Bourbon's vanilla compounds only activate above 140°F during baking, which is why raw batter tastes harsh but bread tastes smooth.
Bourbon Banana Bread
Indulge in a delightful twist on a classic favorite with our Bourbon Banana Bread! This irresistible treat blends ripe bananas with rich bourbon and a hint of warm spices, creating a moist loaf that's perfect for your next gathering. Elevate your baking game and savor the adult flavors in every slice!
Prep
15
min
Cook
65
min
Serves
4
people
Level
beginner
📝 Ingredients
Serves 4🥛Dairy & Eggs(2)
- 1 stick room temperature butter
- 2 eggs
🫙Pantry Staples(4)
- 3/4 tsp baking soda (3.75 ml)
- 2 cups flour (250 g)
- 1/2 cup each white and brown sugar (100 g)
- 2 tsp Mexican vanilla (10 ml)
🧂Spices & Seasonings(1)
- 1/2 tsp salt (2.5 ml)
📦Other(1)
- 1/3 cup Bourbon (79.2 ml)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees.
- 2
In a bowl, mix the eggs and room temperature butter.
- 3
Add the sugars and continue mixing.
- 4
Incorporate baking soda, salt, and flour.
- 5
Add four ripe bananas and a third cup of bourbon.
- 6
Mix in Mexican vanilla until everything is combined.
- 7
Pour the mixture into a vintage loaf pan.
- 8
Bake for 65 minutes at 325 degrees.
- 9
Allow to cool for about 20 minutes before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Bake at 325°F instead of the typical 350°F because the alcohol in bourbon has a lower boiling point (173°F) and needs gentler heat to prevent rapid evaporation that creates tunneling.technique325°F vs 350°F
- ✓Use bananas with 25% brown spots for optimal sweetness and moisture - they contain 25% more sugar than yellow bananas and break down easier into the batter.ingredient25% brown spots
- ✓Add the bourbon after incorporating dry ingredients to prevent gluten overdevelopment, as alcohol inhibits gluten formation and maintains tender crumb structure.timing
- ✓Test doneness at 60 minutes instead of waiting the full 65 minutes because alcohol-based batters can go from perfectly moist to overbaked in just 3-5 minutes.timing60 minutes check
- ✓Mash bananas to chunky consistency with 1/4-inch pieces remaining rather than completely smooth - larger pieces create moisture pockets that prevent the bread from drying out.technique1/4-inch pieces
Share this recipe
Prep
15
min
Cook
65
min
Serves
4
people
Level
beginner
Share this recipe
Bourbon's vanilla compounds only activate above 140°F during baking, which is why raw batter tastes harsh but bread tastes smooth.
Bourbon Banana Bread
Indulge in a delightful twist on a classic favorite with our Bourbon Banana Bread! This irresistible treat blends ripe bananas with rich bourbon and a hint of warm spices, creating a moist loaf that's perfect for your next gathering. Elevate your baking game and savor the adult flavors in every slice!
📝 Ingredients
Serves 4🥛Dairy & Eggs(2)
- 1 stick room temperature butter
- 2 eggs
🫙Pantry Staples(4)
- 3/4 tsp baking soda (3.75 ml)
- 2 cups flour (250 g)
- 1/2 cup each white and brown sugar (100 g)
- 2 tsp Mexican vanilla (10 ml)
🧂Spices & Seasonings(1)
- 1/2 tsp salt (2.5 ml)
📦Other(1)
- 1/3 cup Bourbon (79.2 ml)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees.
- 2
In a bowl, mix the eggs and room temperature butter.
- 3
Add the sugars and continue mixing.
- 4
Incorporate baking soda, salt, and flour.
- 5
Add four ripe bananas and a third cup of bourbon.
- 6
Mix in Mexican vanilla until everything is combined.
- 7
Pour the mixture into a vintage loaf pan.
- 8
Bake for 65 minutes at 325 degrees.
- 9
Allow to cool for about 20 minutes before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Bake at 325°F instead of the typical 350°F because the alcohol in bourbon has a lower boiling point (173°F) and needs gentler heat to prevent rapid evaporation that creates tunneling.technique325°F vs 350°F
- ✓Use bananas with 25% brown spots for optimal sweetness and moisture - they contain 25% more sugar than yellow bananas and break down easier into the batter.ingredient25% brown spots
- ✓Add the bourbon after incorporating dry ingredients to prevent gluten overdevelopment, as alcohol inhibits gluten formation and maintains tender crumb structure.timing
- ✓Test doneness at 60 minutes instead of waiting the full 65 minutes because alcohol-based batters can go from perfectly moist to overbaked in just 3-5 minutes.timing60 minutes check
- ✓Mash bananas to chunky consistency with 1/4-inch pieces remaining rather than completely smooth - larger pieces create moisture pockets that prevent the bread from drying out.technique1/4-inch pieces