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The Banana Bread That Taught Me to Slow Down


I almost tossed the bananas.

You know the ones—too soft, too spotty, on their way to becoming fruit flies instead of breakfast. But something made me pause. I looked at them again and saw possibility. I grabbed a pan, browned some butter, and before I knew it, I was breathing a little deeper.

This is what baking does when we let it. It slows time. Softens the edges. Reminds us that transformation takes a little heat, a little waiting, and a whole lot of intention.

I’ve made this banana bread a dozen different ways, but this version is my go-to when I need grounding. It’s rich with brown butter, just the right amount of sweet, and finished with a sprinkle of sea salt that reminds me: contrast is beautiful.


Here’s how to make it.

Ritual Recipe: Salted Brown Butter Banana Bread


Let the bananas go a little overripe (the riper the better). Take your time. Breathe in the sweetness. This is soul food.


🍌 Salted Brown Butter Banana Bread

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

  • 3 very ripe bananas, mashed

  • 2 large eggs

  • ½ cup brown sugar (packed)

  • ¼ cup white sugar

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp baking soda

  • ½ tsp salt (plus flaky sea salt for topping)

  • Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line with parchment.

  2. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir often until it foams, then browns (you’ll smell a nutty aroma). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

  3. In a large bowl, whisk mashed bananas, eggs, brown sugar, white sugar, and vanilla. Stir in the browned butter.

  4. Add flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix.

  5. Fold in nuts or chocolate if using. Pour batter into loaf pan and sprinkle top with flaky sea salt.

  6. Bake for 50–60 minutes, until a toothpick comes out mostly clean.

  7. Let cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a little butter or nothing at all. 🍞


If you’re craving more rituals like this—moments that feel as nourishing as they are nostalgic—come join me inside The Joyful Baking Community. It’s a soft place to land. A sweet place to rise.


 
 
 

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