If you love classic banana bread but crave something extra special, this Jamaican Banana Bread will blow you away! Infused with warm spices, a hint of rum, and tropical coconut, this version takes the traditional recipe to a whole new level. The result? A moist, rich, and incredibly flavorful loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime treat.
Get ready to fill your kitchen with the most incredible aromas and enjoy a slice of the Caribbean at home! 🌴🍌✨
Why You’ll Love This Jamaican Banana Bread
- Incredibly Moist: Thanks to ripe bananas, butter, and a splash of rum, this bread stays soft and tender
- Packed with Flavor: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice give it a signature Jamaican warmth
- Easy to Make: No complicated techniques—just mix, pour, and bake!
- Perfectly Sweet: Naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and a touch of brown sugar
- Versatile: Enjoy it plain, with a smear of butter, or toasted with a drizzle of honey
What Does Jamaican Banana Bread Taste Like?
Imagine the comforting taste of traditional banana bread but with a Caribbean twist. The warming spices add depth, the coconut flakes bring a subtle chewiness, and the dark rum gives it a gentle kick of richness. Every bite is soft, slightly dense, and packed with tropical goodness.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Uses ripe bananas to reduce food waste
- Dairy-free option available
- Naturally sweetened with brown sugar for a richer taste
- Great for meal prep—stays fresh for days!
Ingredients for Jamaican Banana Bread
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon allspice
Wet Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup unsalted butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup dark rum (or orange juice for a non-alcoholic version)
Add-Ins:
- ½ cup shredded coconut
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ¼ cup raisins (soaked in rum for extra flavor)
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk & spatula
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Parchment paper (for easy removal)
- Cooling rack
Possible Ingredient Substitutions & Additions
- No rum? Swap it with orange juice or milk for a non-alcoholic version
- Want it extra moist? Add ¼ cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Make it gluten-free! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
- Boost the sweetness naturally! Use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar
How to Make Jamaican Banana Bread
1. Prep Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and line your loaf pan with parchment paper
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice
3. Mash & Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mash ripe bananas until smooth, then add melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, and rum, whisking until well combined
4. Combine Wet & Dry Mixtures
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, then stir in the shredded coconut, nuts, and raisins
5. Bake Until Golden
Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top, then bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
6. Cool & Enjoy
Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice, serve, and enjoy the tropical flavors!
What to Serve with Jamaican Banana Bread
- A warm cup of Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee ☕
- A drizzle of honey or caramel sauce
- A side of fresh tropical fruits like mango or pineapple
- Toasted with a spread of butter or cream cheese
Tips for the Best Banana Bread
✅ Use overripe bananas – The riper, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be
✅ Don’t overmix – Stir gently until just combined to keep it fluffy
✅ Room temperature eggs – They mix more evenly for a smoother batter
✅ Cover with foil if browning too quickly – This prevents burning while ensuring the inside bakes fully
✅ Let it rest before slicing – The flavors develop even more as it cools
How to Store Jamaican Banana Bread
Room Temperature:
Store in an airtight container for 2–3 days
Refrigerator:
Wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 1 week
Freezer:
Slice and wrap in plastic, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp or warm in a toaster oven
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this without alcohol?
Absolutely! Swap the rum with orange juice or milk for a kid-friendly version
2. Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?
Yes! Divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes
3. Can I reduce the sugar?
You can! The bananas already add natural sweetness, so feel free to cut the sugar to ⅓ cup or use honey instead
4. Can I add chocolate chips?
Of course! A handful of dark chocolate chips makes this even more indulgent
Final Thoughts – A Slice of the Caribbean in Every Bite!
This Jamaican Banana Bread is everything you love about classic banana bread, but with an island-inspired upgrade! It’s easy to make, packed with bold flavors, and the perfect way to use up ripe bananas. Whether you enjoy it warm with butter or toasted with honey, every slice feels like a little escape to the tropics
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment, rate the recipe, and share your photos on Pinterest 🍌💛
Craving more delicious recipes? Check these out!
- Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken – A rich and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners
- Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta – The ultimate comfort food with a twist
- Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe – A hearty, creamy meal that comes together quickly
Enjoy your homemade slice of Jamaica! 🇯🇲✨