Brown Sugar Banana Bread

Introduction

Brown Sugar Banana Bread is a moist, flavorful twist on classic banana bread, made with the rich, caramel-like sweetness of brown sugar. This recipe highlights the natural sweetness of ripe bananas while adding depth and warmth from the brown sugar. The result is a soft, tender loaf with a golden crust and a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen while baking.

I love this recipe because it’s comforting, easy to prepare, and utterly delicious. The brown sugar enhances the banana flavor, giving the bread a rich, complex sweetness without overpowering it. Each slice is tender, slightly caramelized on the edges, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack with coffee or tea.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this Brown Sugar Banana Bread because it’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly comforting. The aroma of brown sugar and ripe bananas baking in the oven is irresistible, and the soft, moist texture makes each bite a delight. It’s a recipe that turns humble ingredients into a bakery-quality treat and is perfect for sharing with family and friends.

The bread is versatile, allowing you to add nuts, chocolate chips, or spices to suit your taste. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and rich flavors, and the brown sugar adds a warmth that elevates this banana bread above the ordinary.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This bread is a must-try because it takes a classic banana bread to the next level with the depth and richness of brown sugar. Its moist texture, sweet flavor, and ease of preparation make it a favorite for bakers of all levels.

It’s ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack with tea or coffee. The caramel notes from brown sugar, combined with ripe bananas, create a bread that’s comforting, versatile, and universally loved. Once you try it, this recipe becomes a go-to for using overripe bananas and delighting your taste buds.

Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: American
• Course: Breakfast / Snack / Dessert
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 10 slices
• Calories (per slice): ~280 kcal

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips
• Optional spices: 1/2 tsp cinnamon or 1/4 tsp nutmeg

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
2. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, mash bananas thoroughly. Stir in melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and optional spices.
4. Mix batter: Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Add optional ingredients: Fold in nuts or chocolate chips if desired.
6. Pour into pan: Transfer batter to the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake: Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Slice and serve: Cut into slices and enjoy plain or toasted.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare loaf pan.
2. Mash bananas in a large bowl.
3. Add butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla; mix until smooth.
4. Whisk dry ingredients in a separate bowl.
5. Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture gently.
6. Add nuts or chocolate chips if using.
7. Pour batter into loaf pan and smooth the surface.
8. Bake 55-60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Cool and slice before serving.

How to Serve

• Serve warm or at room temperature, plain or with butter.
• Pair with coffee, tea, or milk for a satisfying breakfast or snack.
• Toast slices lightly for added texture and flavor.

Recipe Tips

• Use overripe bananas for the best natural sweetness.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the bread tender.
• Grease the pan or use parchment paper for easy removal.
• Add chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture.
• Let bread cool completely before slicing for clean slices.

Variations

1. Nutty Banana Bread: Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
2. Chocolate Banana Bread: Fold in 1/2 cup chocolate chips.
3. Spiced Banana Bread: Add 1/2 tsp cinnamon and 1/4 tsp nutmeg.
4. Vegan Version: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based butter.
5. Healthy Version: Substitute 1/3 cup applesauce for butter and use whole wheat flour.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: Wrap slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap and aluminum foil; freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or toast slices directly from frozen.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl for dry ingredients
• Fork or potato masher for bananas
• Spatula for folding batter
• Wire rack for cooling

Conclusion

Brown Sugar Banana Bread is a moist, flavorful, and comforting loaf that elevates the classic banana bread with the warm sweetness of brown sugar. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, snack, or dessert, this bread is easy to make and endlessly versatile. Its tender texture, rich flavor, and aroma make it a must-try recipe for banana lovers. Whether shared with family or enjoyed on your own, it’s a timeless treat that never disappoints.

Print Recipe

Brown Sugar Banana Bread

Author: Laura Bennett Cuisine: American Courses: Appetizer & Snacks, Breakfast, Desserts

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 60 mins Total Time 1 hr 15 mins

Calories: (per slice): ~280 kcal

Description

Brown Sugar Banana Bread is a moist, flavorful twist on classic banana bread, made with the rich, caramel-like sweetness of brown sugar.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• ¹⁄₂ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ³⁄₄ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ¹⁄₄ tsp salt

Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips

Optional spices: 1/2 tsp cinnamon or 1/4 tsp nutmeg

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
2. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, mash bananas thoroughly. Stir in melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and optional spices.
4. Mix batter: Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Add optional ingredients: Fold in nuts or chocolate chips if desired.
6. Pour into pan: Transfer batter to the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake: Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Slice and serve: Cut into slices and enjoy plain or toasted.

Keywords: Brown Sugar Banana Bread