Ingredients
For the Banana Loaf:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 ripe bananas, mashed
For the Coffee Icing:
1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons strong brewed coffee, cooled
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Banana Loaf Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and cooled brewed coffee.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the mashed bananas until evenly distributed.
5. Bake the Loaf:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
6. Cool the Loaf:
Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Prepare the Coffee Icing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, brewed coffee, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more coffee or powdered sugar as needed.
8. Ice the Loaf:
Once the loaf is completely cool, drizzle the coffee icing over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.
9. Serve:
Slice and serve the coffee iced banana loaf. Enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat.
Tips for Success
Bananas: Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture.
Coffee: Brew a strong coffee to enhance the flavor in both the loaf and the icing.
Cooling: Ensure the loaf is completely cool before icing to prevent the icing from melting and becoming too runny.
Variations
Nutty Addition: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for added texture and flavor.
Chocolate Chips: Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
Spiced Twist: Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for a warm, spiced flavor.