Brown Butter Banana Bread with Browned Butter Frosting

There’s something undeniably comforting about banana bread. It’s the kind of treat that fills your kitchen with the sweet, nostalgic aroma of ripe bananas, vanilla, and warm spices. But this isn’t just any banana bread—this is brown butter banana bread, a richer, nuttier, and even more indulgent version of the classic.

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The magic of brown butter takes this banana bread to a whole new level. By gently toasting the butter until it turns golden and fragrant, you unlock deep, caramel-like notes that complement the natural sweetness of bananas. And just when you think it can’t get any better, we top it with a brown butter frosting—creamy, smooth, and infused with that same irresistible nutty flavor.

Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert, this banana bread is a cozy, heartwarming treat that’s easy to make yet tastes absolutely gourmet.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Nutty Flavor – The brown butter adds depth, making this banana bread extra special.
• Moist and Tender Texture – Thanks to the mashed bananas and butter, every bite is soft and luscious.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean this recipe is beginner-friendly.
• Perfect for Ripe Bananas – A great way to use up overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste.
• That Frosting! – The brown butter frosting is smooth, creamy, and absolutely dreamy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Banana Bread:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ cup sour cream

For the Browned Butter Frosting:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Brown Butter Banana Bread with Browned Butter Frosting

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Before diving into the banana bread, we need to brown the butter. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir it frequently as it begins to foam, then watch for golden brown specks forming at the bottom. You’ll know it’s ready when it has a rich, nutty aroma. Remove it from the heat immediately and let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas and Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth (a few small lumps are fine). Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.

Step 3: Add the Browned Butter

Pour the slightly cooled brown butter into the banana mixture and mix well. The warmth of the butter will help dissolve the sugar, creating a rich and flavorful base for the bread.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the banana bread tender.

Step 5: Add the Sour Cream

Gently fold in the sour cream, which adds moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness.

Step 6: Bake the Banana Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Make Browned Butter Frosting

Step 1: Brown the Butter Again

Just like we did for the bread, brown the butter in a small saucepan. Once it turns golden brown and smells nutty, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Mix the Frosting

In a bowl, whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Slowly add the browned butter while mixing until smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time.

Step 3: Frost the Banana Bread

Once the banana bread is completely cooled, spread the frosting generously over the top. Let it set for a few minutes before slicing.

Helpful Tips for the Best Brown Butter Banana Bread

• Use Overripe Bananas – The riper, the better! Dark brown or even black-spotted bananas add natural sweetness and moisture.
• Watch the Butter Closely – Brown butter can go from golden perfection to burnt very quickly. Keep stirring and remove it from the heat as soon as it turns golden brown.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter – Stir until just combined to keep the texture soft and tender.
• Let It Cool Before Frosting – If the banana bread is still warm, the frosting will melt right off.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (8-10 slices)
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Notes

• Use Ripe Bananas for Maximum Flavor: The darker and spottier your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be. If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, you can speed up the process by baking them at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes until the skins darken.
• Let the Brown Butter Cool Slightly: If you add hot brown butter directly to the eggs, it might cook them. Let it cool for a few minutes before mixing.
• Adjust Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
• For Extra Texture, Add Mix-Ins: Chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips make a delicious addition to the batter.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir until just combined to keep the bread soft and tender. Overmixing can make it dense.
• Test for Doneness Properly: Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready. If it’s still wet, bake for a few more minutes.
• For a More Caramelized Crust: Sprinkle a little brown sugar on top of the batter before baking for a slightly crisp, caramelized topping.
• Make It Ahead: Banana bread tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop. Bake it the night before for a richer taste.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
• Freezer: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this banana bread without frosting?

Absolutely! The banana bread is delicious on its own, but the frosting adds a decadent touch.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Yes! Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or chocolate chips before baking for extra texture and flavor.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

Greek yogurt or buttermilk works as a great substitute for sour cream.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake in two loaf pans.

Related Recipes

If you love this banana bread, you might also enjoy:

• Classic Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

• Super Moist Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

• Lemon Blueberry Bread – A Burst of Freshness in Every Bite

Final Thoughts

This Brown Butter Banana Bread with Browned Butter Frosting is pure comfort in every bite. The nutty, caramel-like flavor of brown butter transforms an everyday banana bread into something truly special. And that creamy, rich frosting? It’s the cherry on top.

Whether you’re baking for your family, sharing with friends, or just treating yourself, this banana bread is guaranteed to be a hit. Enjoy it with a cup of coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk—it’s the perfect indulgence for any time of day.

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