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Moist One-Bowl Banana Bread Recipe with Brown Butter and Walnuts

moist one-bowl banana bread - featured image

A moist and rich banana bread made easy in one bowl, featuring nutty brown butter and crunchy walnuts for a comforting and flavorful treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium ripe bananas, mashed
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, browned and cooled slightly
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cups (220 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup chopped walnuts (toasted if desired, optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the butter: Place 6 tablespoons (85 grams) of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently as the butter melts, foams, then turns golden brown and smells nutty. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, mash 3 ripe bananas until smooth with some small lumps remaining.
  4. Add 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup packed brown sugar to the bananas. Crack in 2 large eggs and stir well until combined and glossy.
  5. Slowly add the slightly cooled brown butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir to incorporate fully.
  6. In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Gradually fold this dry mix into the banana mixture until just combined; avoid overmixing.
  7. Fold in 3/4 cup chopped walnuts (toasted if desired).
  8. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top gently.
  9. Bake for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Start checking at 50 minutes to avoid overbaking.
  10. Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes before lifting it out using the parchment overhang. Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

Do not rush browning the butter to develop a deep, toasty flavor. Use overripe bananas with brown spots for best sweetness and moisture. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the bread tender. Toast walnuts for extra flavor. Tent with foil if bread browns too fast. Can substitute nuts or make gluten-free or vegan adaptations as noted.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana bread, brown butter, walnuts, one-bowl recipe, moist banana bread, easy banana bread, quick banana bread, homemade banana bread