This Easy Banana Bread with Matcha and Browned Butter brings a unique twist to the classic banana bread recipe. The warm, nutty flavor of browned butter complements the vibrant, earthy taste of matcha, making each bite a delicious experience. The matcha powder gives the bread a beautiful green hue, while the browned butter adds richness and depth.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, this banana bread is easy to prepare and will leave your kitchen smelling heavenly. The balance between the sweetness of ripe bananas and the subtle bitterness of matcha is simply divine, and it makes for a comforting, yet sophisticated treat. Whether you’re a matcha enthusiast or just looking for a fun twist on traditional banana bread, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 ripe bananas, mashed
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1/2 cup browned butter (cooled)
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1 tablespoon matcha powder
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1/2 cup sugar
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1/2 cup buttermilk
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth.
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Add the cooled browned butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix until combined.
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In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and matcha powder.
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Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, until the batter is smooth.
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
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Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 240 kcal | Servings: 10 slices
Why This Banana Bread Stands Out
What sets this banana bread apart from other variations is the use of matcha and browned butter. Matcha, a powdered form of green tea, is packed with antioxidants and offers a subtle, slightly bitter flavor that complements the sweetness of ripe bananas beautifully. On the other hand, browned butter adds a nutty, toasted flavor to the bread, which creates a depth of taste that can’t be replicated with regular butter. These two ingredients elevate the banana bread to something truly special, making it a showstopper at any gathering or a sweet treat to enjoy by yourself.
Health Benefits of Matcha
Matcha is more than just a flavorful ingredient—it’s also a health powerhouse. As a concentrated form of green tea, matcha contains high levels of antioxidants, specifically catechins, which are known for their ability to fight free radicals in the body. Additionally, matcha provides a more sustained energy boost compared to regular tea or coffee due to the presence of L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation without causing drowsiness. This makes matcha a perfect addition to a breakfast or snack recipe like banana bread, offering not only a unique flavor but also a nutritional boost.
The antioxidant properties of matcha have been linked to improved heart health, better brain function, and enhanced metabolism, making it an excellent choice for those looking to incorporate healthier ingredients into their diet. While banana bread might not be a health food in the traditional sense, the addition of matcha gives it an extra dose of beneficial compounds.
Browned Butter: A Flavorful Game Changer
Browned butter, also known as “beurre noisette,” is a French culinary technique where butter is melted and cooked until the milk solids caramelize, turning the butter a golden brown color. This process imparts a rich, nutty flavor that’s hard to beat. When you add browned butter to banana bread, it transforms the flavor profile, giving it a complex depth that regular butter just can’t provide. The toasty, caramelized notes of the butter pair wonderfully with the natural sweetness of the bananas, creating a rich, savory-sweet experience with every bite.
The use of browned butter also gives the bread a slightly crisp edge and a golden-brown crust, which adds to its overall appeal. For anyone who loves the flavor of nuts, browned butter provides a similar taste profile, making it a fantastic complement to the bananas and matcha.
How Matcha and Browned Butter Complement Each Other
The pairing of matcha and browned butter might seem unusual at first, but these two ingredients come together in perfect harmony. The slightly bitter, grassy notes of matcha provide a beautiful contrast to the rich, nutty flavor of browned butter, while the natural sweetness of the bananas ties everything together. The balance of flavors is delicate yet satisfying, making each slice of this banana bread a treat for the senses.
Matcha and browned butter also bring out the best in each other in terms of texture. The smooth, creamy consistency of the butter helps to create a moist, tender crumb in the banana bread, while the matcha powder gives the bread a slight earthiness without being overwhelming. This balance makes the bread rich but not too heavy, perfect for a light breakfast or a snack with a cup of tea or coffee.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This easy banana bread with matcha and browned butter is versatile enough to be enjoyed on a variety of occasions. Whether you’re preparing it for a leisurely weekend breakfast, serving it as a dessert at a family gathering, or gifting it to friends during the holidays, this bread is sure to impress. Its vibrant green color, thanks to the matcha, makes it a striking centerpiece for any brunch table, and the unique flavor combination makes it an instant conversation starter.
For those who are accustomed to traditional banana bread, this version adds a surprising twist that elevates the ordinary into the extraordinary. The matcha provides a refreshing, slightly exotic flavor, while the browned butter adds a depth of flavor that transforms the bread into something truly indulgent.
Customization and Variations
One of the great things about banana bread is its adaptability. This recipe can easily be customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. For those who prefer a sweeter version, you can increase the sugar content or add a handful of chocolate chips or chopped nuts. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can replace some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or use a sugar substitute. You can also experiment with different types of milk, such as almond or oat milk, for a dairy-free option.
For those who love an extra punch of flavor, you can add a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a spoonful of peanut butter to the batter. The possibilities are endless, and the beauty of this recipe is that you can tailor it to your personal preferences.
Storing and Freezing Banana Bread
Banana bread can be stored at room temperature for up to three days in an airtight container. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. This way, you can enjoy a slice of banana bread any time you want, even if it’s been weeks since you baked it.
To defrost, simply let the bread sit at room temperature for a few hours, or if you’re in a hurry, you can microwave it for a few seconds to warm it up. The bread retains its moistness even after being frozen, making it a convenient option to bake in advance for busy mornings or unexpected guests.
Conclusion: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Favorite
In conclusion, this Easy Banana Bread with Matcha and Browned Butter is an exciting and delicious twist on the traditional banana bread recipe. The matcha powder adds an earthy, vibrant flavor, while the browned butter lends a rich, nutty depth that complements the natural sweetness of the bananas. Whether you’re a matcha enthusiast or just looking to try something new, this banana bread is sure to impress. Its unique flavor profile and moist, tender texture make it the perfect addition to your baking repertoire.
So next time you’re in the mood for banana bread, consider adding a little matcha and browned butter to the mix for a delightful surprise. This recipe is simple to make, versatile, and packed with flavor—a true crowd-pleaser for any occasion.