Banana Bread with Bourbon Recipe
Banana Bread with Bourbon takes your classic comfort loaf and gives it a grown-up upgrade. This moist, naturally sweetened bread is infused with a splash of bourbon for a warm depth of flavor. It’s perfect as a morning treat, a cozy snack with tea, or a dessert served warm with a scoop of yogurt or nut butter.
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup melted butter or coconut oil
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
- ¼ cup bourbon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, eggs, melted butter, maple syrup, bourbon, and vanilla until smooth.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. If you’re adding nuts, mix them into the dry ingredients.
- Step 4: Add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined—do not overmix.
- Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spoon or spatula.
- Step 6: Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil in the last 10-15 minutes.
- Step 7: Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Bourbon adds flavor, not alcohol content—most cooks off while baking.
- To make it kid-friendly, simply replace bourbon with milk or almond milk.
- Freeze slices individually for grab-and-go snacks.
- Add chocolate chips or dried cranberries for extra sweetness.
- Great with a smear of nut butter or cream cheese for breakfast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skip the bourbon?
Yes. Replace it with milk or plant-based milk if desired.
Is this recipe sweet enough without sugar?
The ripe bananas and maple syrup add enough natural sweetness for most palates.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely. Use flax eggs instead of eggs and coconut oil for the butter.
How should I store leftovers?
Keep it wrapped at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
Can I bake this in muffin tins?
Yes! Reduce the baking time to 18-22 minutes and fill each muffin cup ¾ full.