But the most memorable part?

The plump, rum-soaked raisins speckled throughout every slice.

Classic banana bread is a perfect canvas for new flavors.

A loaf of rum raisin banana bread with four slices cut off and laying next to each other.

Kalisa Marie Martin

I developed this adaptation while designing the menu for my B&B in Jamaica.

I wanted it to be comfortingly familiar, yet exciting with a new twist.

Try any other kind of dried fruit you enjoy.

Rum Raisin Banana Bread Recipe with slices cut

Kalisa Marie Martin

Or, skip them all together.

you’re free to even try it with chocolate chips!

For coconut, I would only add 1/4 cup.

A loaf of rum raisin banana bread with four slices cut off and laying next to each other.

Kalisa Marie Martin

Don’t Skip This Step!

Why Use Raw Sugar?

I use raw orturbinado sugar, because thats what is more commonly used in Jamaica.

Two slices of rum raisin banana bread on a plate and getting butter spread on top.

Kalisa Marie Martin

You should be able to find it in the baking aisle of any major grocery store.

I love it all by itself with a cup of mint tea.

Note that the larger the piece, the better it will be able to withstand freezer burn.

Mixing the Jamaican Banana Bread batter with a wooden spoon.

Kalisa Marie Martin

To thaw frozen bread:Stick it in the fridge overnight or on the counter for a few hours.

If youre in a rush to thaw your slices, pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds.

Recipes for More Banana Bread Inspiration!

Jamaican Banana Bread batter getting the rum soaked raisins stirred into it.

Kalisa Marie Martin

When mashing, I like to leave some lumps in, similar to chunky applesauce.

Let stand at room temperature at least overnight before straining and reserving the raisin-infused rum.

Grease an 8x4-inch loaf pan generously with cooking spray.

Jamaican Banana Bread batter in a loaf pan in the oven.

Kalisa Marie Martin

you could use butter to grease the pan too, but your loaf may turn out a little darker.

Strain the raisins and reserve the liquid.

In a large mixing bowl, add mashed bananas and stir in melted butter.

Jamaican Banana Bread baking in the oven.

Kalisa Marie Martin

Mix in the sugar, egg, vanilla, and 1 tablespoon of raisin-infused rum.

Add the cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.

Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and stir to combine.

Mix in the flour until fully combined.

(Note that it will be slightly lumpy because of the pieces of mashed banana.)

Lastly, fold in the strained raisins.

Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan, scraping the bowl to assist.

Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, or until a tester comes out clean.

Cool on a rack at least 15 minutes before removing the loaf from the pan.

Cool completely before slicing and serving.