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Moist Banana Bread Recipe with Brown Butter Glaze

moist banana bread with brown butter glaze - featured image

A moist and tender banana bread with a rich, nutty brown butter glaze that adds a cozy, caramel undertone. Perfect for cozy mornings or afternoon treats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, browned and cooled slightly
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour (can swap for almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • For the Brown Butter Glaze:
  • 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 12 tablespoons milk or cream (use dairy-free milk if preferred)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Brown the Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter. Stir constantly as it foams and starts to brown — about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly (about 5 minutes).
  2. Preheat Oven and Prep Pan: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray and lightly dust with flour.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine mashed bananas, browned butter, and granulated sugar. Whisk in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
  5. Fold Dry into Wet: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet using a spatula. Mix just until combined; avoid overmixing.
  6. Pour and Bake: Transfer batter to prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Start checking at 50 minutes.
  7. Cool Before Glazing: Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Make the Brown Butter Glaze: In a small saucepan, melt 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter over medium heat until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon milk (add more if needed), and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
  9. Glaze and Serve: Drizzle glaze over cooled banana bread. Let set for a few minutes before slicing.

Notes

Use very ripe bananas for best sweetness. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep bread tender. Start checking bread at 50 minutes to prevent overbaking. Make glaze just before bread is fully cooled to avoid melting. Store wrapped tightly to maintain moisture. Variations include adding nuts, chocolate chips, or making gluten-free or vegan substitutions.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana bread, brown butter glaze, moist banana bread, easy banana bread, homemade banana bread, quick bread, dessert, snack