Banana Bread Recipe Allrecipes

I used to think regular banana bread was the perfect comfort food until I made this brown butter cardamom swirl loaf. This version takes the classic banana bread recipe allrecipes and elevates it with two simple but powerful additions: brown butter and a spiced caramel swirl. The combination fills the kitchen with a cozy, nutty aroma while it bakes, creating a loaf that has a moist crumb and rich pockets of flavor. It’s the perfect weekend baking project for when you want to impress or just treat yourself to something truly special.

Ingredients

• 170 g (12 tablespoons) unsalted butter: Used for both browning and making the caramel swirl, this provides a complex, nutty flavor base. Choosing unsalted butter gives you control over the salt level.
• 60 g (1/4 cup) light brown sugar, packed (for caramel): Light brown sugar contains molasses, which provides a deeper flavor than granulated sugar for the caramel sauce. Ensure it is packed when measuring for accuracy.
• 60 ml (1/4 cup) heavy cream: Essential for creating a rich, creamy caramel sauce consistency. Full-fat cream works best for a smooth texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom (for caramel): Adds a complex, warm spice note to the caramel. Freshly ground cardamom will be the most potent.
• Pinch of fine sea salt (for caramel): Balances the sweetness of the caramel, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Use fine sea salt or kosher salt.
• 250 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour: The primary structure for the loaf. Sifting before measuring ensures a light and fluffy crumb.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Leavening agent that reacts with the sour cream and bananas to lift the loaf. Ensure it is fresh for proper rise.
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt (for bread): Enhances the flavor of the banana bread itself, balancing the sugars. Don’t skip this, as it brightens the entire flavor profile.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom (for bread): Infuses the loaf itself with warm spice. This complements the caramel’s cardamom for a cohesive flavor.
• 3 medium (about 360-400 g) very ripe bananas, mashed (about 1.5 cups): The key ingredient for flavor, moisture, and sweetness. Bananas should have plenty of brown spots and be very soft.
• 100 g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar: Provides the main sweetness and contributes to browning. Standard white sugar works perfectly here.
• 60 g (1/4 cup) light brown sugar, packed (for bread): Adds moisture and a deeper, molasses-rich flavor to the loaf. Ensure it is packed when measuring for best results.
• 1 large egg: Acts as a binding agent, holding the ingredients together and adding richness. Use a large egg at room temperature for better incorporation.
• 60 ml (1/4 cup) full-fat sour cream or plain yogurt: Provides essential moisture and tanginess, creating a tender crumb. Full-fat is recommended; (Greek yogurt or a standard plain yogurt both work).
• 1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors without adding a raw alcohol taste. Use a high-quality extract for best results.

Instructions

Here’s how to create this elevated banana bread recipe allrecipes in your own kitchen:

1. Brown the Butter: In a light-colored saucepan, melt the 170 g (12 tablespoons) unsalted butter over medium heat. Continue cooking and stirring occasionally until the butter foams, then turns golden, and brown specks appear at the bottom. This process takes 5-8 minutes. Immediately strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a heatproof bowl to stop cooking; set aside 115 g (8 tablespoons) for the batter and use the remainder for the caramel. Let it cool slightly before using.
2. Prepare the Cardamom Caramel Swirl: In a small saucepan, combine 55 g of the melted brown butter, 60 g light brown sugar, 60 ml heavy cream, 1/2 tsp ground cardamom, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened; remove from heat and let cool to room temperature, reserving 2 tablespoons for serving.
3. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 23 x 13 cm (9 x 5 inch) loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides. This prevents sticking and makes removal easy.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, 1/2 tsp fine sea salt, and 1/2 tsp ground cardamom. Ensure these ingredients are thoroughly combined so the leavening agent is evenly distributed.
5. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, mash the very ripe bananas thoroughly. Add the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, large egg, 115 g of the cooled brown butter, sour cream, and vanilla extract; whisk until well combined and the sugars are dissolved.
6. Combine Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently with a spatula until just combined; do not overmix, as this can lead to a tough, dense loaf. A few lumps of flour are fine. If the batter looks dry, you can splash in 1–2 Tbsp milk, but avoid overmixing.
7. Swirl and Bake: Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Drizzle about half of the prepared cardamom caramel over the batter and gently swirl with a knife or skewer. Pour the remaining batter over the caramel layer, drizzle the remaining caramel on top, and swirl once or twice more.
8. Bake and Check Doneness: Bake for 50-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center (avoiding deep caramel pockets) comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes. A deep caramel layer can make the skewer test tricky; look for a golden-brown top and firm edges.
9. Cool and Serve: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes on a wire rack before carefully lifting it out by the parchment paper overhang. Transfer the loaf directly to the wire rack to cool completely before slicing. For serving, warm the reserved 2 tablespoons of caramel and drizzle over individual slices. This elevates the banana bread recipe allrecipes into a truly special dessert.

