Print

Cozy Brown Butter Banana Bread with Toasted Walnuts

brown butter banana bread with toasted walnuts - featured image
Print Recipe

This banana bread features rich, nutty brown butter and crunchy toasted walnuts for a deeply comforting, soul-warming treat. It’s the perfect cozy bake for lazy mornings or sharing with loved ones.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter
  • 3 large ripe bananas (about 1 1/2 cups mashed)
  • 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) whole milk or buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (60 grams) walnuts, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Position a rack in the center. Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the long sides. Lightly grease exposed sides with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Toast the walnuts: Spread chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Transfer to a plate to cool.
  3. Brown the butter: Cut butter into pieces and place in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly. After 4-5 minutes, brown specks will form and the butter will turn amber and smell nutty. Remove from heat and pour into a heatproof bowl, including brown bits. Let cool for 10 minutes.
  4. Mash the bananas: In a large bowl, mash bananas with a fork until mostly smooth with a few lumps. Measure 1 1/2 cups.
  5. Whisk dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Set aside.
  6. Combine wet ingredients: To the mashed bananas, add granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cooled brown butter. Whisk until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each. Stir in vanilla and milk.
  7. Fold in dry ingredients: Pour dry ingredients into wet mixture. Fold gently with a spatula until just combined. Fold in toasted walnuts, reserving a handful for topping.
  8. Pour and bake: Transfer batter to prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle reserved walnuts on top. Bake for 55-65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If top browns too quickly, tent with foil after 40 minutes.
  9. Cool properly: Let bread cool in pan for 15 minutes. Use parchment to lift it out and transfer to a cooling rack. Cool completely before slicing, about 1 hour.

Notes

For best results, use a light-colored pan for browning butter to avoid burning. Toast walnuts separately for maximum crunch. Let the bread cool completely before slicing to prevent a gummy texture. The bread tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown butter banana bread, toasted walnut banana bread, easy banana bread, comfort food, homemade banana bread

Find it online: https://willarecipes.com/cozy-brown-butter-banana-bread-with-toasted-walnuts/