Banana Bread Butter Recipe
This easy-to-make cinnamon banana butter spread is a delicious treat, perfect for spreading on toast, pancakes, or simply enjoying by the spoonful. With a rich combination of cinnamon sugar butter and ripe banana, it delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and flavor. Here's how to make it:
Ingredients
- 1 (6.5 ounce) tub cinnamon sugar butter spread
- 1/2 ripe banana
- 1 pinch kosher salt
Directions
1. Place the banana, cinnamon sugar butter spread, and pinch of kosher salt into the bowl of a food processor.
2. Process until the mixture becomes smooth and well-combined.
3. Transfer the mixture back into the tub you used for the butter spread.
4. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Each serving provides the following nutritional information:
| Nutrition Facts | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 139 |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 2mg |
| Sodium | 140mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 1g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Total Sugars | 1g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Vitamin C | 1mg |
| Calcium | 2mg |
| Iron | 0mg |
| Potassium | 25mg |
Serving Information
This recipe yields 10 servings, each providing 139 calories. Please note that the daily values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet, and your nutritional needs may vary.
The Story Behind Banana Bread Butter
Banana Bread Butter is a delightful twist on the classic banana bread, transforming the familiar loaf flavor into a creamy spread. The origin of banana-based baked goods in the United States dates back to the 1930s, during the Great Depression, when bakers sought to use overripe bananas to reduce waste. While banana bread itself quickly became a household staple, the concept of turning it into a butter spread is more recent, emerging in home kitchens and artisanal food markets as a way to enjoy banana bread in a quicker, more versatile form.
Regional Variations
This spread is most popular in the United States, particularly in regions where bananas are a common fruit and home baking is culturally significant. In the South, it may be enhanced with a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg, reflecting the regions love for spiced desserts. Meanwhile, in Northern states, bakers often favor a simpler approach with just banana and butter, allowing the natural sweetness of the fruit to shine. Some coastal areas experiment by blending the spread with tropical flavors, such as coconut or pineapple, giving it a unique island-inspired twist.
How It Differs from Similar Dishes
Unlike traditional banana bread, which is a baked loaf requiring slicing, Banana Bread Butter is a no-bake spread designed to be used on toast, muffins, or pancakes. Compared to other flavored butters like cinnamon or honey butter, this spread incorporates actual fruit, giving it a more natural sweetness and creamy texture. It is also distinct from fruit jams or preserves, as it contains no additional sugar beyond what is in the butter spread, offering a rich, buttery mouthfeel rather than a gelatinous consistency.
Typical Serving Settings
Banana Bread Butter is versatile and often served at breakfast or brunch. It pairs beautifully with toasted bread, bagels, or even warm croissants. Cafs and bakeries may offer it as a specialty topping, sometimes garnished with nuts or a drizzle of honey. At home, its a convenient option for a quick snack, spreading easily on crackers or using as a dip for fresh fruit. Its creamy texture and mild sweetness make it a favorite for both children and adults.
Interesting Facts
- The combination of butter and banana provides a perfect balance of fat and natural sugars, enhancing the absorption of vitamins found in bananas, like potassium and vitamin B6.
- Banana Bread Butter can be easily customized with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a splash of vanilla extract.
- Because it is made from just a few ingredients, it is often considered a pantry-friendly recipe, perfect for using overripe bananas before they spoil.
- Artisanal food shops sometimes market it as a gourmet spread, highlighting its homemade appeal and connection to comfort foods.
- Despite its simplicity, it evokes the nostalgic flavor of traditional banana bread, making it a favorite for those seeking a quick yet indulgent treat.