Description
Experience the tropical flavors of Jamaican Banana Bread, a delightful twist on a classic favorite. This recipe combines ripe bananas, coconut, and a hint of rum or apple cider for a moist and flavorful bread that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe banana (about 3 bananas)
- 1/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt (or pina colada flavored!!)
- 3 tablespoons dark rum OR apple cider
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup flaked sweetened coconut
- Cooking spray
- 1 tablespoon flaked sweetened coconut
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime or lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt, stirring with a whisk.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Place granulated sugar and butter in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until well blended.
- Add Eggs: Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add mashed banana, yogurt, rum (or apple cider), and vanilla extract; beat until blended.
- Combine Mixtures: Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients; beat at low speed just until moist.
- Stir in Coconut: Stir in 1/2 cup of flaked sweetened coconut.
- Prepare Pan: Spoon batter into a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of flaked sweetened coconut.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F for 1 hour or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Bread: Cool in the pan for 10 minutes on a wire rack; then remove from the pan.
- Add Glaze: Combine powdered sugar and lime or lemon juice, stirring with a whisk; drizzle over warm bread.
- Cool Completely: Cool the bread completely on the wire rack before slicing.
Notes
Serving Tips:
- Breakfast Treat: Enjoy a slice of Jamaican Banana Bread with a pat of butter or a smear of cream cheese for a delightful morning start.
- Afternoon Snack: Pair a slice with a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
- Dessert Delight: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a tropical-inspired dessert.
- Brunch Addition: Add this flavorful banana bread to your brunch spread along with fresh fruits, eggs, and bacon.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with additional flaked coconut or a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
Storage Tips:
- Room Temperature: Store banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep it wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the banana bread in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This will help retain its freshness.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: To enjoy warm banana bread, reheat slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your Jamaican Banana Bread fresh and delicious, whether you’re serving it right away or saving it for later.