Swirl Secrets and Flavor Variations

This banana bread recipe allrecipes offers plenty of room for creative twists. The base recipe is robust enough to handle simple ingredient swaps, allowing you to customize the flavor profile or adjust for dietary needs. This section details how you can easily make it your own.

Get Creative with the Swirl

The caramel swirl adds visual appeal and flavor complexity. If you’re out of cardamom, try cinnamon and nutmeg for a classic spice flavor, or use a pre-made dulce de leche for a shortcut. The combination of cinnamon and nutmeg creates a very cozy alternative that pairs well with the brown butter.

Add Texture with Toppings

Before baking, sprinkle the top with chopped walnuts or pecans to add crunch. You can also add a handful of mini chocolate chips for extra sweetness; I love how they melt slightly into the batter during baking. For a truly decadent finish, try sprinkling the top with coarse sugar before baking to create a crispy crust.

Make it Gluten-Free

To convert this to a gluten-free loaf, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum. The result is just as tender, though you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Adjusting for Dietary Needs

For a dairy-free version, use a high-quality plant-based butter alternative and swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk (from a can) in the caramel. Be sure to use a high-quality plant-based yogurt or sour cream alternative for the batter as well to keep the crumb moist.

FAQs about Banana Bread Allrecipes

Q: What makes brown butter special in banana bread?

A: Brown butter adds a nutty, toasted flavor that transforms standard banana bread from basic to gourmet. The browning process concentrates the butterfat and removes moisture, creating a richer flavor profile. It’s a key part of what makes this specific banana bread recipe allrecipes stand out.

Q: What if I don’t have sour cream?

A: You can substitute the sour cream with full-fat plain yogurt. Greek yogurt adds extra thickness, which is great for moisture. The acidity in these ingredients reacts with the baking soda for a tender crumb.

Q: How ripe should bananas be for banana bread?

A: The riper, the better! Bananas should have plenty of brown spots or be almost completely black. This ensures maximum sweetness and moisture, which is crucial for a great banana bread recipe allrecipes.

Q: Can I bake this loaf in a different size pan?

A: Yes, but adjust baking time carefully. For mini loaves, reduce time to 25-35 minutes. For muffins, bake for 18-22 minutes. Watch closely as ovens vary; this banana bread recipe allrecipes can easily be adapted for different pan sizes.

Q: How do I prevent the loaf from sinking in the middle?

A: Ensure your baking soda is fresh and don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing develops gluten, which can cause the bread to rise rapidly and then collapse. I’ve found that a light touch in mixing prevents this issue, especially when trying to maintain a tender crumb for this specific banana bread recipe allrecipes.

Q: How long will this banana bread keep fresh?

A: Store at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The loaf will stay moist due to the caramel and sour cream. You can also refrigerate it for longer storage, up to a week.

Make Ahead and Storage Notes

This banana bread recipe allrecipes is great for making ahead for healthy eating and high-protein snacks. Proper storage ensures you can enjoy a fresh slice days after baking. Here are the best methods for keeping it fresh for longer.

• Storing the Loaf: Store completely cooled banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. The flavor actually deepens overnight.
• Freezing for Later: To freeze the whole loaf, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then wrap again in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.
• Freezing Slices: For quick portions, slice the loaf before freezing, wrapping each slice individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a larger freezer bag. This allows you to grab single slices easily.
• Caramel Storage: The cardamom caramel sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Gently warm it before serving.

Conclusion

This brown butter cardamom caramel swirl loaf offers elevated comfort food for a special breakfast or cozy afternoon treat. Save this banana bread recipe allrecipes to your Pinterest board for easy access next time you need a new family favorite.

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