Best Ever Banana Bread with Vanilla Browned Butter Glaze

I found this recipe for Banana Bread and Vanilla Browned Butter Glaze at Averie Cooks.  I knew I’d have to try it.  I mean, really, when someone claims to have found the perfect banana bread recipe, you’d be a fool not to take advantage of their long search!  And oh, after tasting this banana bread, you will give yourself a big pat on the back.  It truly is THE BEST banana bread I have ever put my hands on; super moist and flavorful.  And the glaze?  It took everything in me not to eat it by the spoonful (okay fine…not to eat more than one spoonful…).

Banana Bread  (makes 1 9×5 loaf, 2 8×4 loaves)

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 5.3 oz container of vanilla greek yogurt
• 3 medium bananas, mashed (1 1/2 cups)
• one 3.4-ounce box vanilla instant pudding
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, optional and to taste

1. Preheat oven to 350F; grease (or spray) and flour the pan.
2. In a large microwave-safe mixing bowl, melt the butter, about 1 minute.
3. To the melted butter, add the sugars, eggs, vanilla, yogurt, and stir or whisk to combine. Add the bananas and stir to incorporate.
4. Add the dry pudding mix and stir to combine.
5. Add the flour, baking soda, salt, and stir until just combined, taking care not to over-mix or bread will be tougher.
6. Pour batter into pan and bake for 50 to 58 minutes, or until top is golden and set, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
7. Allow bread to cool in the loaf pan for at least 20 minutes before removing from the pan and transferring to a rack to finish cooling.

Vanilla Browned Butter Glaze

• 1/4 cup butter (half stick)
• 1-1 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted (I used just over a cup)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1-2 Tbsp cream or milk (I used 1 1/2 tbsp milk)

1. Brown the butter.  You can do this on the stovetop by heating the butter over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 5 to 7 minutes, or in the microwave by microwaving on high for 5 to 7 minutes. It is done when it turns a nice brown color and there is no more sputtering or foaming, and has a nutty aroma.  Just be sure to watch it closely and start checking it every 15-to-30 seconds starting at about the 5-minute mark.  Transfer hot butter to medium-sized mixing bowl and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes.
2. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and whisk to combine.
3. Based on desired glaze consistency and taste preference, add the cream one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached, playing with sugar and cream ratios as necessary.
4. Spoon or drizzle glaze over the top of the bread before slicing and serving.

Nervous about browning butter?  Check out this tutorial at Ambitious Kitchen – its awesome!

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