Bourbon Banana Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Bourbon Banana Bread offers a delightful twist on the classic favorite, combining ripe bananas with a splash of rich bourbon and crunchy walnuts. It’s moist, flavorful, and perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack.

Ingredients

• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon fine grain salt
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• 5 1/3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
• 2 very ripe bananas (mashed)
• ½ cup coarsely chopped walnuts
• 1 tablespoon bourbon

Instructions

1. Step 1: Have all ingredients at room temperature. Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat to 350° F. Butter a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. Step 2: Whisk the flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder together in a medium bowl. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar with a sturdy fork or mixer until lightened in color and texture. Mix in the flour mixture until well blended and the texture resembles brown sugar. Gradually beat in the eggs.
4. Step 4: Fold in the mashed bananas, walnuts, and bourbon gently. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
5. Step 5: Bake at 350° F for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan on a wire rack for 5–10 minutes before removing to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• For extra moistness, substitute half of the butter with equal parts vegetable oil.
• Try adding chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a different flavor profile.
• Use pecans instead of walnuts for a milder nutty taste.
• If you prefer, omit the bourbon for a kid-friendly version.

Storage

Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving for a fresh-baked taste.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, frozen ripe bananas work well. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing to avoid altering the batter consistency.

Does the bourbon flavor cook off during baking?

Most of the alcohol cooks off in the oven, leaving behind a subtle, rich flavor that complements the banana and nuts without being overpowering.

Bourbon Banana Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 117 reviews

This delicious Bourbon Banana Bread combines the rich flavors of ripe bananas and smooth bourbon with a nutty crunch from walnuts. Perfectly moist and subtly spiced, this classic loaf is ideal for breakfast, snack time, or dessert, bringing a touch of warmth and sophistication to a traditional banana bread recipe.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
• Total Time: 65-75 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 8-10 slices) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon fine grain salt
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder

Wet Ingredients

• 5 1/3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
• 2 very ripe bananas (mashed)
• 1 tablespoon bourbon

Add-ins

• ½ cup coarsely chopped walnuts

Instructions

1. Prepare oven and pan: Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat to 350°F. Butter a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly and set aside to ensure the bread doesn’t stick.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, fine grain salt, baking soda, and baking powder until evenly combined. Set this mixture aside for later use.
3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use a sturdy fork or stand mixer to cream the unsalted butter and sugar until the texture lightens and becomes fluffy, creating a creamy base for your bread.
4. Incorporate flour mixture: Gradually mix the dry ingredient blend into the creamed butter and sugar until the mixture resembles brown sugar in texture and is well blended.
5. Add eggs: Gradually beat in the lightly beaten eggs to the mix, ensuring the batter becomes smooth and well combined, building the structure for the bread.
6. Fold in bananas, walnuts, and bourbon: Gently fold in the mashed ripe bananas, coarsely chopped walnuts, and bourbon, incorporating all flavors evenly without overmixing, which keeps the bread tender.
7. Transfer and bake: Scrape the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully cooked.
8. Cool and unmold: Remove from oven and let the banana bread cool in the pan on a wire rack for 5 to 10 minutes. After this short rest, carefully unmold it to continue cooling completely on the wire rack before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Ensure bananas are very ripe for the best natural sweetness and moist texture.
• Room temperature ingredients help achieve a smooth batter and even baking.
• Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
• For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts or substitute with seeds if desired.
• Store banana bread wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

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