Banana Rum Bread

Banana Rum Bread is the perfect fusion of tropical warmth and cozy baking nostalgia. The rich molasses, aromatic rum extract, and a delicate swirl of cinnamon sugar take traditional banana bread to a whole new level. With every bite, you get a perfect balance of moist, sweet, and spiced flavors that make this loaf a standout in any kitchen.

This bread is incredibly versatile you can enjoy it toasted with a pat of butter in the morning or with a drizzle of honey as a delightful dessert. Whether you’re looking for a comforting homemade treat or a unique twist on classic banana bread, this recipe is sure to impress. Perfect for brunch, gifting, or simply indulging yourself with a cup of coffee and a warm slice!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup molasses

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• 5 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

• 2 large eggs

• 4 ripe bananas, mashed

• 1 tbsp water

• 2 tsp rum extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/3 cup sugar

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a loaf pan.

2. In a large bowl, combine softened butter, molasses, and vegetable oil. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. The mixture may look lumpy this is normal.

3. In a separate bowl, mash bananas with water and stir in rum extract.

4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

5. Stir the banana mixture into the molasses mixture, then gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just moistened.

6. In a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon.

7. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over it. Swirl with a fork for a marbled effect.

8. Add the remaining batter on top, then sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon sugar. Swirl again.

9. Bake for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

10. Let cool before slicing and serving with butter or honey.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal per slice | Servings: 8 servings

Banana Rum Bread: A Sweet, Spiced Treat for Any Occasion

Banana bread is a classic comfort food, beloved for its moist texture and naturally sweet banana flavor. But when you add the richness of molasses, the warm spice of cinnamon, and the subtle depth of rum extract, you elevate it to a whole new level. Banana Rum Bread is the perfect balance of tropical and cozy flavors, making it an ideal treat for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee.

The Origins of Banana Bread and the Inspiration Behind This Recipe

Banana bread has been a staple in American kitchens for nearly a century, gaining popularity during the Great Depression when resourceful home bakers sought ways to use overripe bananas rather than letting them go to waste. With the rise of baking powder and baking soda, banana bread became a widely loved quick bread requiring no yeast, no proofing time, and minimal effort.

Adding rum to banana bread is a nod to Caribbean flavors, where bananas are plentiful, and rum is an essential ingredient in many desserts. The combination of banana and rum is often found in tropical cocktails, flambéed desserts like Bananas Foster, and even ice creams. This Banana Rum Bread recipe takes inspiration from those flavors, enhancing the natural sweetness of bananas with a rich, molasses-like depth from rum extract.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Banana Rum Bread isn’t just another banana bread it’s packed with flavor and texture that make it stand out:

• Perfectly Moist: The combination of mashed bananas, butter, and molasses ensures a rich, soft texture without being overly dense.

• Warm and Comforting Spices: Cinnamon adds a touch of warmth that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the bananas and the hint of rum.

• Deep, Caramelized Flavor: The molasses gives this bread a slight caramel undertone, making every bite taste indulgent.

• Easy to Make: This is a simple quick bread recipe that requires no special equipment, and it comes together in just over an hour.

• Versatile and Adaptable: Serve it warm with butter, drizzle with honey, or even use it as a base for an indulgent French toast.

The Magic of Rum in Baking

Rum is a popular ingredient in baking because it enhances the sweetness of baked goods while adding a complex depth of flavor. In this recipe, rum extract is used rather than actual alcohol, making it accessible for all ages and perfect for any occasion.

Rum extract captures the essence of real rum without the alcohol content, offering notes of vanilla, oak, and spice. This makes it a great addition to banana bread, as it complements both the bananas and the cinnamon while adding an extra layer of richness. If you prefer, you can substitute real dark rum for the extract to enhance the flavor even further.

How to Make Your Banana Rum Bread Even Better

While the basic recipe is delicious as-is, there are several ways to customize this bread to suit your personal taste:

1. Add Mix-ins for Extra Texture

• Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a wonderful crunch to the soft bread.

• Chocolate Chips: A handful of dark chocolate chips can create a rich, indulgent twist.

• Coconut Flakes: For an even stronger tropical vibe, try adding unsweetened shredded coconut.

2. Use Real Rum for a Stronger Flavor

If you enjoy the depth that rum brings to desserts, you can replace the rum extract with 1-2 tablespoons of dark rum. This will enhance the caramel and vanilla notes in the bread while giving it a slightly boozy undertone.

3. Make It Healthier with Whole Wheat Flour

For a more wholesome version, swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour. This will add a slightly nutty flavor and more fiber to the bread.

4. Enhance the Cinnamon Swirl

The cinnamon sugar swirl in this bread creates a marbled effect, making every slice beautiful and flavorful. For an even stronger spice profile, consider adding nutmeg, cloves, or allspice to the cinnamon sugar mix.

5. Glaze It for Extra Sweetness

If you love an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a simple glaze over the top of the bread once it has cooled. A mix of powdered sugar, a little milk, and a few drops of vanilla extract creates a lovely icing that takes this bread to dessert status.

Serving Suggestions

Banana Rum Bread is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for different occasions. Here are a few ways to serve it:

For Breakfast:

• Toast a slice and spread it with butter or cream cheese.

• Pair it with a cup of coffee or chai tea for a comforting morning treat.

• Top it with a spoonful of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey.

As a Snack:

• Enjoy it at room temperature with a cup of tea.

• Spread peanut butter or almond butter on top for extra protein.

• Cut into small cubes and mix into a yogurt parfait for a fun twist.

For Dessert:

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

• Use thick slices to make banana bread French toast.

• Pair it with fresh fruit and whipped cream for an elegant dessert.

Storage and Freezing Tips

Banana Rum Bread stores well and can be made in advance, making it a great option for meal prepping or gifting.

• At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• In the Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to a week when wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container.

• In the Freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave before serving.

Conclusion

Banana Rum Bread is a delightful twist on the classic banana bread, combining deep caramelized flavors, warm spices, and the rich aroma of rum. Whether enjoyed as a quick breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a decadent dessert, this bread is guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends.

With its moist texture, simple ingredients, and ease of preparation, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your baking rotation. Plus, it’s highly customizable so whether you prefer a nutty crunch, a chocolatey addition, or a boozy kick, this banana bread can be tailored to your taste.

The next time you have overripe bananas sitting on your counter, don’t just make regular banana bread elevate it with the rich flavors of molasses and rum. Bake a loaf, slice it thick, and enjoy every warm, spiced bite!