Browned Butter Whole Grain Banana Bread
User Reviews
5
Browned Butter Whole Grain Banana Bread
Description
The Browned Butter Whole Grain Banana Bread integrates browned butter, which contributes a caramel-like richness distinct from plain melted butter. The combination of whole wheat flour and oat flour adds wholesome texture and slightly nutty notes. Ripe mashed bananas lend natural sweetness and moisture, balanced with honey and unsweetened applesauce for gentle sweetness and fat.
Using a flax egg instead of a traditional egg binder supports a plant-based alternative while maintaining structure. Spices including cinnamon and nutmeg bring cozy flavors that complement the bananas. Chopped walnuts incorporated in the batter produce textural contrast. The batter is baked at 325°F resulting in a moist loaf with a tender crumb and deep, browned butter aroma.
This bread is suitable for breakfast, snacks, or simple dessert. Its hearty grains and banana make it filling without being overly sweet. Leftovers keep well and can be toasted or warmed for renewed flavor. Nutritional considerations include estimated values, which can be adjusted based on ingredient choices.
Flax egg replaces traditional eggs; prepare by mixing ground flaxseed with water and chilling.Brown butter carefully to develop flavor without burning; watch for golden color and caramel aroma.The combination of flours creates heartier texture than all-purpose flour alone.Honey and applesauce provide natural sweetness and moisture without added refined sugar.Chopped walnuts offer a crunch counterpoint to soft bread.Nutrition estimates should be adjusted to exact ingredients used.
Ingredients
- 1 Flaxseed or 1 large egg, used as egg substitute
- ¼ cup butter unsalted
- 1 cup banana approx. 2 medium bananas, mashed, super ripe
- ¼ cup applesauce unsweetened
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tsp coconut oil
- 1 TBSP lemon juice
- 1 cup whole wheat flour unbleached white wheat
- ⅔ cup oat flour or additional white wheat flour, ground
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp cinnamon (it's great with ¾ tsp too!)
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ cup walnuts chopped, unsalted
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees F.
- Next whip up your flax egg. Simply combine 1 tablespoon of ground flax with 3 tablespoons of water, whisk, and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes. No need to time it, just pop it in the fridge until you're ready to add it to the mix.
- Remove half a stick of unsalted butter [only 4 tablespoons worth] from your fridge and slice. Slicing is optional, but will help the butter melt faster and more evenly. Add the butter to a small saucepan on medium-low heat and whisk occasionally, keeping an eye on the pot to prevent burning. A few minutes later, once the butter fully melts, it will start to froth and bubble at the top. Keep whisking repeatedly at this point, as the butter takes on a caramel brown-sugar smell. You'll start to notice tiny brown flecks at the bottom of your pan. Whisking those little specks will give the butter a golden-brown hue and signal when it's time to remove the butter from heat. Pour into clean bowl to prevent further cooking and set aside to cool to room temperature.
- Wait! Don't toss the pot in the sink yet!
- Leave the burner on medium-low heat, and add the banana, honey and coconut oil and applesauce to the pot you browned the butter in, scraping up any leftover golden flakes of deliciousness into the banana for added flavor. Just a few minutes stove top is all it will need, sauteing the banana a bit just further develops the sweetness and flavor. Once you're ready, pull from heat and add to a large mixing bowl to cool.
- You can purchase oats pre-ground into flour, but its ridiculously easy to make your own by pulsing plain rolled oats in a food processor until they're fluffy and powdery. They're delicious sprinkled into baked goods and veggie burgers too!
- Mix dry ingredients and whisk to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Add your browned butter, lemon juice, and flax egg to the banana mixture and stir.
- Sift in your dry ingredients [sometimes the oats try to hang out in the sifter, just pour them in slowly if that happens] while stirring the two together with a fork until just moistened.
- Add your chopped walnuts, fold in, and pour into a 9x5 or 8x4 loaf pan lined with parchment paper.
- Bake at 325 F for 45-55 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Mine is typically done around 50 minutes but ovens are testy little appliances and times may vary just a smidge <3
- Allow to cool before digging in to risk burning your face. Though I happen to lack self restraint in that department! Must... have... banana bread!
Notes
- Use a flaxseed "egg" made by whisking ground flax with water to bind the batter.
- Brown butter on medium-low heat until it smells caramel-like and has golden flecks, then remove promptly to avoid burning.
- Mixing whole wheat and oat flours produces a denser, more textured crumb than white flour alone.
- Honey and unsweetened applesauce add moisture and natural sweetness without refined sugar.
- Incorporate chopped walnuts for crunchy texture within the soft bread.
- Nutrition facts are approximate; adjust them based on exact ingredient brands and amounts.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 10slices
Amount Per Serving
Calories 207 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 207kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 26g | 9% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 11g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 12mg | 4% |
| Sodium | 156mg | 7% |
| Potassium | 139mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 151IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 23mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.