Description
If you’ve ever wished banana bread could taste like a soft, buttery sugar cookie, this Brown Butter Sugar Cookie Banana Bread is your dream come true. It’s tender, rich, and infused with the warm, nutty notes of brown butter and the nostalgic sweetness of sugar cookies. A perfect mashup of comfort and indulgence, this loaf is destined to become your new favorite.
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Ingredients
For the Brown Butter:
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½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
For the Banana Bread Batter:
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1¾ cups all-purpose flour
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¾ tsp baking soda
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½ tsp baking powder
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½ tsp salt
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⅔ cup granulated sugar
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¼ cup light brown sugar (packed)
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2 large ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
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2 large eggs
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2 tsp pure vanilla extract
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¼ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
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All the browned butter (cooled slightly)
Topping (Optional but Recommended):
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1 tbsp granulated sugar
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½ tsp cinnamon
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Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Brown Butter
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In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
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Continue cooking, swirling the pan often, until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty (about 5–7 minutes).
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Pour into a heatproof bowl to cool slightly while preparing the batter.
Step 2: Prepare the Pan and Oven
4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
5. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
6. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
7. In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, mashed bananas, eggs, vanilla extract, sour cream, and cooled brown butter until smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Combine and Mix
8. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined—do not overmix.
9. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Step 6: Add the Sugar Cookie Topping
10. In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp sugar, ½ tsp cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt.
11. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the batter for a sweet, slightly crunchy finish.
Step 7: Bake the Banana Bread
12. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
13. If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 10–15 minutes.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
14. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
15. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before slicing for the cleanest cuts.
Notes
Brown Butter Patience – Don’t rush the browning process, but don’t let it burn either—watch closely.
Use Overripe Bananas – They add more flavor and natural sweetness.
Don’t Overmix – Stir until just combined for a soft, tender crumb.
Let It Cool – Banana bread cuts better and tastes even better once fully cooled.
Sprinkle Topping Last Minute – Adds texture and a cookie-like finish to the top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Cuisine: American