Jamaican Banana Bread
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 medium bananas)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup dark rum (optional, for a deeper flavor)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
1/2 cup chopped dried fruit (e.g., raisins, dates) (optional)
Directions:
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Prepare Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This can be done with an electric mixer or by hand with a whisk.
Add Eggs:
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Mix Bananas and Vanilla:
Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract. If using dark rum, mix it in at this stage.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
Add Optional Ingredients:
Fold in the chopped nuts, shredded coconut, and dried fruit if using.
Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. 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 before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve:
Slice and enjoy as a delicious breakfast treat or a satisfying snack.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 60-70 minutes | Total Time: 1.5 hours
Kcal: Approximately 250 kcal per slice (based on 12 slices) | Servings: 12
