Brown Sugar Banana Bread

Introduction

Few things are as comforting as the aroma of banana bread baking in the oven, and this Brown Sugar Banana Bread takes that comfort to a whole new level. Instead of using regular white sugar, this recipe uses rich, caramel-like brown sugar, which enhances the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and gives the bread a warm depth of flavor. The molasses in the brown sugar keeps the bread extra moist and adds a slight chewiness to the crumb, making each bite truly irresistible.

This loaf has the perfect balance of sweetness, softness, and richness. It’s ideal for breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up with coffee, or a cozy dessert after dinner. Even better, the bread stays moist for days, so it’s a great make-ahead recipe for busy weeks or gatherings.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple yet indulgent. The brown sugar gives the banana bread a slightly caramelized flavor that feels like a hug in food form. It’s rustic, homey, and wonderfully aromatic. Plus, it uses pantry staples and ripe bananas—so instead of wasting overripe fruit, you create a loaf that feels bakery-worthy with minimal effort.

Another reason I adore this recipe is its versatility. You can make it as a plain loaf for a classic treat, add nuts for crunch, or fold in chocolate chips for a sweeter twist. It always turns out delicious and makes the kitchen smell heavenly.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This recipe is a must-try because it transforms a simple banana bread into something truly special with the richness of brown sugar. It’s:

• Extra moist thanks to the molasses in the sugar.
• Flavorful and aromatic with a deeper sweetness than white sugar banana bread.
• Perfectly versatile—you can enjoy it plain, toasted with butter, or dressed up with toppings.
• Foolproof and beginner-friendly, making it a great go-to recipe for anyone.

If you’ve only ever made banana bread with white sugar, you’ll be amazed at how much flavor brown sugar brings to the loaf.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55–65 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 10 slices
• Calories: ~260 calories per slice

Course & Cuisine

• Course: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
• Cuisine: American Comfort Food

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200 g) packed light brown sugar (can use dark brown sugar for deeper flavor)
• 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 medium ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk (or plain yogurt)
• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preheat Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients
   In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Stir in the mashed bananas and buttermilk.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
   In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
4. Mix Batter
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Add Mix-ins (Optional)
   Fold in nuts or chocolate chips if using.
6. Bake
   Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool
   Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

How to Serve

• Serve warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese.
• Toast slices and drizzle with honey or spread with peanut butter.
• Enjoy with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.

Recipe Tips

• Use very ripe bananas (lots of brown spots) for the best flavor and sweetness.
• Dark brown sugar will give a richer, more caramel-like flavor.
• Don’t overmix the batter—this keeps the bread tender.
• If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil during baking.

Variations

• Nutty Banana Bread: Add walnuts, pecans, or almonds for crunch.
• Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips.
• Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread: Swirl a mix of cinnamon and sugar into the batter before baking.
• Glazed Banana Bread: Drizzle with a brown sugar glaze for extra sweetness.
• Healthy Version: Substitute part of the flour with whole wheat flour and use coconut oil instead of butter.

Freezing & Storage

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps for up to 1 week when wrapped well.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or hand mixer
• Spatula
• Wire cooling rack

Conclusion

This Brown Sugar Banana Bread is a rich, moist, and flavorful twist on the classic recipe. The brown sugar adds caramel notes and extra softness, making it truly irresistible. Whether you serve it warm with butter, dressed up with nuts and chocolate, or simply on its own, this bread is pure comfort in every slice. It’s easy, versatile, and perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself.

Print Recipe

0 Add to Favorites

Brown Sugar Banana Bread

Author: admin Cuisine: American Courses: Appetizer & Snacks, Breakfast, Desserts

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 65 mins Total Time 1 hr 20 mins

Calories: 260 calories per slice

Description

Few things are as comforting as the aroma of banana bread baking in the oven, and this Brown Sugar Banana Bread takes that comfort to a whole new level.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 cup (200 g)
• ¹⁄₂ cup (115 g)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 medium ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
• ¹⁄₂ cup (120 ml)
• 2 cups (250 g)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon baking powder
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• ¹⁄₂ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• ¹⁄₂ cup chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven :Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients :In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Stir in the mashed bananas and buttermilk.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
4. Mix Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Add Mix-ins (Optional): Fold in nuts or chocolate chips if using.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Keywords: Brown Sugar Banana Bread