Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Because EVERYTHING is better with brown butter :)

If you're searching for a scrumptious variation of traditional banana bread, this recipe for brown butter banana bread is a must-try! This loaf boasts a moist, tender texture and is packed with flavor, all thanks to the addition of brown butter. The brown butter infuses the bread with rich, nutty undertones that perfectly complement the sweet, creamy bananas. The result? A unique and utterly irresistible treat that's sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter - it's best to use unsalted butter for better control over the salt content, ensuring your baked goods turn out just right. In my banana bread recipe, the use of unsalted butter allows you to adjust the salt levels precisely, enhancing the overall flavor and texture.

• Light Brown Sugar - Brown sugar in banana bread offers flavor, moisture, and color. It enhances taste with a rich, caramel-like flavor and adds moisture for a softer texture. The molasses content gives the bread a darker color and a warm aroma, making it more appealing. Overall, brown sugar enhances the overall quality of the banana bread, making it more flavorful and enjoyable.

• Overripe Bananas - Using overripe bananas in banana bread enhances its flavor, adds moisture, and provides natural sweetness, reducing the need for extra sugar. The bananas are easier to mash and create a smoother texture in the bread, making it more flavorful and appealing.

• Eggs - Eggs in banana bread act as a binder, helping to hold the ingredients together and provide structure to the bread. They also add moisture and richness, contributing to a softer texture. Eggs contain proteins that help the bread rise and set during baking, leading to a lighter and more airy final product.

• Vanilla Extract - Vanilla extract enhances banana bread by adding a warm, sweet aroma and floral notes. It complements banana's natural sweetness, making the bread more aromatic and flavorful. The extract also adds depth, balancing flavors and masking bitterness for a harmonious blend.

• All Purpose Flour - Using all-purpose flour in banana bread provides structure and texture. Its moderate protein content helps the bread hold together while still allowing for a tender crumb. All-purpose flour also contributes to the bread's overall flavor and helps it rise properly during baking.

• Baking Soda - Baking soda helps banana bread rise by producing carbon dioxide when combined with acidic ingredients like bananas. It also neutralizes acidity for a balanced flavor.

• Salt - Salt enhances the flavor of banana bread, balances sweetness, and strengthens the dough structure. It also helps control yeast activity and improves texture.

• Chocolate Chips - Chocolate chips add sweetness, texture, and flavor to banana bread, creating delightful pockets of melted chocolate throughout the loaf. They enhance the overall taste and can make the bread more visually appealing.

What stage of banana is best for this recipe?

For any banana bread, you want to use an overripe banana. The more ripe the banana, the sweeter the bread. In the chart below, I usually make my banana bread during the last stage of the ripeness scale. This is the perfect time because the banana is very sweet and it is right before it goes bad. If you ever find your bananas in this stage, but you do not have time to make bread, you can freeze them! When I freeze them, I just let the banana thaw out on the counter for a few hours or I pop it in the microwave.

What is brown butter?

Brown butter is a simple yet incredibly flavorful ingredient that can elevate any dish, especially baked goods. It is made by heating butter until the milk solids in the butter begin to brown, giving the butter a rich, nutty aroma and flavor.

How do you make brown butter?

To make brown butter, start by melting unsalted butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium-low heat. Using a light-colored saucepan makes it easier to see the color change as the butter browns. As the butter melts, it will begin to foam. Continue to cook the butter, swirling the pan occasionally to ensure even heating.

As the butter cooks, the water in the butter will evaporate, and the milk solids will start to separate and sink to the bottom of the pan. The butter will also begin to change color, starting with a light golden hue and gradually darkening to a rich amber color. The browning of the milk solids is what gives brown butter its characteristic flavor.

As soon as the butter turns a deep golden brown color and gives off a nutty aroma, remove the pan from the heat. Be careful not to let the butter burn, as it can happen quickly once it reaches the desired color.

To stop the cooking process, you can transfer the brown butter to a heatproof bowl or container. Some recipes may call for straining the browned butter to remove the browned milk solids, but this is optional and depends on the desired final texture of your dish.

Brown butter can be used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes to add depth and complexity. It is often used in baking, sauces, and sautéed dishes to enhance the flavor of the ingredients. Once you've mastered the art of making brown butter, you'll find endless ways to incorporate it into your cooking to add a rich, nutty flavor to your dishes.

Want to make this recipe vegan?

There are several vegan alternatives to eggs in baking, each serving a different purpose. Here are some common ones:

1. Flaxseed or Chia Seed Eggs: To make a flaxseed or chia seed egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until it thickens and becomes gel-like.

2. Applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce can be used as a replacement for eggs in recipes that require moisture. Use 1/4 cup of applesauce for each egg.

3. Commercial Egg Replacers: There are several commercial egg replacers available in stores that are specifically designed for baking. These replacers are usually made from a combination of starches and leavening agents and can be used according to the package instructions.

There are several vegan alternatives to butter in baking, each serving a different purpose. Here are some common ones:

1. Coconut Oil: Solid coconut oil can be used in place of butter in many baking recipes. Use a 1:1 ratio, but keep in mind that coconut oil has a stronger flavor than butter, which may affect the taste of the final product.

2. Vegan Margarine: Look for a non-hydrogenated vegan margarine to use in place of butter. Use a 1:1 ratio in recipes.

Want to make this recipe gluten free?

When baking gluten-free, it's important to use alternative flours and ingredients that do not contain gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Here are some common gluten-free alternatives used in baking:

1. Almond Flour: Made from blanched almonds, almond flour adds moisture and a nutty flavor to baked goods. It's commonly used in gluten-free baking for cookies, cakes, and muffins.

2. Coconut Flour: Made from dried coconut meat, coconut flour is high in fiber and adds a light texture to baked goods. It absorbs a lot of liquid, so recipes often require more eggs or liquid ingredients.

3. Oat Flour: While oats are naturally gluten-free, they are often processed in facilities that also handle wheat, so be sure to look for certified gluten-free oat flour. Oat flour adds a soft texture and slightly sweet flavor to baked goods.

Not a big chocolate fan?

You are crazy!! I am joking, this bread is delicious without the chocolate chips. You can leave it plain or add in your favorite nut, with chocolate, or top with a cinnamon streusel. Allo of those variations are on my blog!

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and adjust the rack to the center position. Preheating ensures that the oven is at the right temperature for baking, which helps the bread rise properly and cook evenly.

2. Brown the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium-low heat. As the butter melts, it will begin to foam. Swirl the pan occasionally to ensure even heating. The butter will then start to turn a golden brown color and develop a nutty aroma. This process usually takes about 5-8 minutes. Be careful not to burn the butter; once it reaches a rich brown color, remove it from the heat and transfer it to a heatproof bowl to cool.

3. Prepare the Pan: Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. This step ensures that the banana bread doesn't stick to the pan and makes it easier to remove after baking.

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4. Mash the Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the overripe bananas with a fork until smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Overripe bananas are also easier to mash and incorporate into the batter.

5. Combine Wet Ingredients: To the mashed bananas, add the cooled brown butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until well combined. The brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor to the bread, while the brown sugar adds sweetness and moisture.

6. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients separately helps to ensure that they are evenly distributed throughout the batter, resulting in a uniform texture.

7. Fold Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the dry ingredients into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense and tough banana bread.

8. Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter. The chocolate chips add pockets of melted chocolate and extra sweetness to the bread.

9. Transfer Batter to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared 9x5 pan. Spread it out evenly with a spatula. Top with additional chocolate chips.

10. Bake the Bread: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the bread starts to brown too much on top, you can tent it with aluminum foil halfway through baking.

11. Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This allows the bread to set and makes it easier to slice without crumbling.

12. Enjoy Your Banana Bread: Once the bread has cooled, slice it into thick slices and serve. This rich & decadent banana bread makes it a delicious treat for any time of day. Serve it plain or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for an extra indulgent treat

Storage Tips:

There are three different ways I recommend storing this bread:

1. Store on the countertop at room temperature in an airtight container. This lasts up to 4 days. After one day, I recommend microwaving for 15-30 seconds.

2. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container. This lasts up to 7 days. Since it is chilled, I recommend microwaving for 30-45 seconds.

3. Store in the freezer in an airtight container. This lasts up to 3 months. Since it is frozen, I recommend microwaving for 1-2 minutes.

This banana bread recipe has quickly become a fan favorite on my blog, and it's no wonder why! Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it also requires just a few simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand. The best part? It tastes absolutely AMAZING!

The combination of rich, nutty brown butter, sweet overripe bananas, and decadent chocolate chips creates a flavor profile that is out of this world. Each bite is a delightful blend of textures and tastes that will have you coming back for more.

If you decide to give this recipe a try, I would love to hear your thoughts! Leave a review or tag me @munchiesbymallory on Instagram and TikTok to share your baking success. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious slice of this banana bread!

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