Brown Butter Banana Bread with Spiced Oat Crumble Topping

Discover the perfect balance of soft, moist banana bread topped with a crunchy spiced oat crumble. This recipe is comfort food at its best - ideal for a quick sweet treat, afternoon tea, or whenever you need a little pick-me-up.

There’s something magical about the smell of banana bread baking, don’t you think? It’s like an instant comfort hug for the soul. This recipe for Brown Butter Banana Bread with Spiced Oat Crumble Topping takes that nostalgia and adds a little extra flair with warm, fragrant spices and a crunchy oat crumble that melts in your mouth.

It’s inspired by my love for the comforting flavors of autumn (even though it's always a bit warmer here in Brisbane!). I wanted to create a banana bread that felt both familiar and elevated—a recipe you could enjoy on a lazy Sunday morning with a steaming cup of tea or coffee.

The Secret to Perfect Banana Bread

The key is in the butter. Browning the butter adds a deep, nutty flavor that sets this banana bread apart. It’s a small step that makes a world of difference. Paired with overripe bananas, this creates a rich, moist base.

The crumble topping is another layer of joy. Oats, brown sugar, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg give this bread a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.

When to Make It

This banana bread is a go-to when you have overripe bananas that need saving. It's also perfect for weekend baking projects when you want to treat yourself or impress guests at brunch.

Want to switch things up? Add chopped walnuts or dark chocolate chips to the batter for an extra indulgent twist!

More Ways to Enjoy Banana Bread

One of my favourite ways to enjoy banana bread is inspired by something we used to serve at Miss Bliss. We’d toast a thick slice of banana bread, then top it with coconut yogurt, a generous spoonful of berry compote, and a perfectly caramelized banana. It was always a hit- beautifully indulgent but still wholesome.

This recipe also works wonders for meal prep. Bake a loaf, slice it up, and freeze individual portions for a quick, satisfying snack or breakfast on the go. You can even warm it up and add a drizzle of honey or your favorite nut butter for extra coziness.

Let me know how you enjoy your banana bread! Would love to see your creative twists.

Brown Butter Banana Bread with

Spiced Oat Crumble Topping

Makes: 1 loaf (8-10 slices)
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

Banana Bread

110g unsalted butter, browned

4 ripe bananas (about 300-350g mashed)

75g caster sugar

1 tbsp brown sugar

2 large eggs (approx. 60g each)

2 tsp vanilla bean paste

2 tbsp Greek yogurt (or sour cream), 65g

200g plain flour

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

Spiced Oat Crumble

40g rolled oats

30g plain flour

40g brown sugar

½ tsp ground cinnamon

¼ tsp ground nutmeg

¼ tsp ground ginger

⅛ tsp ground cloves or allspice

⅛ tsp ground cardamom (optional)

40g unsalted butter, cold and cubed (or melted for a crisp finish)

Pinch of salt

Method

Prepare the Browned Butter

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden brown and smells nutty (about 5-7 minutes).

Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Make the Banana Bread Batter

Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). Grease and line a loaf tin with baking paper.

In a large bowl, combine the sugars and cooled brown butter - mix well.

Add the eggs and whisk till it starts to look pale. Combine in the vanilla bean paste & Greek yoghurt. Whisk until well combined.

Add the bananas in and creak up (I like the chunky texture of not having completely mashed bananas)

Fold in the plain flour, baking powder, and salt.

Avoid overmixing to keep the bread light and soft.

Make the Spiced Oat Crumble

In a bowl, combine the rolled oats, plain flour, brown sugar, spices, and salt.

Add the butter and rub it into the dry mixture with your fingers until crumbly. If using melted butter, mix with a fork until combined.

Assemble and Bake

Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf tin and smooth the top.

Sprinkle the spiced oat crumble evenly over the batter.

Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Check the loaf around the 40-minute mark. If the crumble is browning too quickly, tent the loaf with foil.

Cool and Serve

Let the banana bread cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Slice and enjoy the perfect balance of soft banana bread and crunchy spiced oat crumble.

To keep your Brown Butter Banana Bread with Spiced Oat Crumble Topping fresh, follow these tips:

Banana Bread: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost and warm slices in the oven or toaster for that fresh-baked feel.

Oat Crumble: If you have extra topping before baking, store it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week and use it for other desserts like muffins or fruit crumbles.