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Brown Butter Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
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Brown Butter Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

is ultra-moist, packed with rich, nutty flavor, and features a thick ribbon of cinnamon sugar in every slice!
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Keyword banana bread, brown butter, cinnamon
Author Molly Murphy

Ingredients

For the swirl

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup brown sugar

For the Banana bread

  • 9 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 ripe bananas mashed
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter foams and turns a rich amber color with a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning. Once browned, immediately transfer the butter to a large heatproof bowl and let it cool for 20-25 minutes—you can have it warm, just not hot.
    9 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • In a small bowl, mix the ground cinnamon and brown sugar until combined. Set aside.
    1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ cup brown sugar
  • Preheat your oven to 325°F. Generously spray a large loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray, making sure to coat the sides and corners. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, whisk the cooled browned butter and sugar for 2 minutes until the mixture lightens in color and slightly increases in volume. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula.
    1 cup granulated sugar
  • Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking after each addition until fully combined. Scrape down the bowl. Add the mashed bananas and vanilla extract. Gently whisk until incorporated.
    2 eggs room temperature, 3 ripe bananas mashed
  • Using a rubber spatula, fold in the flour, baking soda, and cinnamon salt. Mix just until no streaks of flour remain—don’t overmix!
    1 teaspoon cinnamon, 2 cups all-purpose flour, Pinch of salt, 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use the back of a spoon to gently spread it into an even layer, making sure it reaches all four corners. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top and spread it out evenly. Generously sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top, ensuring full coverage.
  • Bake for 65-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
  • Let the banana bread cool completely in the pan before slicing.
  • For a vanilla glaze, combine 1 teaspoon water, ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste, and ⅓ cup powdered sugar, then pour over the top before serving.