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Cozy Brown Butter Banana Bread Recipe with Candied Walnuts and Cinnamon Swirl

brown butter banana bread - featured image

A warm, nutty banana bread featuring browned butter, candied walnuts, and a cinnamon swirl for a cozy, flavorful treat perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, browned
  • 3 medium ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup (150g) packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) milk (whole or 2%)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
  • 3/4 cup (90g) candied walnuts, roughly chopped
  • For the cinnamon swirl:
  • 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter

Instructions

  1. Brown the Butter: In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter. Stir frequently as it foams and turns golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a bowl to cool slightly.
  2. Prepare Candied Walnuts: In the same skillet, add 3/4 cup (90g) walnuts, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon melted butter. Stir over medium heat until walnuts are toasted and coated, about 3-4 minutes. Spread on parchment to cool.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon.
  4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mash 3 ripe bananas until smooth. Add 3/4 cup (150g) brown sugar, 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 tablespoons milk, and the browned butter. Stir until well combined.
  5. Form the Batter: Pour wet ingredients into dry, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Add Candied Walnuts: Fold in half of the cooled candied walnuts, reserving the rest for topping.
  7. Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: Mix 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon melted butter in a small bowl.
  8. Layer the Batter: Pour half the batter into the greased loaf pan. Spoon half of the cinnamon mixture over, then swirl gently with a knife. Repeat with remaining batter and cinnamon mix. Sprinkle reserved candied walnuts on top.
  9. Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 55-65 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  10. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil halfway through baking. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the bread tender. Brown the butter carefully to avoid burning. Room temperature eggs and bananas help the batter come together smoothly. Candied walnuts add a crunchy texture contrast. The cinnamon swirl should be layered and swirled just before baking for best appearance.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana bread, brown butter, candied walnuts, cinnamon swirl, cozy, easy banana bread, homemade bread, comfort food