Indulge your senses with the delightful aroma of freshly baked Bourbon Banana Walnut Bread, a perfect blend of sweet, nutty, and boozy flavors that will make your kitchen feel like a cozy café. This American classic takes just over an hour to whip up, and with only a handful of ingredients, you’ll be amazed at how easily you can create a loaf that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you’re looking for a delicious breakfast treat or a decadent dessert, this recipe promises to elevate your baking game and impress your family and friends. Ready to discover the secret to this irresistible loaf? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 55 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 2-3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 tbsp bourbon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly with a fork until they reach a smooth, mostly lump-free consistency.
- Add the melted butter to the mashed bananas and mix well, creating a smooth liquid base.
- Stir in the baking soda and pinch of salt, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Add the sugar and mix thoroughly, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the banana mixture.
- Incorporate the beaten egg and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour in the bourbon and stir to integrate the liquor into the batter, which will add depth and complexity to the bread's flavor.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure an even surface.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice and serve. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a bourbon glaze for extra indulgence.
Tips
- Choose the Right Bananas: The riper the bananas, the better! Look for bananas with lots of brown spots, as they’ll add natural sweetness and moisture to your bread.
- Don’t Skip the Bourbon: The bourbon not only enhances the flavor but also adds a unique depth to the bread. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute it with a splash of vanilla extract or apple juice, but the bourbon truly makes it special.
- Mix Gently: When folding in the walnuts and bourbon, be gentle. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, so aim for just combined ingredients for a light and fluffy texture.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your bread as it bakes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs for the perfect texture.
- Cool Properly: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps it maintain its shape and prevents it from becoming soggy.
- Get Creative with Toppings: For an extra touch of indulgence, consider dusting your bread with powdered sugar or drizzling a bourbon glaze over the top before serving. It’s the perfect finishing touch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 35mg
