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Delicious Brown Butter Banana Bread Recipe with Toasted Walnut Streusel and Espresso Swirl

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A rich and flavorful banana bread featuring nutty brown butter, a crunchy toasted walnut streusel topping, and a subtle espresso swirl for a grown-up twist. Perfect for brunch or a cozy coffee break.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, browned
  • 3 ripe medium bananas, mashed
  • 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup (150g) light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons espresso powder, dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot water
  • 1 cup (120g) chopped walnuts, toasted
  • Streusel: 1/4 cup (30g) flour, 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar, 2 tablespoons (28g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • Optional: pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter. Stir frequently as it foams and then starts to brown, about 6-8 minutes, until nutty aroma and brown specks form. Remove from heat and transfer to a heatproof bowl to cool slightly.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper if desired.
  3. Spread 1 cup chopped walnuts on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 5 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove and let cool.
  4. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter. Mix with fingers or pastry cutter until crumbly. Stir in half the toasted walnuts and set aside.
  5. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 3/4 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and optional cinnamon or nutmeg.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed bananas, 3/4 cup light brown sugar, and 2 eggs. Whisk until smooth. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and cooled brown butter.
  7. Add dry flour mixture to wet ingredients and gently fold with a spatula until just combined; a few lumps are okay.
  8. Dissolve 2 teaspoons espresso powder in 1 tablespoon hot water. Dollop half the batter into the loaf pan, drizzle half the espresso mixture over it, then swirl gently with a knife. Repeat with remaining batter and espresso.
  9. Sprinkle streusel mixture evenly over the top, pressing lightly to help it stick.
  10. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Tent with foil halfway through if streusel browns too quickly.
  11. Let bread cool in pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Use a light-colored pan for browning butter to monitor color changes and prevent burning. Dissolve espresso powder in hot water before swirling to avoid clumps. Cold butter is essential for a crumbly streusel. Tent loaf with foil if streusel browns too fast. Overmixing batter can cause dense bread; fold gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana bread, brown butter, walnut streusel, espresso swirl, toasted walnuts, quick banana bread, easy banana bread, brunch recipe, coffee break snack

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/delicious-brown-butter-banana-bread-recipe-with-toasted-walnut-streusel-and-espresso-swirl-you-can-make-today/