Healthy Whole Wheat Brown Butter Banana Bread Recipe
Indulge in the comforting flavors of a classic banana bread, elevated to new heights with the nutty essence of brown butter and the wholesome goodness of whole wheat flour. This Healthy Whole Wheat Brown Butter Banana Bread not only satisfies your sweet cravings but also provides a nutritious twist that makes it perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a delightful dessert.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter (unsalted) | 1/2 cup |
| Caster Sugar or Brown Sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Whole Eggs or Flax Meal Egg Replacer | 2 whole eggs or 2 flax meal egg replacers |
| Milk (at room temperature) | 1/4 cup |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Ripe Bananas (overripe is best) | 3 bananas |
| All-Purpose Flour (Maida) | 1 1/2 cups |
| Whole Wheat Flour | 1/2 cup |
| Baking Soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 pinch |
| Badam (Almonds) – roasted and chopped | 1/2 cup (can substitute with other nuts) |
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximately)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Total Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 40mg |
| Sodium | 100mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 31g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 10g |
| Protein | 4g |
Preparation Time
| Time | Duration |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 20 mins |
| Cooking Time | 45 mins |
| Total Time | 65 mins |
| Servings | 6 |
Instructions
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Prepare the Brown Butter: Begin by melting the unsalted butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Watch carefully as the butter foams and crackles; gently swirl the pan as the crackling subsides. You’ll notice the butter transitioning to a rich brown color while releasing a nutty aroma. Once this happens, remove the pan from the heat and pour the melted butter into a large mixing bowl, allowing it to cool.
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 175 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit). Grease an 8×5 inch loaf pan with a little extra butter and line the bottom and sides with parchment paper, allowing some overhang. This will make it easier to lift out the banana bread once baked.
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Roast the Nuts: Place the chopped almonds (or your choice of nuts) on a baking sheet and slide it into the oven during the preheating process. Let them roast for about 7 to 8 minutes until they’re fragrant and lightly golden. Once roasted, remove them from the oven and set aside to cool.
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Mix the Wet Ingredients: Once the butter has cooled to a warm temperature, add the caster sugar (or brown sugar) and mix until well combined. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully mixed in before adding the next. Then add the milk and vanilla extract, whisking until everything is blended smoothly.
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Mash the Bananas: Peel the ripe bananas and mash them directly into the wet mixture using a fork or a potato masher until smooth.
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Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
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Add the Nuts: Fold in the roasted and chopped almonds (or other nuts of your choice), ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
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Prepare for Baking: Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. To achieve a delightful crunchy crust, sprinkle a little extra sugar on top of the batter. Tap the pan lightly on the countertop to release any air bubbles that may have formed.
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Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50 to 60 minutes. Start checking for doneness around the 50-minute mark. The banana bread is done when a skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool the Bread: After baking, allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 8 to 10 minutes. Once slightly cooled, lift the bread out of the pan using the parchment paper and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely for another 10 minutes.
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Serve and Enjoy: This Healthy Whole Wheat Brown Butter Banana Bread can be served warm or at room temperature. It makes a wonderful tea-time snack, a satisfying breakfast, or a delightful treat for school lunchboxes.
Tips for Success
- Bananas: For the best flavor and sweetness, use bananas that are very ripe; those with brown spots work best.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for up to a week. It can also be frozen for longer storage; wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
- Customizations: Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruits, or other nuts to suit your taste preferences.
This Healthy Whole Wheat Brown Butter Banana Bread not only elevates the classic recipe but also infuses it with rich flavors and textures that will keep you reaching for another slice. Enjoy the process of baking, the delightful aromas filling your kitchen, and most importantly, the delicious results that bring joy to your table!
