Jamaican Banana Bread
Jamaican Banana Bread is a moist and flavorful loaf made with ripe bananas.Warm cinnamon and nutmeg give the bread its comforting spiced aroma.Optional coconut and raisins add delicious Caribbean-inspired flavor.Very ripe bananas create the sweetest and softest texture.The loaf is perfect for breakfast, tea time, dessert, or snacking.Serve warm with butter, tea, coffee, or your favorite tropical beverage.
Ingredients
- 3 very ripe medium bananas, mashed
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup (50 g) shredded coconut, optional
- ¼ cup (60 ml) milk or coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon dark rum or 1 teaspoon rum extract, optional
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).Grease a standard 9 × 5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper if desired.
Mash the Bananas
- Peel the ripe bananas and place them in a large bowl.Mash them with a fork until mostly smooth.A few small lumps are perfectly fine.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In another large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until well combined and creamy.
Add the Eggs
- Add the eggs one at a time.Mix well after each addition.
Combine the Mixtures
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture.Mix gently until just combined.Do not overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
Add the Milk
- Pour in the milk or coconut milk.Stir gently until the batter becomes smooth.
Transfer to the Pan
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.Use a spatula to smooth the top.
Bake the Banana Bread
- Bake for approximately 50–60 minutes.The bread is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.
Check the Bread
- If the top begins browning too quickly, loosely cover it with foil during the final part of baking.
Transfer to a Cooling Rack
- Carefully remove the loaf from the pan.Allow it to cool completely before slicing for the cleanest slices.
Serve
- Slice and serve the Jamaican Banana Bread warm or at room temperature.Enjoy it plain or with a little butter.
Notes
- Ripe bananas: Very ripe bananas with brown or black spots provide the best sweetness and flavor.
- Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg give the loaf its warm Caribbean-inspired character.
- Coconut: Coconut adds a subtle tropical flavor and texture.
- Raisins: Raisins provide small bursts of sweetness throughout the bread.
- Butter: Softened butter creates a rich and tender crumb.
- Mixing: Avoid overmixing the batter for the best texture.
- Baking: Every oven is different, so check the loaf near the end of the baking time.
- Cooling: Allowing the bread to cool helps it set properly before slicing.