This banana bread is extra special with the rich flavor of brown butter. It’s moist and sweet, perfect for breakfast or a snack, and topped with creamy frosting that’ll make you smile!
Trust me, once you try this combination, you’ll find yourself sneaking bites of frosting! I love serving it warm, so the frosting melts just a bit. It’s pure comfort in every slice!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the better! Look for bananas with lots of brown spots. If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can place regular bananas in a paper bag overnight to speed up the ripening process.
Unsalted Butter: Browned butter adds a rich flavor, but you can use regular melted butter if you’re short on time. However, don’t skip the browning step if you can—it’s worth it! If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil can be a good substitute.
Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar: You can adjust the sweetness by using all brown sugar for a deeper flavor, or all granulated sugar if that’s what you have on hand. A touch of honey or maple syrup can also work in a pinch.
Nuts: Walnuts and pecans are great for a bit of crunch, but feel free to swap them for chocolate chips or omit them entirely if you’re going nut-free.
Cream Cheese: If you can’t find cream cheese, Greek yogurt can be a lighter alternative for the frosting. It won’t be as sweet, so consider adding a little extra sugar to the mix!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Browned Butter?
Browning butter may seem tricky, but it’s simple with a few key steps. The goal is to cook the butter until it turns a golden brown color and smells nutty. Here’s how:
- Use a light-colored pan to see the color change easily.
- Keep the heat at medium to avoid burning, and stir or swirl the pan as it cooks.
- Once it starts to foam, watch closely! It can go from brown to burnt quickly.
- Remove from heat once it reaches a golden brown and let it cool slightly before adding to your mixture.
With these tips, you’ll have beautifully browned butter that enhances the banana bread’s flavor! Enjoy the process and the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen.
Brown Butter Banana Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Banana Bread:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (plus 2 tbsp for browning)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk (to reach desired consistency)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and then about 60-65 minutes to bake. After baking, you’ll want to let the banana bread cool for about 10 minutes in the pan and then for an additional hour on a wire rack before frosting. Total time from start to enjoying will be around 1.5 to 2 hours. But trust me, it’s worth every minute!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing it and dusting it with flour. This will help your banana bread come out easily after baking.
2. Brown the Butter:
In a small saucepan, melt the 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Keep an eye on it and stir often! You want the butter to turn golden brown with a nutty aroma, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s browned, take it off the heat and let it cool a bit.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the cooled brown butter, mashed bananas, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix everything together until it’s well blended—you want the sugars to be nicely mixed with the bananas.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, crack in the two eggs and add the vanilla extract. Stir everything until it’s thoroughly combined and looks nice and smooth.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, and flour. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently just until combined. If you like nuts, now is the time to fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans!
6. Pour and Bake:
Now, pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 60-65 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While your banana bread cools, let’s make the frosting! In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until it’s smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing it all up until well combined. If your frosting feels too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
8. Frost and Enjoy:
Once your banana bread has cooled completely, it’s time to frost it! Spread the cream cheese frosting over the top using a spatula. Now, slice it up, serve, and enjoy your delicious brown butter banana bread with cream cheese frosting!
Can I Substitute Coconut Oil for Butter?
Yes, you can use melted coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option! Just make sure to use the same amount (1/2 cup for the bread and 1/4 cup for the frosting) and ensure it’s melted before mixing it with the other ingredients.
What Should I Do If My Bananas Are Not Ripened?
No worries! To ripen bananas quickly, place them in a brown paper bag and fold it shut. Leave it at room temperature for a day or so; the ethylene gas will speed up the ripening process. Alternatively, you can bake unpeeled bananas at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes until the skins are blackened, then let them cool before mashing.
How Do I Store Leftover Banana Bread?
Store any leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving!
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins to the Banana Bread?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative by adding chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. Just remember to keep an eye on the overall consistency; if adding more wet ingredients, you may need to adjust the flour slightly.
