Irresistible Jamaican Banana Bread with Lime Glaze Delight

Last Updated on February 12, 2026 by Kacper Recipes Team

As the golden sunlight filters through my kitchen window, the scent of ripe bananas and warm spices begins to fill the air, and I can t help but smile. There s a magic that happens when everyday ingredients transform into something extraordinary, and this Jamaican Banana Bread is a prime example. Inspired by flavors of the tropics, this recipe combines the sweetness of bananas with a hint of dark rum and a sprinkle of coconut, turning a simple loaf into a delightful treat that whisks you away to sun-kissed beaches with every bite.

Just imagine slicing into this soft, moist bread, the creamy coconut flakes softly contrasting with the rich banana flavor. It s the perfect solution for when you re looking to elevate your usual baking routine no more boring quick breads! Whether you re enjoying it for breakfast, serving it at a weekend brunch, or simply indulging after a long day, this Jamaican Banana Bread is sure to impress. Ready to captivate your taste buds? Let s dive into this easy recipe together!

Why is this Jamaican Banana Bread the best?

Unique tropical flavors: The combination of bananas, dark rum, and coconut brings a delightful twist to traditional banana bread.
Easy and quick: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you ll have this sumptuous loaf ready for baking in no time!
Perfectly moist texture: The addition of yogurt ensures your banana bread stays tender and luscious.
Versatile delight: Enjoy it fresh for breakfast, serve it as a dessert, or use it for delicious sandwiches.
Crowd-pleaser: Guaranteed to impress family and friends watch them ask for seconds!
Lime glaze: A zesty finish that elevates the flavor to new heights, making it a standout treat.

Jamaican Banana Bread Ingredients

Get ready to create a tropical delight!

For the Batter

• All-purpose flour This is the base for a lovely, soft crumb.
• Baking soda Helps the bread rise and gives it a light texture.
• Salt Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Raw or turbinado sugar Adds a deeper flavor compared to regular sugar.
• Butter The melted butter enriches the bread with a tender texture.
• Large eggs Provide structure and moisture; make sure they re at room temperature.
• Mashed ripe banana The star of the show; use well-ripened for maximum sweetness!
• Plain low-fat yogurt Keeps the bread wonderfully moist and fluffy.
• Dark rum Adds a rich, warming flavor that transports your taste buds to Jamaica.
• Vanilla extract A warm, aromatic touch that complements the bananas.
• Sweetened flaked coconut Infuses tropical flavor; it adds a delightful chewiness.

For the Lime Glaze

• Powdered sugar Sweetness to balance the tangy notes of lime.
• Freshly squeezed lime juice Provides a zesty brightness that makes the bread shine.

Elevate your baking with this delightful Jamaican Banana Bread recipe!

How to Make Jamaican Banana Bread

1. Preheat your oven to 350 °F. This step is crucial for ensuring an even bake throughout the bread, resulting in that perfect golden crust we all adore.

2. Mix together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. This creates your dry ingredients and helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent.

3. Cream the raw sugar and melted butter in a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer. Incorporate the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition for a smooth, fluffy mixture.

4. Combine the mashed bananas, low-fat yogurt, dark rum, and vanilla extract with your wet ingredients. Beat until everything is completely blended, filling your kitchen with that heavenly aroma!

5. Incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mix by adding them gradually. Mix on low speed until just combined to keep your bread light and fluffy overmixing could lead to a dense loaf!

6. Fold in ½ cup of sweetened flaked coconut, being careful not to overmix the batter. This step adds a delightful texture and flavor, giving your banana bread that tropical essence.

7. Prepare a 9×5 inch loaf pan by greasing it with non-stick cooking spray and lining with parchment paper. This will ensure your beautiful bread slides out effortlessly.

8. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to smooth the top. Sprinkle the remaining 1 tbsp of sweetened flaked coconut on top for an extra treat when baked!

9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. If the top gets golden brown too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

10. Whisk together the powdered sugar and freshly squeezed lime juice in a small bowl to prepare the lime glaze. This adds a fragrant, zesty touch to your finished bread.

11. Cool the banana bread on a cooling rack for a bit before removing it from the pan. Drizzle the lime glaze over the warm bread and let it cool completely before slicing. This will make each bite irresistible!

Optional: Enjoy a sprinkle of additional coconut on top for added flavor!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Jamaican Banana Bread

• Choose Ripe Bananas: Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor. Brown spots are ideal!

• Don t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to ensure a light and fluffy loaf. Overmixing can lead to a dense Jamaican Banana Bread.

• Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, make sure your eggs and yogurt are at room temperature before mixing.

• Cover if Necessary: If the top of the bread is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

• Glaze While Warm: Drizzling the lime glaze while the bread is still warm allows for better absorption, enhancing the flavor in every bite.

