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Best Easy One-Bowl Banana Bread with Brown Butter

brown butter banana bread - featured image

This one-bowl banana bread uses brown butter for a nutty, caramel-like flavor. It’s simple, affordable, and kid-approved, perfect for a late-night craving or a quick breakfast treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick or 113g) unsalted butter
  • 3 to 4 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups or 340g)
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50g) packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Optional: 1/2 cup (60g) chopped walnuts or chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray. Line with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Brown the butter: Place 1/2 cup unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, swirling occasionally, until it melts, foams, and turns amber with brown specks (about 4-5 minutes). Remove from heat immediately and pour into a heat-safe bowl to cool for 5 minutes.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth with a few lumps.
  4. Add the slightly cooled brown butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar to the bananas. Stir until well combined.
  5. Add the room-temperature eggs and vanilla extract. Stir until the batter is smooth and glossy.
  6. Sprinkle the flour, baking soda, and salt over the wet mixture. Fold gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Do not over-mix. Fold in optional walnuts or chocolate chips if using.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil after 35 minutes.
  8. Let the bread cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Then lift it out using the parchment paper and cool completely on the rack before slicing.

Notes

For best results, use very ripe bananas with brown spots. Watch the brown butter carefully to avoid burning. Do not over-mix the batter. Store at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana bread, brown butter, one bowl, easy, kid-friendly, freezer-friendly