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Cozy Brown Butter Banana Bread Recipe with Walnuts and Cinnamon Swirl

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A warm, nutty banana bread featuring browned butter, crunchy walnuts, and a subtle cinnamon swirl, perfect for cozy moments and quick baking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium ripe bananas, mashed
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (220g)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 3/4 cup chopped walnuts (90g)
  • 1/4 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (for cinnamon swirl)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for cinnamon swirl)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons (85g) of unsalted butter. Stir frequently as it foams and then turns a golden brown with a nutty aroma, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat immediately to avoid burning. Transfer to a heat-safe bowl and let cool slightly.
  2. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash 3 medium ripe bananas until smooth but still a bit chunky. Add the browned butter (about 5 tablespoons left after cooling), 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar, 1/4 cup (50g) packed brown sugar, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir until combined; the batter will be thick and aromatic.
  4. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry: Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently. Don’t overmix; stop when you no longer see flour streaks. The batter should be thick and slightly lumpy.
  6. Add Walnuts: Fold in 3/4 cup (90g) chopped walnuts, reserving a handful to sprinkle on top if you like.
  7. Create Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Pour half the banana bread batter into the loaf pan, sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly, then add the remaining batter. Swirl gently with a knife or skewer, then sprinkle remaining cinnamon sugar and walnuts on top.
  8. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. Start checking at 50 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. If the top browns too fast, tent with foil after 40 minutes.
  9. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps it set and makes slicing easier.

Notes

Watch the butter closely when browning to avoid burning. Fold wet and dry ingredients gently to avoid dense bread. Toast walnuts for extra flavor. Tent with foil if top browns too quickly. Bananas should be very ripe for best sweetness. Variations include gluten-free flour, vegan substitutions, and adding fruit or nuts.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana bread, brown butter, walnuts, cinnamon swirl, easy banana bread, quick bread, cozy recipe, homemade banana bread

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/cozy-brown-butter-banana-bread-recipe-with-walnuts-and-cinnamon-swirl-easy-and-perfect/