Jamaican Banana Bread is a delightful twist on the classic banana bread, infused with the rich flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg and the tropical touch of coconut. This version captures the essence of the Caribbean with its aromatic spices and the optional crunch of walnuts, making it a perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.
It’s an excellent way to use up overripe bananas while adding a little island flair to your baking repertoire.
This bread’s moist texture and flavorful blend are ideal for a cozy morning breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack. It’s easy to make and brings a taste of Jamaica right into your kitchen. Here’s how you can prepare this delicious Jamaican Banana Bread and bring a bit of the tropics to your table.
Jamaican Banana Bread
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas and melted butter. Stirring these ingredients together first helps blend the flavors smoothly.
- Stir in the brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until well blended. This creates a rich, sweet base for your bread.
- Combine the cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking soda, then blend these into the banana mixture. The spices will give the bread its distinct Jamaican flavor.
- Gradually add the flour, stirring just enough to incorporate. Overmixing can make the bread tough, so stir until just combined.
- Fold in the walnuts and shredded coconut if using. These add texture and a nutty flavor that complements the spices beautifully.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan. Greasing the pan ensures that your bread will release easily after baking.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This test helps ensure that your bread is perfectly baked through.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling in the pan helps the bread set, while moving it to a rack prevents the bottom from becoming soggy.
