Description
If you love the comforting flavors of banana bread and the buttery richness of sugar cookies, this Brown Butter Sugar Cookie Banana Bread is your dream come true. It’s soft, moist, and packed with banana flavor, with a delicious sugar cookie twist thanks to browned butter, vanilla, and a sparkly sugar crust. Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert, this cozy loaf will win over everyone who tries it.
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Ingredients
For the Brown Butter:
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
For the Banana Bread:
3 medium ripe bananas (mashed, about 1 ¼ cups)
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional, but delicious)
For the Sugar Cookie Topping:
1 tbsp granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
¼ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Butter
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Place the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
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Cook, stirring often, until the butter foams, then turns golden brown with tiny brown bits at the bottom (about 5–7 minutes).
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Remove from heat and let it cool slightly while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Prep the Bananas and Wet Ingredients
4. In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
5. Add the slightly cooled brown butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream.
6. Whisk until everything is well combined and smooth.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
7. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
8. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Mix just until combined—don’t overmix!
Step 4: Transfer to Pan & Add Sugar Topping
9. Grease and line your loaf pan with parchment paper.
10. Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top.
11. In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp sugar with ¼ tsp cinnamon and sprinkle evenly over the batter.
Step 5: Bake the Banana Bread
12. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
13. Bake the bread for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
14. If the top is browning too quickly, tent with foil halfway through.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
15. Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes.
16. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Use Very Ripe Bananas – Brown, spotty bananas give the best flavor and moisture.
Don’t Skip the Brown Butter – It adds a rich, nutty depth you can’t get from regular melted butter.
Avoid Overmixing – Mix until just combined to keep your bread soft and fluffy.
Line the Pan – Makes it easy to lift the bread out without sticking.
Check Early – Every oven is different; start checking at 50 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Cuisine: American