Classic Dark Rum Spiced Banana Bread
Moist banana bread enriched with dark rum and warm spices for a comforting treat. This caribbean-inspired desserts ready in about 85 minutes layers (about 2 large) ripe bananas, mashed, dark rum, all-purpose flour into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (about 2 large) ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, and 1/2 tsp salt.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup mashed ripe bananas, 1/4 cup dark rum, 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Stir in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts if using.
- Step 5: Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic Dark Rum Spiced Banana Bread take to make?
Total time is about 85 minutes (15 min prep + 70 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Classic Dark Rum Spiced Banana Bread?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Dark Rum Spiced Banana Bread?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Classic Dark Rum Spiced Banana Bread for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Classic Dark Rum Spiced Banana Bread?
Caribbean desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
