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for making the best brown butter banana bread:
- Be patient when browning the butter. You want to cook it until it turns a deep golden-brown color and smells nutty, but be careful not to burn it.
- Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and texture. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more moist your bread will be.
- Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite mix-ins, like chocolate chips or dried fruit.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Final thoughts:
Brown butter banana bread is a delicious and unique twist on the classic recipe that's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack. It's easy to make and can be customized with your favorite mix-ins for added texture and flavor. With this recipe from Joy the Baker, you can enjoy the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter in every slice of banana bread. Give it a try and see for yourself!