Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
This brown butter chocolate chip banana bread is my absolute favourite version of your classic banana bread. There is something about banana bread that just feels like the perfect weekend bake. It’s cozy, simple, comforting, and fills the kitchen with the kind of smell that makes everyone wander in asking what’s in the oven. Instead of just melted butter, the butter is browned first, which adds the most beautiful deep, nutty flavour that pairs perfectly with extra ripe bananas. The result is a loaf that’s soft, fluffy, rich, and incredibly tender, but still light enough that it never feels heavy.
And then of course… the chocolate. I always fold in generous chunks so that every slice has those little pockets of melted chocolate throughout. When it comes out of the oven warm and the chocolate is still slightly melty, it’s honestly impossible to resist slicing into it right away.
This is one of those bakes that feels perfect as we move into early spring. It’s still cozy enough for cooler mornings, but light enough to pair with a cup of tea and a little bit of sunshine through the window. I love baking this on a slow Saturday, slicing it thick, and enjoying a piece while pretending winter is officially behind us.
What You’ll Need
This banana bread uses simple pantry staples, but the little details are what make it special. Extra ripe bananas are key here — the darker and softer they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your loaf will be. Browning the butter adds a deep, almost caramel-like richness that completely elevates the classic banana bread flavor. Greek yogurt keeps the loaf incredibly moist while still staying light and fluffy, and the chocolate chips melt into little pockets throughout the bread.
Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Checklist
Ripe bananas
Unsalted butter
Egg
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
Greek yogurt
All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Cinnamon
Semi-sweet chocolate chips or chocolate chunks
Making the Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9-inch loaf pan with parchment paper so the bread lifts out easily once baked. In a large bowl, combine the mashed ripe bananas with the browned butter, mixing until fully incorporated. Add the brown sugar and mix for about a minute or two until everything is well blended and slightly glossy. Next, add the granulated sugar and continue mixing until the mixture forms a smooth, thick paste.Crack in the egg and whisk until fully incorporated. Then add the Greek yogurt and vanilla, mixing for another minute or two until the batter becomes smooth and creamy.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and the mushroom blend. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this keeps the bread soft and tender.Fold in the chocolate chips or chunks, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top if you like that bakery-style finish. Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.Allow the banana bread to cool completely before slicing. This helps the texture set and keeps each slice perfectly soft and fluffy.
This brown butter banana bread is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. It’s simple, cozy, and just indulgent enough to feel special without being overly rich.
The nutty brown butter, sweet bananas, warm cinnamon, and melted chocolate all come together to create a loaf that feels both nostalgic and elevated at the same time. Whether you’re baking it for a slow weekend morning, an afternoon coffee break, or just because you have a few overripe bananas sitting on the counter, it’s the kind of recipe that never disappoints.
Slice it thick, pour a cup of tea or coffee, and enjoy every cozy bite.
Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe
Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
The nutty brown butter, sweet bananas, warm cinnamon, and melted chocolate all come together to create a loaf that feels both nostalgic and elevated at the same time. Whether you’re baking it for a slow weekend morning, an afternoon coffee break, or just because you have a few overripe bananas sitting on the counter, it’s the kind of recipe that never disappoints.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas 330g
- 8 tbsp melted browned butter 118g or coconut oil
- 1 egg
- ⅓ cup cane sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 3 tsp vanilla or 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste
- ⅓ cup 0% greek yogurt
- 1½ cup all purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup dark chocolate chunks
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix the wet ingredients: Add browned butter to mashed banana, mix until combined. Add brown sugar, mix for 1–2 minutes until well combined. Add granulated sugar and mix until paste forms. Crack in the egg and whisk until fully incorporated. Add Greek yogurt, and vanilla. Mix for another 1–2 minutes until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: All-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and top with additional chocolate chips, if desired.
- Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing and enjoying.
