Jamaican Banana Bread with Lime Glaze

This Jamaican Banana Bread is a delightful twist on the classic, featuring a moist, flavorful banana bread made with ripe bananas, sweetened coconut, and a touch of dark rum. Topped with a zesty lime glaze, this tropical-inspired treat is the perfect balance of sweetness and citrus. Whether you’re craving a delicious breakfast, snack, or dessert, this easy-to-make recipe is a crowd-pleaser for all occasions. Using simple ingredients like coconut, rum, and fresh bananas, this banana bread recipe offers a rich, tropical flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy it with your morning coffee or serve it at your next gathering for a unique and irresistible treat.

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 banana
• 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 your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the raw sugar and melted butter together with an electric mixer. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Mix in the mashed bananas, low-fat yogurt, dark rum, and vanilla extract. Beat until fully combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Stir in ½ cup of sweetened flaked coconut, folding it into the batter.
7. Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray and line it with parchment paper, leaving some paper hanging over the edges for easy removal.
8. Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared pan and top with the remaining 1 tbsp of coconut.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. If the bread is golden brown but not yet done, cover it with aluminum foil and continue baking until fully cooked.
10. While the bread is baking, prepare the lime glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and freshly squeezed lime juice. Set aside.
11. Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Once cool enough to handle, remove the bread from the pan and place it on a cooling rack.
12. Drizzle the cooled bread with lime glaze and allow it to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

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Tips

• Banana ripeness: The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be. Use overripe bananas for the best results.
• Coconut toast: If you’d like an extra layer of flavor, try lightly toasting the coconut before adding it to the batter.
• Moisture: If you find your banana bread isn’t as moist as you’d like, adding a tablespoon of milk or cream to the batter can help enhance the texture.

Variations and Substitutions

• Substitute rum: For a non-alcoholic version, replace the dark rum with 1-2 tbsp of orange juice or additional vanilla extract.
• Use whole wheat flour: For a healthier version, swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour.
• Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free treat.

FAQs

• Can I make this ahead of time?
  Yes! Banana bread stays fresh for several days at room temperature. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
• Can I use a different type of sugar?
  You can substitute the raw or turbinado sugar with white granulated sugar, though it may slightly alter the flavor and texture.
• What’s the best way to store this banana bread?
  Store the cooled banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices individually.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve slices of this banana bread with a cup of coffee or tea for a delicious breakfast or afternoon snack.
• Top with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Pair with tropical fruits like pineapple or mango for a refreshing, island-inspired treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Jamaican Banana Bread combines the rich flavors of ripe bananas, sweet coconut, and dark rum, making it a tropical twist on a classic treat. The addition of a zesty lime glaze gives it the perfect balance of sweetness and citrus tang. It’s the ideal choice for a flavorful snack or dessert that’s sure to impress your guests.