September 22nd marked the first official day of Autumn this year. As the wind blows and leaves fall from trees, the weather cools and the perfect time for baking is here! Instead of picking up a box mix or premade desserts this fall, go to the baking aisle and get some ingredients. Put on your apron, preheat the oven, and turn on a comfort show.

Baking can be intimidating at first. Though do not fret, it is not as difficult as it seems! Banana bread is a lovely treat that seems complex but is incredibly easy. Banana bread was created during the Great Depression, in the 1930s. During that time, food waste was heavily avoided due to scarcity. Thus, even overripe bananas needed to be put to use, and at the time, all the ingredients used in banana bread were accessible and cheap. Recipes for this delightful bread appeared in many popular American cookbooks, such as Pilsbury and the United Fruit Company. Now the dessert is just as appreciated, with hundreds of recipes over the internet, and countless people continue to bake it for their loved ones.

In this recipe, you’ll learn to level up your banana bread in one way: browned butter. Before getting into the process, make sure you have all the ingredients: 113 grams of butter (preferably unsalted), 165 grams of brown sugar(granulated is fine), 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 3 or 350 grams of large overripe bananas, 210 grams of all purpose flour, 2 and ½ teaspoon baking power, and finally 1 teaspoon of salt, though omit the salt if the butter is salted. The only equipment needed is a large mixing bowl, a bread tin, and anything to mix the batter with. 

Once you have all that you need, preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and place a shallow pot or pan on the stove at medium heat. Set your butter in the pot or pan and continuously stir for around 3-5 minutes until it turns brown, has a nutty smell, and has small brown flecks at the bottom. The butter will foam up at first and then slowly turn in color and smell. Transfer it into a separate container to let it cool. After the butter has cooled, mix the butter and sugar. The butter being cooled is crucial, as if it is still hot, it will cook the eggs, and you will have an eggy banana bread. Crack in both eggs and add the vanilla extract. When it mixture is smoothly combined, add in the bananas and mash them into small pieces; this can be done with a fork. Once that is all mixed, add in the flour, baking powder, and salt slowly. Pause to mix the batter and then continue adding the dry ingredients, making sure it is thoroughly mixed, but be wary of overmixing. The batter will be thick, and this is what you want! 

At this point, you can add any additional ingredients like walnuts, pecans, cinnamon, chocolate chips, crumble, or nutmeg. Banana bread is extremely versatile when it comes to toppings; add to your personal tastes. Once those are mixed in, oil, butter, or line your bread tin with parchment paper before pouring in your batter, then you can toss it into the oven! Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until you see the center isn’t watery. It is easy to overbake, so if you need to bake for less time for your desired texture, that is okay too. 

Banana bread is a delicious, simple good to bake during those chilly autumn days. However, don’t make the mistake of consuming it right out of the oven; you may burn your tongue! The few minutes it takes to cool down are worth it. This banana bread will warm your entire soul with the first bite. Pair it with some tea or cocoa, and it’s the perfect treat. Don’t be afraid of your oven this fall; embrace the mess and the reward of a baked good!