Jamaican Banana Bread is a delightful twist on the classic banana bread, featuring tropical flavors like toasted coconut and Bacardi black rum. This moist and flavorful bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a delicious snack. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making Jamaican Banana Bread, provide helpful cooking notes, and offer variations to suit different tastes.
Ingredients
For the Banana Bread:
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 cups mashed bananas (about three large bananas)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 1 cup toasted coconut
- 3 tbsp Bacardi black rum
For the Glaze:
- 3/4 cup confectioner sugar
- 4 tbsp lime zest
- 1 1/2 tbsp Bacardi black rum, divided
- 1/2 cup toasted coconut
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Banana Bread Batter
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, and flour. Set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the mashed bananas, vanilla extract, yogurt, and Bacardi black rum.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Toasted Coconut:
- Gently fold in the toasted coconut.
Step 2: Bake the Banana Bread
- Pour Batter into Pan:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool:
- Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Glaze
- Mix Glaze Ingredients:
- In a small bowl, combine the confectioner sugar, lime zest, and 1 tbsp of Bacardi black rum. Mix until smooth. Add more rum if necessary to achieve the desired consistency.
Step 4: Glaze the Banana Bread
- Glaze and Garnish:
- Once the banana bread has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining toasted coconut.
- Serve:
- Slice and serve the Jamaican Banana Bread. Enjoy!
Cook Notes and Variations
Cook Notes:
- Bananas: Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness. If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, you can bake them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes to soften and sweeten them.
- Coconut: Toast the coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until golden brown. This enhances the flavor and adds a nice crunch.
Variations:
- Nuts: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.
- Spiced Banana Bread: Add 1 tsp of ground cinnamon and 1/2 tsp of ground nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a spiced version.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this banana bread without rum?
Yes, you can omit the rum if desired. The bread will still be delicious, but the flavor will be slightly different.
2. How do I store banana bread?
Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
3. Can I use sweetened coconut?
Yes, you can use sweetened coconut if you prefer a sweeter bread. Adjust the sugar in the recipe to taste if needed.
4. Can I use a different type of alcohol?
Yes, you can experiment with other types of alcohol, such as dark rum or spiced rum, for a different flavor profile.
5. What can I serve with Jamaican Banana Bread?
This banana bread is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of ice cream, or a spread of butter.
Jamaican Banana Bread is a delightful twist on a classic recipe, featuring tropical flavors like toasted coconut and Bacardi black rum. This moist and flavorful bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a delicious snack. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, this recipe is simple to follow and full of delightful flavors. Give this Jamaican Banana Bread a try and enjoy a tasty and tropical treat. Happy baking!
