Jamaican Banana Bread 

Jamaican Banana Bread is a delightful twist on the classic banana bread, infused with tropical flavors that transport you straight to the Caribbean. This moist and flavorful bread combines ripe bananas with ingredients like rum, coconut, and lime, creating a unique taste experience. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, it's a comforting treat that brings a touch of island warmth to your kitchen.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

• 2 tablespoons cream cheese (regular or ⅓ less fat)

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup mashed overripe banana (about 2 bananas)

• ½ cup milk

• 2 tablespoons spiced rum (e.g., Captain Morgan)

• 1 teaspoon lime zest

• ½ lime, juiced

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¼ cup finely chopped pecans

• ¼ cup sweetened flaked coconut

For the Glaze (optional):

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon butter

• ½ lime, juiced

• 2 teaspoons spiced rum

• 2 tablespoons chopped pecans

• 2 tablespoons sweetened flaked coconut

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with non stick spray.

2. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add the granulated sugar and beat until well incorporated. Add the egg and mix until combined.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the mashed bananas, milk, spiced rum, lime zest, lime juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined.

5. Add Nuts and Coconut: Fold in the chopped pecans and sweetened flaked coconut.

6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Prepare the Glaze (Optional): In a small saucepan, melt the brown sugar and butter over medium heat. Stir in the lime juice and spiced rum, and bring to a simmer. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped pecans and sweetened flaked coconut.

9. Glaze the Bread: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled banana bread and allow it to set before slicing.

Nutritional Information (per slice, based on 12 servings)

• Calories: 267 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 44 g

• Protein: 4 g

• Fat: 8 g

• Saturated Fat: 4 g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 3 g

• Trans Fat: 1 g

• Cholesterol: 23 mg

• Sodium: 155 mg

• Potassium: 205 mg

• Fiber: 2 g

• Sugar: 25 g

• Vitamin A: 144 IU

• Vitamin C: 3 mg

• Calcium: 60 mg

• Iron: 1 mg