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Tender Ultra-Moist Brown Butter Banana Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl

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A tender, ultra-moist banana bread featuring nutty brown butter and a creamy tangy cream cheese swirl, perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, browned and cooled slightly
  • 3 medium ripe bananas (about 1 1/2 cups mashed)
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 ounces (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) sour cream
  • 1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Brown the Butter: Place 1/2 cup unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally as it melts and foams. Watch closely as the butter changes from yellow to golden brown with nutty aroma (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly but not solidify.
  2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl: In a small bowl, beat 4 ounces softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons sour cream until smooth. Add 1/4 cup powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat again until creamy and well combined. Set aside in the fridge.
  3. Mix the Banana Bread Batter: In a large bowl, mash 3 ripe bananas until smooth with some lumps. Stir in 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup brown sugar until combined. Add 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mix well. Slowly pour in the warm browned butter and stir to incorporate.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
  5. Assemble the Loaf: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper. Pour half of the banana bread batter into the pan, smoothing the top. Dollop half of the cream cheese mixture in spoonfuls over the batter. Spread remaining batter over the cream cheese. Drop remaining cream cheese mixture by spoonfuls on top and use a skewer or knife to create swirls.
  6. Bake: Place loaf in the oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center — it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. If the top browns too fast, tent with foil.
  7. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Brown the butter carefully to avoid burning; watch for dark flecks and nutty aroma. Use very ripe bananas for best sweetness and moisture. Soften cream cheese properly for smooth swirl. Avoid overmixing batter after adding flour to keep bread tender. Bake in lower third of oven and avoid opening door in first 40 minutes for a shiny, crack-free top. Swirl cream cheese immediately before baking to prevent sinking.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana bread, brown butter, cream cheese swirl, moist banana bread, easy banana bread, breakfast bread, snack bread

Find it online: https://spoonmira.com/tender-ultra-moist-brown-butter-banana-bread-with-cream-cheese-swirl-recipe/