Bahama Bread

Bahama Bread Recipe - Authentic Taste From The Bahamas

Region / culture: Bahamas, The Bahamas | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 8

Introduction

Bahama Bread, a delightful and moist banana bread, is a classic treat that has been enjoyed for generations. This recipe offers a tropical twist to the traditional banana bread, incorporating the rich flavors of ripe bananas and optional nuts for added texture. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, Bahama Bread is a versatile and beloved recipe that brings a taste of the islands to your kitchen.

History

The origins of banana bread date back to the 1930s, a time when baking soda and baking powder became popular in American households, allowing for the creation of quick breads. The recipe for Bahama Bread, however, infuses traditional banana bread with a Caribbean flair, reflecting the culinary traditions and tropical produce of the Bahamas. Over the years, it has evolved, with variations including the addition of nuts, spices, and different extracts to enhance its flavor.

Ingredients

2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
0.33 cup milk
1 tsp lemon juice or
0.5 tsp vanilla extract
0.5 cup chopped nuts, optional
2 – 3 very ripe bananas, mashed

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
In a mixing bowl, cream the butter.
Gradually add the sugar and mix until well blended.
Add the eggs and the banana, mix until well blended.
In a large bowl, combine the milk and lemon juice.
Alternately mix the flour mixture into the banana mixture.
Add a little at a time, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
Blend well after each addition.
Add nuts.
Pour the batter into a heavily buttered 9 x 5 x 3 inches loaf pan.
Bake for one hour or until the bread is golden and springs back when touched.
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for ten minutes.
Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool completely.

Variations

To customize your Bahama Bread, consider adding chocolate chips, blueberries, or a swirl of peanut butter to the batter. For a spicier version, incorporate cinnamon or nutmeg. You can also replace the nuts with seeds, such as sunflower or pumpkin, for a different texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For the best Bahama Bread, use bananas that are very ripe—the darker, the better—as they are sweeter and more flavorful. If your bananas are not ripe enough, you can bake them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until they become soft and their skins turn black. Another tip is to not overmix the batter; mix just until the ingredients are combined to ensure the bread remains tender and moist.

Serving Suggestions

Bahama Bread can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea for a comforting breakfast or snack. For a dessert option, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Cooking Techniques

The key technique in making Bahama Bread is the creaming method, where butter and sugar are beaten together until light and fluffy. This incorporates air into the batter, contributing to the bread's tender crumb. Additionally, alternating the addition of dry and wet ingredients helps prevent overmixing.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a healthier version, substitute whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour, or use a sugar alternative. Unsweetened applesauce can replace some of the butter for a lower-fat option. Almond milk and a flaxseed egg can be used for a dairy-free and vegan version.

Make Ahead Tips

Bahama Bread can be made ahead and freezes well. Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Slice the bread and arrange it on a platter with fresh banana slices and a sprinkling of chopped nuts for garnish. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a touch of elegance.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Bahama Bread with a tropical fruit salad, such as pineapple, mango, and papaya, for a refreshing and balanced breakfast or brunch. For a beverage, consider a coconut milk latte or a spiced rum cocktail for an adult twist.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Bahama Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, warm slices in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 5-10 minutes or in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A slice of Bahama Bread contains approximately 300 calories. The calories mainly come from carbohydrates and fats, making it a high-energy food that can help fuel your day.

Carbohydrates

A single serving of Bahama Bread contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. The primary source of these carbohydrates is flour and sugar, providing the body with energy. The bananas also contribute natural sugars and dietary fiber.

Fats

Each serving of Bahama Bread has about 10 grams of fat, mainly from the butter and the optional nuts. Using unsalted butter helps control the sodium content, and nuts, if added, provide healthy unsaturated fats.

Proteins

Bahama Bread offers around 5 grams of protein per serving. The eggs and milk in the recipe are good sources of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues.

Vitamins and minerals

This bread is a good source of several vitamins and minerals, particularly from the bananas, which are rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium. The eggs and milk contribute additional nutrients, including vitamin D, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

Common allergens in Bahama Bread include gluten (from flour), eggs, dairy (from butter and milk), and nuts if added. Those with allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients should take caution.

Summary

Overall, Bahama Bread is a delicious treat that provides energy and nutrients. While it is relatively high in sugars and fats, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Bahama Bread is a delightful twist on traditional banana bread, offering a taste of the tropics with its moist texture and rich flavor. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it's a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you're looking for a comforting breakfast, a tasty snack, or a sweet dessert, Bahama Bread is sure to satisfy.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a sunny afternoon in the Bahamas, and I was wandering through a bustling market filled with vibrant colors and enticing aromas. As I strolled past the various stalls, my eyes were drawn to a small, weathered book sitting on a table in the corner.

Curious, I picked it up and flipped through the pages, my heart skipping a beat when I came across a recipe for Bahama Bread. The ingredients were simple - flour, sugar, butter, and a touch of cinnamon - but the method was intricate and detailed, with specific instructions on how to knead the dough just right and bake it to golden perfection.

I knew I had to have it. I asked the vendor how much he wanted for the book, and after some haggling, we settled on a price. I clutched the book to my chest, feeling like I had stumbled upon a treasure trove of culinary secrets.

When I returned home, I wasted no time in trying out the recipe. I gathered the ingredients, measured them out carefully, and followed the instructions to the letter. As the bread baked in the oven, the kitchen filled with the mouth-watering scent of cinnamon and sugar.

When the timer dinged, I pulled the loaf out of the oven and sliced into it, revealing a soft, fluffy interior with a golden crust. I took a bite and closed my eyes, savoring the flavors that danced on my tongue.

From that moment on, Bahama Bread became a staple in my kitchen. I made it for special occasions, like birthdays and holidays, and sometimes just because I was craving a taste of the islands. Each time I baked it, I felt transported back to that sunny afternoon in the Bahamas, surrounded by the sights and sounds of a bustling market.

Over the years, I shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of Bahama Bread to the next generation. It became a beloved favorite, a symbol of my love for cooking and the memories I had collected over the years.

As I sit here now, flipping through the well-worn pages of that weathered book, I smile at the thought of all the times I have baked Bahama Bread. It may seem like a simple recipe, but to me, it holds a world of memories and stories, each slice a reminder of my adventures and the people I have met along the way.

And so, I continue to bake Bahama Bread, adding my own little twists and tweaks to the recipe, always in search of that perfect balance of flavors and textures. It is a dish that will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the day I found a culinary treasure in a bustling market in the Bahamas.