The Ultimate Banana Bread
Moist, rich banana bread with the deep flavor of browned butter, crunchy walnuts, and chewy raisins. Topped with turbinado sugar for a caramelized crust, this loaf is perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert.
Equipment
- loaf pan (13 x 5-inch)
- Medium saucepan (for browning butter)
- Hand mixer
- 2 Medium mixing bowls
Ingredients
- 1 stick (113 g) unsalted butter (browned)
- 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 ½ cups (380 g) overripe bananas (mashed)
- ½ cup (150 g) full-fat sour cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ⅔ cups (200 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ⅘ cup (100 g) walnuts, halves
- 1 cup (150 g) raisins
- 3 tablespoons (40 g) demerara sugar for topping
Instructions
- In a medium pan, cook the butter over medium heat until golden brown and nutty. Transfer to a large bowl and let it cool completely, about 20–40 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 13 x 5-inch loaf pan, line it with parchment paper, and grease again.
- Add the brown sugar to the cooled butter and beat with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the egg and beat for 3–4 minutes, until pale and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, mix the mashed bananas, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and banana mixture to the butter mixture, folding gently after each addition. Stir in the walnuts and raisins.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. For an optional decorative touch, place a halved banana on top, cut side up, and gently press it in. Sprinkle demerara sugar evenly over the batter and banana. Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 1 hour before slicing.
Notes
Use Overripe Bananas: The darker and spottier the bananas, the better. They provide the sweetness and flavor that make this bread exceptional.
Brown the Butter Carefully: Stir constantly and watch closely to avoid burning. The butter should turn golden brown with a nutty aroma.
Fold Gently: When combining the batter, fold the ingredients carefully to avoid overmixing, which can make the bread dense.
Cool Before Slicing: Allow the bread to cool for at least 1 hour to ensure clean slices and the perfect texture.
Nutrition
Calories: 290kcal
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