There’s nothing quite like a cozy snow day to ignite the baking spirit. A crisp morning, a warm mug of coffee, and the delightful prospect of whipping up something sweet in the kitchen – it’s a perfect combination. Recently, faced with an abundance of ripe bananas in my freezer, the idea of creating new and exciting banana bread variations sparked my imagination. If you’re wondering how to properly freeze bananas for baking, you’re in luck! It’s a fantastic trick that ensures you always have the perfect ingredient on hand for delicious banana bread. You can learn all about it right here: How To Freeze & Use Bananas for Future Use.

That morning, as I sipped my coffee, I delved into my digital recipe collection on my iPad. My Pinterest board for “Recipes for BREAD” is a treasure trove of baking inspiration, filled with countless ideas I’m eager to try. If you’re looking for more delightful bread recipes, feel free to explore my collection:

An Affair from the Heart: Recipes for BREAD

The Inspiration: S’Mores Banana Bread

After pinning a few more tempting recipes, I decided to take stock of my pantry. The plan for the day was simple: stay in my pajamas and enjoy a full day of baking without a single trip to the grocery store. To my delight, I discovered I had all the necessary ingredients for a truly special creation: S’Mores Banana Bread. But not just any S’Mores Banana Bread – this recipe had a unique, indulgent twist that elevated it to another level, perfect for celebrating National Banana Bread Day or any sweet craving.

Introducing Kahlua Caramelized Bananas: A Rich, Boozy Twist

The secret ingredient that transforms this banana bread into an extraordinary dessert is the addition of Kahlua Caramelized Bananas. This simple yet sophisticated step infuses the banana bread with a rich, boozy caramel flavor that complements the classic S’Mores components beautifully. The recipe, which I initially discovered on Baker by Nature, has become a personal favorite, especially for those special baking days when you want something truly unique and comforting.

Why This S’Mores Banana Bread Recipe Stands Out

This isn’t just another banana bread; it’s an experience. The delightful fusion of sweet, ripe bananas with the smoky, chocolatey goodness of S’Mores, all enhanced by the deep, coffee-liqueur notes of Kahlua, creates a symphony of flavors and textures that is truly unparalleled. Imagine a moist, tender banana bread studded with melty semi-sweet chocolate, gooey miniature marshmallows, and crunchy graham cracker pieces, all baked to golden perfection. It’s a comforting, nostalgic treat with an elegant adult twist, making it perfect for sharing with friends and family, or simply savoring by yourself with a quiet moment and a cup of tea or coffee.

Using frozen bananas is a fantastic and often overlooked shortcut that significantly contributes to the moistness of the bread. When thawed, frozen bananas release more liquid and become incredibly soft, which adds to the overall moisture content of the batter, ensuring a tender and consistently delicious crumb every single time. The caramelized Kahlua bananas introduce an additional layer of complex flavor and a delightful softness that gently melts into the bread as it bakes, creating pockets of intense banana-caramel goodness that will keep you coming back for more.

Recipe: S’Mores Banana Bread with Kahlua Caramelized Bananas

The Secret Ingredient: Kahlua (Homemade or Store-Bought)

Do you love the rich, sweet, and slightly bitter flavor of Kahlua? While store-bought Kahlua works perfectly for this recipe and provides consistent results, have you ever considered making your own from scratch? It’s an incredibly rewarding culinary adventure, and many home mixologists and bakers argue that homemade Kahlua is superior to commercial brands, often offering a nuanced depth of flavor that’s truly unmatched. The ability to control the sweetness and coffee intensity can lead to a Kahlua perfectly tailored to your palate.

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to elevate your baking (and cocktail!) game, I highly recommend trying this recipe for Homemade Kahlua. It’s simpler than you might think to prepare and adds an extra layer of pride and personalization to your culinary creations. Imagine the rich aroma filling your kitchen!

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S’More Banana Bread – made with Kahlua Caramelized Bananas

S’More Banana Bread – made with Kahlua Caramelized Bananas is a decadent and flavorful twist on classic banana bread, featuring a delightful combination of chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers, all infused with the rich essence of Kahlua. This recipe uses frozen bananas for extra moisture and is perfect for a special treat.

