Brown Butter Pumpkin Banana Bread
This Brown Butter Pumpkin Banana Bread is the perfect fall treat, combining the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter with the comforting taste of pumpkin and banana. Soft, fluffy, and loaded with chocolate chips, this bread is a decadent yet cozy dessert or snack. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up, this banana bread brings together seasonal flavors in a deliciously moist and tender loaf.
If you try out this recipe, I’d love to see it! Leave a comment with a star rating below and tag @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and hashtag it #wellmadebykiley
Ingredients You Need:
Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below. Read through this section for all the ingredients substitution and baking tips!
Salted butter
All-purpose flour
Cinnamon
Pumpkin pie spice
Baking soda
Baking powder
Salt
Ripe bananas
Pumpkin piree
Eggs
Brown sugar
Vanilla extract
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
Why You’ll Love Brown Butter Pumpkin Banana Bread:
Rich, Nutty Flavor: The brown butter adds a deep, nutty flavor that elevates this banana bread beyond the ordinary, giving it a gourmet touch.
Perfectly Soft and Fluffy: This bread has a soft, fluffy texture that makes every bite melt in your mouth, creating a comforting and satisfying experience.
Seasonal Pumpkin Twist: The addition of pumpkin not only enhances the moistness of the bread but also brings in those cozy, fall flavors that everyone loves.
Loaded with Chocolate Chips: Each slice is studded with rich chocolate chips that add a delightful sweetness, making this bread an irresistible treat.
Served Warm with Butter: Serving this banana bread warm with a pat of butter enhances its rich flavor and adds a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Flaky Sea Salt Finish: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top brings out the sweetness of the chocolate and the depth of the brown butter, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
Versatile Treat: Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or a cozy dessert, this bread is versatile and perfect for any time of day.
Easy to Make: Despite its gourmet flavors, this banana bread is easy to prepare, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
Great for Gifting: Wrapped up nicely, this banana bread makes a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift for friends and family.
A Fall Favorite: Combining the flavors of pumpkin, banana, and chocolate with the richness of brown butter, this bread is sure to become a fall favorite in your household.
Tips for Making Brown Butter Pumpkin Banana Bread:
Choose Overripe Bananas: Use bananas that are heavily speckled or brown. Overripe bananas are sweeter and more flavorful, adding natural moisture and richness to the bread.
Master the Brown Butter: Brown the butter slowly over medium heat, stirring frequently until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma. This process intensifies the flavor, making the bread richer and more complex.
Avoid Over-mixing the Batter: To keep the bread soft and fluffy, gently mix the wet and dry ingredients just until they are combined. Over-mixing can lead to a dense and heavy texture.
Add Pumpkin Puree for Moisture: Pumpkin puree not only adds flavor but also keeps the bread moist and tender. Be sure to use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to control the sweetness and spices.
Incorporate Chocolate Chips Evenly: Fold the chocolate chips into the batter at the end, making sure they are evenly distributed. This ensures each slice has a balanced amount of chocolatey goodness.
Measure Ingredients Accurately: Accurately measuring ingredients, especially flour, is key to achieving the perfect texture. Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid packing in too much flour, which can make the bread dry.
Don’t Overbake: Check the bread for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Overbaking can dry out the bread, so keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking.
Cool Completely Before Slicing: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the bread to set and makes it easier to slice without crumbling.
Serve Warm with Butter and Sea Salt: For an extra indulgent experience, serve the bread warm with a pat of butter and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. The salt enhances the sweetness and richness, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
Store Properly for Freshness: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving to enjoy the fresh-baked taste.
How to Store Brown Butter Pumpkin Banana Bread:
Room Temperature Storage: Store the brown butter pumpkin banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This option keeps the bread soft and fluffy, maintaining its fresh flavor and texture.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. To enjoy, reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven to restore their warmth and softness.
Freezing Whole Loaf: If you want to freeze the entire loaf, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw the loaf overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and serving.
Freezing Individual Slices: For convenient, single-serving portions, slice the bread and wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat slices directly from the freezer in the microwave or oven.
Reheating Tips: When reheating, warm the bread in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or in the microwave for 20-30 seconds per slice. This helps restore the bread’s fluffy texture and enhances the flavor of the chocolate chips.
Serving with Butter and Sea Salt: After reheating, serve the bread warm with a pat of butter and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to enhance the rich flavors of the brown butter and chocolate.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make this bread without the brown butter?
A: While the brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor, you can use regular melted butter as a substitute. However, the bread will lose some of the depth and complexity that brown butter brings.
Q: How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?
A: The bananas should be very ripe, with plenty of brown spots. Overripe bananas are sweeter and more flavorful, which contributes to the moistness and natural sweetness of the bread.
Q: Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
A: It’s best to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling contains added spices and sugar, which could alter the flavor and sweetness of the bread.
Q: How do I know when the bread is done baking?
A: Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is done. Be careful not to overbake, as this can dry out the bread.
Q: Can I add nuts to this recipe?
A: Yes, you can add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the batter. They add a nice crunch and complement the flavors of the brown butter and chocolate chips.
Q: How should I store leftover bread?
A: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 5 days or freeze slices individually for up to 3 months.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat the bread?
A: The best way to reheat the bread is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or in the microwave for 20-30 seconds per slice. Reheating restores the bread’s soft and fluffy texture.
Q: Can I use a different type of chocolate?
A: Absolutely! You can use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips in this recipe. Feel free to choose the type of chocolate that best suits your taste.
Q: Can I make this bread gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can make this bread gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still be soft and delicious.
Q: Should I add the butter and sea salt before or after reheating?
A: It’s best to add the butter and flaky sea salt after reheating. Serving the bread warm with butter and a sprinkle of sea salt enhances the flavors and gives it a rich, indulgent finish.
Check out my other fall recipes on Instagram:
Make sure to tag me @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and leave a review or comment if you make this brown butter pumpkin banana bread. Happy baking!
