Some mornings, the kitchen fills with the warm scent of spices and ripe bananas, pulling you in like a soft invitation. That’s exactly what happens when you bake this Easy Jamaican Banana Bread. It’s not just about the recipe; it’s about those quiet moments waiting by the oven, watching the batter turn golden and imagining the first bite.
I remember the first time I made this bread, the way the cinnamon and nutmeg teased my senses while the bananas softened into sweetness. I got a little distracted by the phone ringing halfway through mixing, so I wasn’t sure if I’d overmixed or not, but it turned out just right—moist, tender, with a crumb that almost melted in my mouth. It’s that kind of forgiving recipe that doesn’t demand perfection, which makes it a keeper for busy mornings or when you just want something comforting.
Why You’ll Love It:
- The warm spices make it feel like a hug in bread form, perfect for waking up slowly.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point—no fancy ingredients or complicated steps.
- The texture is moist and soft, but not too dense, so it pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Using ripe bananas means you get plenty of natural sweetness, but you can always add a little extra sugar if you want it sweeter.
Sometimes you want a recipe that’s soothing to make, and this one fits that role nicely. Whether you’re baking on a lazy weekend or prepping snacks for the week, this bread feels like a small celebration.
PrintEasy Jamaican Banana Bread
A moist and flavorful Jamaican Banana Bread made with ripe bananas, warm spices, and a touch of vanilla. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8
Ingredients
3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and melted butter. Mix well.
Add the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the banana mixture. Stir until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground allspice.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
If using, fold in the chopped walnuts.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the banana bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Kitchen Notes:
I usually bake this in a standard loaf pan, and it fits right in most ovens without fuss. I like to slice it thick for breakfast, sometimes slathered with a bit of butter or cream cheese. If you’re feeling adventurous, try folding in some chopped walnuts or a handful of raisins for a little texture change—I haven’t tested all variations, but those seem to work well. Another idea is to swap out the spices for a bit more cinnamon if you prefer a simpler flavor profile.
FAQ:
Can I freeze this banana bread? Yes, it freezes quite well wrapped tightly. Just thaw it at room temperature before serving.
What if my bananas aren’t super ripe? The riper the bananas, the better the flavor, but you can speed ripening by placing them in a paper bag for a day or so.
Can I make this gluten-free? I haven’t tried it myself, but a gluten-free flour blend might work—just watch the texture.
Try this Easy Jamaican Banana Bread soon and see how it fits into your mornings or snack time. It’s a little slice of comfort that’s surprisingly easy to make, and it’s waiting to become your new go-to treat.