Banana Bread with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting and Bourbon Pecan Glaze

Banana Bread with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting and Bourbon Pecan Glaze

This moist and delicious banana bread is elevated with a creamy whipped cream cheese frosting and a decadent bourbon drizzle glaze topped with toasted pecans. Perfect for special occasions or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe brings a delightful twist to a classic favorite.

Ingredients:

  • For the Banana Bread:

    • ½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 2 large eggs, beaten
    • 3 to 4 ripe bananas, finely crushed (for extra moisture and flavor, use 4 bananas)
    • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

  • For the Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting:

    • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
    • ¼ cup (½ stick) butter, softened
    • 1½ cups powdered sugar
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • Pinch of salt

  • For the Bourbon Pecan Glaze:

    • ¼ cup (½ stick) butter
    • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
    • ¼ cup bourbon
    • ½ cup chopped pecans, toasted

Directions:

  1. Prepare the Banana Bread:

    • Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
    • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
    • Add the beaten eggs and crushed bananas to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until well combined.
    • In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
    • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Stir in the vanilla extract if using. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
    • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
    • Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

  2. Prepare the Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting:

    • In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
    • Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
    • Cover and refrigerate the frosting until ready to use.

  3. Prepare the Bourbon Pecan Glaze:

    • In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
    • Stir in the packed brown sugar until it dissolves.
    • Slowly add the bourbon, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
    • Reduce the heat and let the glaze simmer for 3–5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
    • Stir in the toasted chopped pecans.
    • Remove from heat and allow the glaze to cool slightly.

  4. Assemble the Banana Bread:

    • Once the banana bread has cooled completely, spread the whipped cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
    • Drizzle the bourbon pecan glaze over the frosting.
    • For an extra touch, sprinkle additional toasted pecan pieces on top if desired.
    • Slice and serve.

Serving Suggestions and Tips:

  • Serving Size: This recipe yields one loaf, approximately 8–10 slices.
  • Banana Tips: Overripe bananas with brown spots are ideal as they are sweeter and more flavorful.
  • Toasting Pecans: To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 5–7 minutes until fragrant.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days due to the cream cheese frosting.
  • Bringing to Room Temperature: For the best taste and texture, allow refrigerated slices to come to room temperature before serving.
  • Alcohol-Free Option: If you prefer, you can omit the bourbon from the glaze or substitute it with apple juice for a non-alcoholic version.
  • Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense bread. Mix just until the ingredients are incorporated.
  • Add-Ins: Feel free to add chocolate chips, walnuts, or dried fruits to the batter for extra flavor.
  • Freezing: The banana bread (without frosting and glaze) can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 3 months.

Enjoy this indulgent twist on classic banana bread, perfect for gatherings or a delightful dessert!

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