Bourbon Banana Bread with Glaze Recipe

Introduction

This Bourbon Banana Bread is a moist, flavorful twist on a classic favorite. Infused with warm bourbon and aromatic cardamom, it’s perfect for a comforting snack or an impressive dessert. The rich glaze on top adds an extra layer of sweetness and charm.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
• 1 Tbsp bourbon
• 1 Tbsp vanilla bean paste
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 ripe bananas (mashed, about 1 cup)
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp cardamom
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
• 4 tsp bourbon (more or less, to taste)
• 1 Tbsp milk (or more as necessary to thin the glaze)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving long ends to easily lift the bread after baking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the bourbon and vanilla bean paste.
3. Step 3: Mix in the sour cream and mashed bananas until well combined.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cardamom, and salt.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for about 50 minutes, or until the bread is fully risen and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Step 7: Allow the bread to cool completely before applying the glaze.
8. Step 8: To make the glaze, mix the confectioner’s sugar, bourbon, vanilla, and enough milk to reach a smooth, pourable consistency.
9. Step 9: Spread or pour the glaze evenly over the cooled bread, then let it set before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moisture.
• For a nuttier twist, fold in chopped walnuts or pecans before baking.
• Adjust the bourbon amount in the glaze to match your preference for boozy flavor.
• If you don’t have vanilla bean paste, pure vanilla extract works well too.

Storage

Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat gently if desired. The glaze may soften over time, but the flavor will remain delicious.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I substitute bourbon with another alcohol or leave it out?

Yes, you can substitute bourbon with rum or whiskey for a similar flavor. To keep it alcohol-free, simply omit the bourbon; the bread will still be moist and tasty.

How do I know when the banana bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick or thin skewer into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few dry crumbs, the bread is done. If batter sticks to it, bake a few minutes longer and check again.

Bourbon Banana Bread with Glaze Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 104 reviews

This Bourbon Banana Bread combines the classic moistness of ripe bananas with a rich, warming hint of bourbon and cardamom spice. Topped with a luscious bourbon glaze, it’s a delightful twist on a traditional banana bread perfect for dessert or an indulgent snack.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 1 standard 9×5 inch loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
• Category: Baked Goods
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
• 1 Tbsp bourbon
• 1 Tbsp vanilla bean paste
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 ripe bananas (mashed, about 1 cup)
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/2 tsp salt

Glaze Ingredients

• 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
• 4 tsp bourbon (more or less, to taste)
• 1 Tbsp milk (or more as necessary to thin the glaze)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the banana bread.
2. Prepare Pan: Lightly spray a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan with non-stick spray and line it with parchment paper, leaving long ends to easily lift the bread out after baking.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature butter and sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and light in texture.
4. Add Eggs and Flavors: Beat in the eggs one at a time ensuring each is fully incorporated. Then add the bourbon and vanilla bean paste, mixing well.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients: Stir in the sour cream followed by the mashed bananas, blending all wet ingredients together thoroughly.
6. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cardamom, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
7. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until all ingredients are combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
8. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for about 50 minutes, or until the bread has risen fully and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for a short while before transferring it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
10. Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, stir together the confectioner’s sugar, bourbon, and vanilla. Add milk or water gradually to thin the glaze to your preferred consistency.
11. Glaze the Bread: Pour or spread the glaze evenly over the cooled banana bread, allowing it to set before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Using ripe bananas enhances sweetness and flavor.
• Do not overmix the batter as it can make the bread dense.
• The bourbon in the glaze can be adjusted to taste or omitted for a non-alcoholic version.
• Parchment paper makes removing the bread much easier and keeps the loaf intact.
• Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Keywords: banana bread, bourbon banana bread, banana loaf, bourbon glaze, cardamom banana bread, moist banana bread, dessert bread