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Cozy Brown Butter Banana Bread Recipe with Cream Cheese Swirl and Walnut Crunch

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A rich and moist banana bread featuring nutty brown butter, a tangy cream cheese swirl, and crunchy toasted walnuts. Perfect for cozy mornings or comforting snacks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, browned and cooled slightly
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 3 medium ripe bananas (about 1 1/2 cups mashed)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (60g) chopped toasted walnuts
  • 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg yolk

Instructions

  1. Brown the butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter. Swirl occasionally as it foams and then turns golden brown with nutty aroma (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly while it thickens but remains pourable.
  2. Mix the cream cheese swirl: In a medium bowl, beat 4 oz (115g) softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 egg yolk. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
  3. Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, combine 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar, 1/4 cup (50g) light brown sugar, and the cooled brown butter. Mix well until combined.
  4. Add 2 large eggs (room temperature), one at a time, whisking gently after each addition.
  5. Stir in 3 ripe mashed bananas (about 1 1/2 cups) and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well mixed.
  6. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  7. Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
  8. Fold in 1/2 cup (60g) toasted, chopped walnuts for added crunch.
  9. Grease a 9×5 inch (23×13 cm) loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. Pour half the banana batter into the pan and smooth the surface.
  10. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the batter, then use a knife or skewer to gently swirl it through.
  11. Pour the remaining banana batter over the swirl and smooth the top. Sprinkle a few extra chopped walnuts for crunch.
  12. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs but no wet batter.
  13. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Do not skip browning the butter for the best nutty flavor. Use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots for natural sweetness. Mix the batter gently to avoid toughness. Toast walnuts to enhance crunch and flavor. Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly. Check doneness starting at 55 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana bread, brown butter, cream cheese swirl, walnut crunch, easy banana bread, moist banana bread, cozy baking, quick bread

Find it online: https://lirafood.com/cozy-brown-butter-banana-bread-recipe-with-cream-cheese-swirl-and-walnut-crunch/