Imagine a slice of bread that transports you straight to the vibrant shores of Jamaica. This Jamaican Banana Bread is more than just a simple quick bread – it's a tropical journey packed with rich flavors, warm spices, and a hint of rum that captures the spirit of the Caribbean.

Every bite tells a story of sun-drenched islands and culinary creativity. With its moist texture and sophisticated blend of ingredients, this banana bread goes far beyond the ordinary, offering a unique twist on a classic comfort food.
Perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or as a delightful dessert, this Jamaican Banana Bread will become your new favorite way to enjoy ripe bananas.
Jamaican Banana Bread: A Tropical Baking Adventure
This isn't just another banana bread recipe. Inspired by the vibrant flavors of Jamaica, this version transforms a humble quick bread into an extraordinary culinary experience. The addition of rum, pineapple, and warm spices elevates this classic treat to new heights of deliciousness.
Get ready to fill your kitchen with the intoxicating aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, and tropical fruits that will transport you to a Caribbean paradise.
Serving Suggestions:
Enhance your Jamaican Banana Bread with these perfect pairings:
- Butter rum sauce
- Cream cheese frosting
- Tropical fruit compote
- Vanilla ice cream
- Toasted coconut sprinkles
Pro Tips for Perfect Jamaican Banana Bread:
Banana Brilliance: Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture. The darker and spottier, the better!
Rum Wisdom: The rum adds depth and complexity. For a non-alcoholic version, replace rum with pineapple juice or apple juice.
Mixing Mastery: Avoid overmixing the batter. Stir just until the ingredients are combined to keep the bread tender.
Optional Add-Ins: Feel free to experiment with additional mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or extra nuts.
Moisture Magic: The crushed pineapple helps keep the bread incredibly moist and adds a subtle tropical tang.
Jamaican Banana Bread Recipe Details:
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 50-60 minutes
- Servings: 1 loaf (8-10 slices)
- Equipment: Loaf pan, mixing bowls, whisk, measuring cups
This banana bread is a celebration of Caribbean flavors, combining the comfort of traditional quick bread with the excitement of tropical ingredients.
Ingredients:
For the Bread:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ cup dark rum
- ½ cup unsweetened crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 bananas)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- ½ cup shredded sweetened coconut (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Carefully grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. This ensures the bread will release easily after baking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set this dry ingredient mixture aside for later use.
- In a separate bowl, combine the mashed bananas, rum, and pineapple. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the tropical ingredients.
- Using a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and both sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process incorporates air and helps create a tender bread.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Then add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gently fold the banana-rum-pineapple mixture into the butter mixture. The combination creates a rich, moist base for the bread.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until combined – be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough.
- If using, fold in the nuts and coconut. These add wonderful texture and additional tropical flair.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the top is golden brown.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes. This resting period helps the bread set and makes it easier to remove.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Storage Solutions:
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container
- Keeps fresh at room temperature for 3-4 days
- Refrigerate for up to a week
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months
Elevate your baking game with this extraordinary Jamaican Banana Bread. It's more than just a recipe – it's a culinary adventure that brings the warmth and spirit of Jamaica right to your kitchen.
Whether you're a baking enthusiast or simply looking to try something new, this Jamaican Banana Bread promises a delightful escape with every single slice!
PrintJamaican Banana Bread (appears twice in original list)
This banana bread is a celebration of Caribbean flavors, combining the comfort of traditional quick bread with the excitement of tropical ingredients.
- Total Time: 2 minute
- Yield: 1 loaf (8-10 slices) 1x
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ cup dark rum
- ½ cup unsweetened crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 bananas)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- ½ cup shredded sweetened coconut (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Carefully grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. This ensures the bread will release easily after baking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set this dry ingredient mixture aside for later use.
- In a separate bowl, combine the mashed bananas, rum, and pineapple. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the tropical ingredients.
- Using a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and both sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process incorporates air and helps create a tender bread.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Then add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gently fold the banana-rum-pineapple mixture into the butter mixture. The combination creates a rich, moist base for the bread.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until combined – be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough.
- If using, fold in the nuts and coconut. These add wonderful texture and additional tropical flair.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the top is golden brown.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes. This resting period helps the bread set and makes it easier to remove.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
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