Print

Bourbon Banana Bread Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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.

Keywords: banana bread, bourbon banana bread, homemade banana bread, nutty banana bread, easy banana bread recipe, baking bread, bourbon recipes