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Irresistible Miso Brown Butter Banana Bread Recipe with Crunchy Sesame Topping

miso brown butter banana bread - featured image

This miso brown butter banana bread combines the nutty depth of browned butter with subtle umami from miso, topped with crunchy toasted sesame seeds for a unique twist on a classic treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, browned and cooled slightly
  • 1 tablespoon white or yellow miso paste
  • 3/4 cup (150g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour (can substitute with almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
  • Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions

  1. Brown the butter: Place 1/2 cup unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently as the butter melts, foams, then turns golden brown with a nutty aroma (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and cool slightly.
  2. Toast the sesame seeds: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast 3 tablespoons sesame seeds until golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Stir often to prevent burning. Set aside.
  3. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
  4. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the bananas thoroughly. Add browned butter, brown sugar, miso paste, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until fully combined and glossy.
  5. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and salt. Add nuts if using.
  6. Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture gently with a spatula until no flour streaks remain. Avoid overmixing.
  7. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
  8. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds evenly over the top.
  9. Bake for 55-65 minutes, checking at 55 minutes with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  10. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Use a light-colored pan to brown butter so you can watch the color change. Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan for maximum crunch and aroma. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the bread tender. If sesame seeds brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking. Room temperature eggs help the batter combine smoothly.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana bread, miso, brown butter, sesame seeds, quick bread, umami, toasted sesame, nutty flavor, easy banana bread