Classic Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Classic Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is a bakery-worthy treat with a golden exterior, a soft and fluffy interior, and irresistible pockets of melty chocolate in every slice. Perfectly moist and flavorful, this twist on a classic banana bread will become your go-to recipe for indulgent baking.
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
Ripe bananas
Brown sugar
Greek yogurt (sub: sour cream)
Eggs
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Baking powder
Salt
Chocolate chips or chunks of choice
Why You’ll Love Classic Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread:
Incredible Flavor: The nutty richness of browned butter paired with sweet, ripe bananas creates a flavor profile that's irresistibly indulgent.
Perfect Texture: Golden and slightly crisp on the outside, soft and fluffy in the middle, this banana bread has a texture you’ll love.
Melty Chocolate Pockets: Every slice is studded with gooey, melty chocolate chips that add bursts of sweetness in every bite.
Elevated Classic: A sophisticated twist on traditional banana bread that feels like a bakery-quality treat.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm with butter and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a sweet-and-savory touch, or savor it on its own for a pure chocolate-banana experience.
Perfect for Any Time: Whether it’s breakfast, a midday snack, or dessert, this banana bread fits any occasion.
Great for Sharing: It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family gatherings, brunch, or gifting to friends.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is as approachable as it is delicious.
Adaptable Recipe: You can customize it with nuts, extra chocolate, or even a swirl of peanut butter to suit your taste.
Smells Amazing While Baking: The comforting aroma of banana, brown butter, and chocolate fills your kitchen as it bakes.
Tips for Making Classic Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread:
Use Ripe Bananas: Choose bananas with brown spots on the peel for natural sweetness and a stronger banana flavor.
Brown the Butter Properly: Melt the butter over medium heat until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. Stir constantly to prevent burning and cool slightly before mixing into the batter.
Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon and level the flour when measuring to avoid overpacking, which can make the bread dense.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir just until the ingredients are combined to keep the bread soft and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a tougher texture.
Toss Chocolate Chips in Flour: Lightly coat the chocolate chips with flour before adding them to the batter. This helps distribute them evenly and prevents sinking.
Grease or Line the Pan: Use butter or parchment paper to ensure the banana bread releases easily from the pan without sticking.
Bake at the Right Temperature: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake on the middle rack for even cooking. Avoid opening the oven door too often to maintain consistent heat.
Check Doneness with a Toothpick: Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. Avoid overbaking to keep the bread moist.
Cool Slightly Before Slicing: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps the structure set and makes slicing easier.
Serve Warm for the Best Flavor: Heat slices briefly in the microwave or oven, then serve with butter and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for an elevated taste experience.
Store Properly: Wrap leftover banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it moist. Reheat before serving for the same fresh-out-of-the-oven texture.
Customize to Your Taste: Add chopped nuts, extra chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a personalized twist.
Use High-Quality Chocolate: Opt for semisweet or dark chocolate chips to balance the sweetness of the banana bread.
Make Ahead for Convenience: The bread tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.
Double the Recipe: Bake an extra loaf to freeze for later or share with friends and family.
How to Store Classic Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread:
Room Temperature (1-2 Days):
Wrap the banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.
Keep it on the counter in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat.
Refrigeration (Up to 5 Days):
For longer freshness, store the bread in the refrigerator in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap.
Allow it to come to room temperature or warm it slightly before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing Individual Slices (Up to 3 Months):
Slice the banana bread and wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe resealable bag or container.
Thaw individual slices at room temperature or heat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Freezing the Whole Loaf (Up to 3 Months):
Wrap the entire loaf in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil for extra protection.
Thaw the loaf overnight in the refrigerator, then bring it to room temperature or reheat in a low oven before serving.
Reheating Instructions:
For a fresh-from-the-oven experience, reheat slices in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes or in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Add butter and flaky sea salt after reheating for the perfect finishing touch.
Short-Term Storage for Events:
If serving within a day, cover the bread loosely with foil to maintain its texture without drying out.
Avoid Freezer Burn:
Ensure airtight wrapping to prevent freezer burn and preserve the bread’s soft and moist texture.
Label and Date Frozen Bread:
Add a label with the date of freezing to track storage time and ensure you enjoy it while it’s at its best quality.
Keep Toppings Fresh:
If serving with butter and flaky sea salt, add these toppings just before serving to keep the presentation fresh and appealing.
Use Airtight Containers for Transport:
If taking the bread to a gathering, store it in a sturdy airtight container to protect it during transit.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make this banana bread without browning the butter?
A: While the browned butter adds a rich, nutty flavor, you can use regular melted butter as a substitute. However, the flavor profile will be less complex.
Q: How ripe should the bananas be?
A: Use bananas with plenty of brown spots on the peel. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
Q: Can I use a different type of chocolate?
A: Yes! You can use semisweet, dark, milk chocolate chips, or even chopped chocolate bars. Experiment with your favorite chocolate to customize the flavor.
Q: What’s the best way to ensure the bread stays moist?
A: Avoid overmixing the batter and bake just until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Store the bread in an airtight container to retain its moisture.
Q: Can I freeze this banana bread?
A: Yes! You can freeze the whole loaf or individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
Q: How do I prevent the chocolate chips from sinking?
A: Toss the chocolate chips in a small amount of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps distribute them evenly.
Q: Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for the all-purpose flour. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still be delicious.
Q: How long should I let the bread cool before slicing?
A: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool slightly before slicing. This helps it hold its shape.
Q: Can I add nuts to this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds make a great addition for extra crunch and flavor.
Q: How do I serve this bread with butter and flaky sea salt?
A: Serve warm slices with a generous pat of butter that melts into the bread, then sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a sweet-and-savory contrast.
Q: How do I know when the bread is done baking?
A: Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready. Avoid overbaking to keep it moist.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, this recipe can be easily doubled to make two loaves. Just ensure even baking by using identical loaf pans.
Check out my other banana recipes on Instagram:
Make sure to tag me @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and leave a review or comment if you make this classic brown butter chocolate chip banana bread. Happy baking!
