Classic Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
This Classic Brown Butter Banana Bread is soft, fluffy, and incredibly tender, with rich brown butter flavor and the perfect balance of banana sweetness. Studded with melty chocolate chips and baked until beautifully golden, it’s best served warm with a generous pat of butter, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, and a hot cup of coffee for the ultimate cozy baking moment.
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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: Browned to add deep, nutty flavor that elevates classic banana bread.
Ripe Bananas: Provide natural sweetness, moisture, and that signature banana bread flavor.
Brown Sugar: Adds rich sweetness and helps create a soft, tender crumb.
Greek Yogurt Or Sour Cream: Keeps the loaf extra moist while adding a subtle tang for balance.
Eggs: Bind the batter and help the bread bake up soft and fluffy.
Vanilla Bean Paste Or Extract: Enhances the banana and brown butter flavors with warm vanilla notes.
All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structure of the loaf while keeping the texture light and tender.
Baking Soda: Helps the banana bread rise and bake evenly.
Baking Powder: Adds extra lift for a soft, fluffy interior.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all of the flavors.
Cinnamon: Adds a subtle warmth that complements the banana and brown butter.
Chocolate Chips Or Chopped Chocolate: Melt into the loaf for rich pockets of chocolate in every bite.
Cold Butter Strips: Placed on top before baking to create a beautiful crack and classic bakery-style dome.
Butter (For Serving): Melts into warm slices for extra richness.
Flaky Sea Salt: Finishes each slice with a touch of contrast and flavor balance.
Why You’ll Love Classic Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread:
Brown Butter Flavor: Browning the butter adds a rich, nutty depth that takes classic banana bread to the next level.
Soft, Fluffy Texture: This banana bread bakes up incredibly tender with a light, moist crumb that melts in your mouth.
Perfect Banana Balance: It’s full of natural banana flavor without being overly sweet or heavy.
Melty Chocolate Chips: Studded throughout the loaf, the chocolate chips melt into every slice for little pockets of indulgence.
Golden, Bakery-Style Crust: The exterior bakes up beautifully golden while staying soft and fluffy inside.
Simple, Cozy Comfort Food: This is the kind of recipe that feels warm, nostalgic, and perfect with a cup of coffee.
Great for Any Time of Day: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, snacking, or dessert.
Even Better Warm: Served warm with butter and flaky sea salt, it’s truly irresistible.
Easy and Reliable: Made with straightforward ingredients and simple steps that work every time.
Crowd-Pleasing Classic: Familiar, comforting, and universally loved—perfect for sharing.
Tips for Making Classic Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread:
Brown The Butter Properly: Stir constantly and watch closely so the milk solids turn deep golden and nutty without burning.
Let The Brown Butter Cool Slightly: Cooling for 15–20 minutes prevents it from cooking the eggs or melting the sugars too quickly.
Use Very Ripe Bananas: Overripe bananas add the best natural sweetness, moisture, and banana flavor.
Whisk Wet Ingredients Until Smooth: Fully combining the bananas, sugar, yogurt, eggs, and vanilla ensures an even, tender crumb.
Mix Just Until Combined: Stop stirring as soon as the flour disappears to keep the banana bread soft and fluffy.
Expect A Lumpy Batter: A slightly lumpy batter is normal and helps prevent over-mixing.
Fold In Chocolate Chips Gently: This keeps them evenly distributed without deflating the batter.
Create The Classic Crack: Running a knife down the center and adding thin strips of butter helps achieve that bakery-style domed top.
Don’t Overbake: Pull the loaf when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs for the softest texture.
Tent With Foil If Needed: If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil to prevent burning.
Cool Before Slicing: Letting the loaf rest helps it set and slice cleanly without falling apart.
Serve Warm For Best Flavor: Warm slices with butter and flaky sea salt highlight the brown butter and banana flavors beautifully.
How to Store Classic Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread:
Room Temperature: Store the banana bread tightly wrapped or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps it soft while maintaining the tender crumb.
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Warm slices slightly before serving for best texture and flavor.
Freezer (Whole Loaf): Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
Freezer (Sliced): Freeze individual slices wrapped tightly for easy grab-and-go servings. Reheat gently in the microwave or toaster oven.
Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 10–20 seconds or in a low oven to restore that fresh-baked, buttery texture.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make this banana bread ahead of time?
A: Yes. This banana bread tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen, making it a great make-ahead option.
Q: How ripe should the bananas be?
A: Very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots are best. They add natural sweetness, moisture, and strong banana flavor.
Q: Can I skip browning the butter?
A: You can, but browning the butter adds a deep, nutty flavor that really elevates the banana bread.
Q: Can I use sour cream instead of Greek yogurt?
A: Yes. Sour cream works as a 1:1 substitute and keeps the loaf just as moist and tender.
Q: Why does the batter look lumpy?
A: That’s normal. Lumpy batter means you haven’t overmixed, which helps keep the banana bread soft and fluffy.
Q: What’s the purpose of running a knife down the center of the batter?
A: This helps create that classic bakery-style crack and dome on top while baking.
Q: Can I leave out the chocolate chips?
A: Absolutely. The recipe works beautifully without them if you prefer a classic brown butter banana bread.
Q: How do I know when the banana bread is done baking?
A: It’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
Q: Can I freeze this banana bread?
A: Yes. It freezes very well either whole or sliced. Just thaw and warm before serving for best texture.
Q: Should I serve it warm or at room temperature?
A: Both are great, but serving it warm with butter and flaky sea salt is my favorite way!
Love this? Check out my other classic recipes:
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!
