If you adore moist, flavorful breads with a twist of irresistible richness, this Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe is about to become your new obsession. The magical brown butter adds a deep, nutty aroma that lifts this classic banana bread to a whole new level, while the pockets of melty dark chocolate chips make every bite pure joy. Whether you’re using up those overripe bananas or just craving something comforting and sweet, this recipe effortlessly combines simple ingredients into a loaf that feels like a warm hug fresh from the oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry staples, this Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe comes together beautifully. Each ingredient plays a crucial role; from the brown butter that intensifies the flavor to the ripe bananas that keep things delectably moist, everything works in harmony.
- Unsalted butter (10 tbsp): Browning the butter unlocks a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the bread beyond ordinary banana cake.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Balances sweetness while helping with the tender crumb.
- Ripe bananas (1 1/2 cups mashed, about 3): Provides natural sweetness and moisture, making the bread soft and flavorful.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients and add structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors and adds a warm, fragrant note.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The foundation of the bread, giving it strength and that perfect bite.
- Baking soda (1 tsp): Helps the bread rise and stay light.
- Sea salt (1/2 tsp): Cuts through sweetness and heightens the chocolate and banana flavors.
- Dark chocolate chips (1 cup): Melts and pockets throughout for bursts of rich, bittersweet decadence.
How to Make Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Butter
Begin by cooking your unsalted butter over medium heat, stirring frequently. You’ll notice it melting and foaming before transforming into a beautiful golden brown with a wonderful nutty aroma. This process usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Once browned, transfer the butter to a bowl and let it cool at room temperature for 30 minutes. This step is crucial because it deepens the flavor, giving your bread an extraordinary depth.
Step 2: Prepare the Oven and Pan
While the butter cools, adjust your oven rack to the lower third and preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C). Grease a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan to prevent sticking and ensure your bread has a lovely crust without any fuss when it comes time to remove it.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the cooled brown butter and sugar for about two minutes until thoroughly combined and slightly fluffy. This helps distribute the sugar evenly, ensuring each bite is perfectly sweet. Then add in the mashed ripe bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract, beating everything together until smooth. The bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture, while the eggs help your bread hold its shape.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and sea salt. This ensures the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture by hand, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender and light. Then gently fold in the dark chocolate chips, which will melt during baking and add delicious pockets of chocolate goodness.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your greased loaf pan, smoothing the top and sprinkling a few extra chocolate chips over the surface for a pretty, melty finish. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely—this helps maintain its moist texture and makes slicing easier.
How to Serve Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch when serving, try adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm honey on top. You can also spread a little softened butter or cream cheese for creamy contrast. Fresh banana slices or a sprinkle of chopped nuts can add texture and visual appeal, making each slice even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
This banana bread shines best on its own but pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee or tea. For a breakfast treat, serve alongside yogurt and fresh berries to balance the sweetness. At brunch or snack time, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side can turn it into an indulgent dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe thickly and toast it lightly, then top with almond butter or your favorite jam. You can also cut into smaller cubes, skewer them with fruit, and dip in melted chocolate for a fun party treat. Wrapping slices individually makes for thoughtful gifts or easy grab-and-go snacks throughout the week.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled, store your banana bread tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container to keep it moist and fresh. It will stay delicious at room temperature for about 3 days, making it a great grab-and-go snack or breakfast choice.
Freezing
If you’d like to keep your banana bread longer, freezing is a fantastic option. Wrap the loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen banana bread will maintain its flavor and texture for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-baked warmth, pop a slice in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or warm it in the oven at 300 °F for about 10 minutes. Reheating enhances the melty chocolate chips and makes the bread taste like it just came out of the oven, perfect for cozy mornings or afternoon treats.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas are perfect because they’re often extra ripe once thawed, which enhances the sweetness and moisture of the bread. Just make sure to thaw and mash them thoroughly before mixing.
What if I don’t have dark chocolate chips?
You can easily substitute chocolate chips with milk or semi-sweet varieties based on your preference. Alternatively, chopped chocolate bars or even white chocolate chips work well for a different flavor profile.
Is brown butter necessary for this recipe?
While you can use regular melted butter, brown butter adds a nutty depth that makes this banana bread truly special. It’s worth the extra step if you want to take your loaf to the next level.
Can I make this banana bread vegan?
To adapt this recipe for a vegan diet, use plant-based butter to brown and replace the eggs with substitutes like flax eggs or applesauce. Keep in mind that texture may vary slightly.
How ripe should the bananas be?
The riper the bananas, the better. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots or even mostly brown peels; these have the most natural sweetness and soft texture ideal for banana bread.
Final Thoughts
This Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe is truly a gem to have in your baking repertoire. It combines simplicity with extraordinary flavor in the most welcoming way, making it perfect for family breakfasts, thoughtful gifts, or cozy get-togethers. Trust me, once you try it, it will quickly become a go-to favorite that you’ll want to bake again and again.
Print
Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is a decadent twist on a classic favorite, featuring rich nutty browned butter and sweet dark chocolate chips. Moist, flavorful, and perfect for breakfast or a snack, this recipe combines ripe bananas and browned butter to deliver a deeply satisfying loaf with a tender crumb and a hint of chocolate throughout.
Ingredients
Brown Butter Mixture
- 10 tbsp unsalted butter, browned and cooled
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- Additional chocolate chips for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Butter: Cook butter in a medium skillet over medium heat, stirring often, until it foams and develops a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Carefully transfer the browned butter to a heatproof bowl and let it cool at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Prepare Oven and Pan: While the butter cools, adjust the oven rack to the lower third position and preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, cream the cooled browned butter and granulated sugar together for about 2 minutes until smooth and combined. Add the mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract, beating until the mixture is evenly blended.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and sea salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture and fold gently by hand just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in 1 cup of dark chocolate chips into the batter. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and top with additional chocolate chips if desired to create a chocolaty crust.
- Bake the Bread: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool the Bread: Remove the bread from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For best results, use very ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and banana flavor.
- Be careful not to overbrown the butter; it should smell nutty, not burnt.
- Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the bread tender.
- The bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- This banana bread freezes well; wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
