Banana Bread Recipe

This Brown Butter Banana Bread with Streusel Topping is a bakery-style twist on the classic! Nutty brown butter meets sweet bananas, topped with a crunchy cinnamon streusel. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or gifting.

There's something magical about banana bread—its aroma wafting through the kitchen, its moist texture, and that comforting, nostalgic flavor. Now, imagine all of that, but elevated. This Brown Butter Banana Bread with Streusel Topping takes the classic recipe to a whole new level. Nutty brown butter deepens the flavor, while a crunchy, cinnamon-sugar streusel topping adds a bakery-worthy finish. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just looking to use up those overripe bananas, this recipe guarantees a showstopping loaf every time.

This isn’t just another banana bread recipe; it’s your go-to for indulgence. Plus, it's versatile enough to serve as dessert, pair with coffee for brunch, or pack as a midday treat. Let’s dive into what makes this variation stand out and why it’s perfect for your kitchen adventures.

What Makes This Banana Bread Special?

Banana bread is a beloved classic for a reason. It's simple, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. But what sets this recipe apart is the use of brown butter and a streusel topping.

Brown butter adds a nutty, caramelized flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of ripe bananas. The streusel topping, made with cinnamon, brown sugar, and butter, creates a delightful crunch that contrasts with the moist crumb of the bread. It’s the ultimate upgrade to a comforting favorite.

If you’re a fan of cozy recipes like Tippins Cornbread or Lamb Ragu D'Rose Mary, you’ll love this take on banana bread.

Ingredients for Brown Butter Banana Bread

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture. Let’s break them down:

Ripe Bananas

The star of the show! Overripe bananas with brown spots are ideal—they're naturally sweeter and easier to mash. If you’ve got a surplus, check out this Viral Cottage Cheese Flatbread Recipe to put them to use.

Brown Butter

Regular butter is great, but brown butter is transformative. By cooking butter until it’s golden and nutty, you unlock flavors that make this bread unforgettable.

Sugar (White and Brown)

The combination of white sugar and brown sugar adds both sweetness and a hint of molasses depth. Brown sugar also enhances the caramel-like flavors from the butter.

Eggs

Eggs provide structure and moisture. Use room-temperature eggs for better mixing and a more consistent batter.

Vanilla Extract

A splash of vanilla ties all the flavors together, adding warmth and sweetness.

Flour, Baking Soda, and Salt

These dry ingredients form the backbone of the bread. Baking soda helps the bread rise, while salt balances the sweetness.

Cinnamon

A touch of cinnamon in both the batter and streusel adds a cozy, spiced flavor. For more spiced inspirations, try Captain D's Slaw.

Streusel Topping

This crumbly mixture of flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter adds texture and visual appeal. Optional chopped nuts take it to the next level.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a lazy Sunday, a festive brunch, or a thoughtful gift, this banana bread fits the bill.
• Rich Flavor: The brown butter and streusel topping create layers of flavor you won’t find in ordinary banana bread.
• Easy to Make: Despite its fancy upgrades, this recipe is beginner-friendly.

Plus, it’s a great way to reduce food waste by using overripe bananas. Pair it with recipes like Cheesesteak Tortellini for a comforting family meal.

How to Make Brown Butter Banana Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Streusel Topping

• Combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl.
• Add cold, cubed butter and mix with your fingers until crumbly.
• Stir in chopped nuts if desired. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Brown Butter

• Melt unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
• Stir continuously until it foams and turns golden brown, releasing a nutty aroma.
• Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

• Mash bananas in a large mixing bowl.
• Whisk in sugar, eggs, vanilla, and cooled brown butter until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

• Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a separate bowl.
• Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

• Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
• Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter.
• Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes.

For more dessert inspiration, check out this Snickers Strawberry Cheesecake.

Expert Tips for Perfect Banana Bread

1. Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the better the flavor.
2. Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make the bread dense. Gently fold the ingredients together.
3. Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
4. Let it Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a rack.

Serving and Pairing Ideas

This Brown Butter Banana Bread is delightful on its own or paired with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey. Serve it warm with coffee for breakfast, or enjoy it as a dessert alongside Tajin Sorbet.

Why Brown Butter Banana Bread Belongs on Your Table

This recipe brings out the best in banana bread—rich flavors, a moist crumb, and a bakery-worthy presentation. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this loaf is sure to impress.

Explore more recipes like Baby Shower Meatballs for your next gathering.

Brown Butter Banana Bread with Streusel Topping

An elevated banana bread recipe featuring nutty brown butter and a crunchy, bakery-style streusel topping. Perfect for dessert or a luxurious breakfast treat!

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• ½ cup unsalted butter, browned
• ¾ cup sugar (⅓ cup white, ⅓ cup brown)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ cup cold butter, cubed (for streusel)
• ½ cup flour (for streusel)
• ⅓ cup brown sugar (for streusel)
• 1 tsp cinnamon (for streusel)
• ¼ cup chopped nuts (optional, for streusel)

Instructions

1. Melt butter over medium heat, stirring until it foams and turns golden brown. Let cool.
2. In a bowl, mix mashed bananas, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Stir in cooled brown butter.
3. Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually fold into the wet mixture.
4. In a separate bowl, combine streusel ingredients (butter, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts) using your fingers to create crumbs.
5. Pour batter into a greased loaf pan and sprinkle the streusel topping evenly.
6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

15 minutes prep time with 60 minutes cook time.

Serves 8 and contains approximately 320 calories per serving.

American / Dessert, Bread

Rated 4.9 by 156 reviewers.

Recipe Tags: banana bread, brown butter banana bread, streusel topping, dessert bread, easy banana bread, banana bread recipe

Published by: Show Recipe