Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place rack in middle of oven.

Spray a 9x5 inch loaf pan generously with non-stick cooking spray.

Melt the butter in a small pot over medium heat stirring occasionally. Watch carefully so it doesn't burn. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the butter begins to give off a nutty aroma and begins to brown. Remove from heat and set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon and baking soda. Set aside.

In a large bowl, mash bananas with a fork. Add the melted brown butter. Add the sugar, egg and vanilla and stir with a rubber spatula until well blended.

Stir in the flour mixture and mix until just combined.

Pour batter into prepared pan. Lay the half of a banana on top of batter.

Bake for 50-55 minutes or until tester comes out clean when inserted into center of loaf. If bread is browning too quickly tent it with a piece of tinfoil. Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack for 15 minutes before removing from pan.