This Jamaican Banana Bread is a delightful twist on the classic, with flavors inspired by the tropics. The addition of dark rum, sweetened coconut, and a tangy lime glaze sets this banana bread apart from the rest. Each bite is moist, rich, and packed with the flavors of ripe bananas, making it a perfect treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack. The lime glaze adds a refreshing touch that balances the sweetness of the bread.

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The Inspiration Behind Jamaican Banana Bread

Banana bread is a beloved classic, but the addition of Caribbean flavors like dark rum and coconut transforms it into something special. The tropical flavors pair perfectly with ripe bananas, adding depth and a hint of island flair. The sweetened coconut provides texture and a subtle sweetness, while the dark rum adds warmth. The lime glaze ties everything together, offering a zesty contrast to the rich, sweet bread.

Why Jamaican Banana Bread Will Become a Family Favorite

This recipe stands out because it blends familiar ingredients with exotic flavors, creating a unique but comforting treat. The combination of mashed bananas, yogurt, and butter makes the bread incredibly moist, while the rum and coconut give it a tropical twist. The lime glaze not only enhances the flavor but also adds a touch of brightness, making this banana bread a hit with everyone who tries it.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 12 Servings):

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 3g
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 180mg

This banana bread is a sweet, tropical-inspired treat that’s perfect for any time of day. It’s a bit more indulgent than your standard banana bread, thanks to the coconut and rum, but still maintains a light and moist texture.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Enjoy Jamaican Banana Bread with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or a snack. It’s also delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. For a real tropical treat, pair it with a piña colada or coconut-flavored smoothie. The lime glaze offers a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the bread, making it perfect for pairing with fruity beverages.

Storage Tips

Store this banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer to keep it longer, place it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to a week. You can also freeze individual slices for up to 2 months—just let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Fun Fact: The Origin of Banana Bread

Banana bread became popular in the United States during the Great Depression as a way to use overripe bananas, which were inexpensive and readily available. Today, banana bread has taken on countless variations, incorporating ingredients like nuts, chocolate chips, and tropical flavors—just like this Jamaican-inspired version.

Cooking Tips

• Choose Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for the best results.
• Use Dark Rum: Dark rum adds a rich, molasses-like flavor that complements the bananas. If you don’t have dark rum, you can substitute with spiced rum or even leave it out, though the flavor won’t be as complex.
• Avoid Overmixing: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense banana bread.

Optional Variations

• Add Nuts: Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
• Chocolate Twist: For a more indulgent version, add 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips to the batter.
• Pineapple Addition: For even more tropical flavor, fold in 1/4 cup of crushed pineapple (drained) along with the bananas.

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Jamaican Banana Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

For the banana bread:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup raw or turbinado sugar
• ¼ cup butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 large bananas)
• ¼ cup plain low-fat yogurt
• 3 tbsp dark rum
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup plus 1 tbsp sweetened flaked coconut, divided

For the lime glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 ½ tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the sugar and melted butter, whisking until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the mashed bananas, yogurt, rum, and vanilla extract until combined.
4. Mix the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in 1/2 cup of the flaked coconut, being careful not to overmix.
5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of coconut on top. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Prepare the Glaze: While the bread is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar and lime juice until smooth.
7. Glaze the Bread: Once the bread has cooled slightly, drizzle the lime glaze over the top. Allow the glaze to set before slicing and serving.

Final Thoughts

This Jamaican Banana Bread is a delightful blend of tropical flavors that elevates the classic banana bread recipe to new heights. The combination of dark rum, sweet coconut, and tangy lime glaze makes it a unique and flavorful treat. Whether you’re making it for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this banana bread will transport your taste buds straight to the islands.