• Experiment with Coconut: For added texture, feel free to sprinkle extra sweetened flaked coconut on top before baking!

What to Serve with Jamaican Banana Bread?

Imagine the warmth of homemade treats filling your home while you craft the perfect meal to complement your delightful banana bread.

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of vibrant fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the rich banana flavors, making for a delightful brunch accompaniment.
• Creamy Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and berries creates a heavenly combination that enhances the tropical essence of the bread.
• Coconut Whipped Cream: This light and airy topping echoes the coconut in your banana bread, elevating each slice to a new level of indulgence.
• Spiced Chai Tea: The warming spices of chai pair beautifully with the sweet notes of banana, making for a cozy beverage choice.
• Caramelized Pineapple: Grilling pineapple brings out its natural sweetness and adds a tropical flair that harmonizes with the tropical ingredients in your bread.
• Lime Sorbet: A scoop of zesty lime sorbet not only refreshes the palate but also complements the luscious lime glaze on your banana bread.
• Nutty Granola Bars: For a delightful contrast in texture, serve crunchy granola bars that echo the nuttiness of ripe bananas in the bread.
• Coconut Milk Iced Coffee: The creamy coconut milk in your iced coffee will mirror the tropical flavors in your banana bread, creating a perfect pairing.

Make Ahead Options

These delightful Jamaican Banana Bread loaves are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeknights! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the wet and dry ingredients separately, then refrigerate them overnight (this keeps the flavors fresh and vibrant). If you re in a pinch, you can also mash the bananas up to 3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container to prevent browning. When you re ready to bake, simply combine the ingredients and transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan, then bake as instructed for that heavenly, homemade taste just as delicious as if made fresh!

Jamaican Banana Bread Variations

Feel free to put your own spin on this delightful recipe!

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

• Nutty Twist: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for an extra crunch and rich flavor.

• Chocolate Lovers: Mix in ½ cup of chocolate chips for a deliciously indulgent treat that ll satisfy any sweet tooth!

Embrace the sweetness of the chocolate against the bananas, creating a lovely contrast that s hard to resist.

• Tropical Fruits: Fold in ½ cup of diced pineapple or mango for a fruity infusion that enhances the tropical vibe.

The added juiciness of the fruit complements the banana, bursting with freshness in every slice!

• Dairy-Free: Replace the butter with coconut oil and yogurt with a dairy-free alternative for a dairy-free delight.

Your kitchen will smell heavenly as the coconut oil melts, intensifying those tropical notes.

• Increased Spice: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to elevate the flavor profile with warm spices.

These spices add a cozy, inviting essence that makes each bite feel like a comforting hug!

• Reduced Sugar: Use mashed dates or applesauce in place of some sugar for a lower-sugar variation that doesn t skimp on flavor.

This swap allows you to enjoy a guilt-free treat while still enjoying that signature sweetness.

• Heat Up: Add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for an unexpected spicy kick that dances with the sweetness.

The spice will catch you off guard and send your taste buds on a wild adventure with each bite!

How to Store and Freeze Jamaican Banana Bread

Room Temperature: Store your Jamaican Banana Bread wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for up to 3 days. This helps retain its moisture while keeping it soft.

Fridge: For longer freshness, keep the banana bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before enjoying!

Freezer: Wrap slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. This allows you to savor the delightful flavors whenever a craving strikes.

Reheating: To enjoy your frozen banana bread, simply thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a toaster oven for a fresh-out-of-the-oven experience!

Jamaican Banana Bread Recipe FAQs

What type of bananas should I use for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and sweetness, use very ripe bananas, ideally those with many brown spots. The riper the bananas, the sweeter the bread will be!

How should I store leftover Jamaican Banana Bread?
You can keep your banana bread wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just remember to allow it to come to room temperature before slicing!

Can I freeze Jamaican Banana Bread?
Yes, you can! To freeze, wrap the loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This way, it retains its luscious moisture and flavor for up to 3 months! When you re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight, and reheat it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds for a fresh taste.

What if my banana bread sinks in the middle after baking?
If your banana bread sinks in the middle, it may be because of overmixing the batter. Make sure to mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Additionally, checking that your baking powder or baking soda are still fresh can help ensure the bread rises properly.

Is there a gluten-free option for this Jamaican Banana Bread?
Very! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. This should provide a similar texture while being friendly for gluten-sensitive diets.

Are there any allergy considerations for this recipe?
Be mindful that this banana bread contains gluten (from the all-purpose flour), dairy (from the butter and yogurt), and eggs. If you re baking for someone with allergies, consider using alternatives such as dairy-free yogurt, plant-based butter, and egg replacements like applesauce or a flax egg. Always check the labels on your ingredients!