Prep Time

20 minutes
mins

Cook Time

55 minutes
mins

Total Time

1 hour
hr
15 minutes
mins

Cuisine:
American

Keyword:
S’More Banana Bread, Kahlua Caramelized Bananas, Homemade Banana Bread, Dessert, Baking, Sweet Treat

Yields:

1
Loaf (approximately 10-12 servings)

Calories (per serving):

470-560
kcal

Author:
Michaela Kenkel (Adapted from Baker by Nature)

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Ingredients

For the Kahlua Caramelized Bananas:

• 3
  large ripe bananas
  sliced into thin rounds. If using frozen bananas, thaw and mash them thoroughly.
• 2
  Tablespoons
  unsalted butter
• 1/4
  cup
  light brown sugar
• 1/3
  cup
  Kahlua
• 2
  Tablespoons
  all-purpose flour

For the S’Mores Banana Bread:

• 1
  stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
  melted
• 1
  cup
  light brown sugar
• 2
  teaspoons
  vanilla extract
• 4
  large eggs
  at room temperature for best results
• 1 3/4
  cup
  all-purpose flour
• 1
  teaspoon
  baking soda
• 1/2
  teaspoon
  baking powder
• 1/2
  teaspoon
  salt
• 2/3
  cup
  sour cream
  full-fat for the best texture and richness
• 1
  cup
  semi-sweet chocolate
  chopped into small pieces or high-quality chocolate chips
• 1
  cup
  miniature marshmallows
• 1
  cup
  chopped graham crackers
  crushed into small, rustic pieces

Instructions

Part 1: Prepare the Kahlua Caramelized Bananas

• Prepare the Bananas: Begin by preparing your bananas. If using fresh, very ripe bananas, peel them and slice them into thin rounds for even caramelization. If you’re utilizing the handy trick of frozen bananas (which are perfect for banana bread!), ensure they are fully thawed and then mash them thoroughly with a fork or potato masher. Both preparations will yield delicious results for your caramelized Kahlua bananas.
• Caramelize the Bananas: In a medium-sized skillet, melt the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat until it’s fragrant and bubbly. Add the 1/4 cup of light brown sugar to the skillet and stir continuously until it completely dissolves and transforms into a shimmering, smooth caramel sauce. Carefully add the prepared bananas to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for approximately 6 minutes, allowing the bananas to soften further and thoroughly absorb the rich caramel flavor. Once softened, remove the pan from the heat. Whisk in the 1/3 cup of Kahlua, ensuring it’s well combined with the banana mixture, followed by the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. The flour will help to thicken the sauce slightly, giving it a perfect consistency. Set this exquisite Kahlua caramelized banana mixture aside to cool slightly while you move on to prepare the bread batter.

Part 2: Prepare the S’Mores Banana Bread

• Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to a steady 350°F (175°C). Prepare a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper. Ensure you leave an overhang on the longer sides of the pan; this will act as convenient “handles” to easily lift the finished loaf out later. Generously grease the entire interior of the lined pan with non-stick cooking spray or a thin layer of butter. Trust me, while I initially skipped the parchment paper, I now highly recommend it for a much smoother and cleaner removal process!
• Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, 1 cup of light brown sugar, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined, smooth, and creamy. Next, crack in the 4 large eggs, adding them one at a time. Beat well after each egg addition to ensure everything is fully incorporated and aerated, which contributes to the light texture of the bread.
• Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the 1 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This important step ensures that the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed throughout the dry mixture, leading to a consistent rise and flavor in your banana bread.
• Integrate & Fold: Gradually add the whisked dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture in the large bowl. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, fold slowly until just combined. It’s crucial not to overmix the batter, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in a tough, dense banana bread. Once almost combined, gently fold in the 2/3 cup of sour cream, followed by the cooled Kahlua caramelized bananas. Finally, swirl in 3/4 cup of the chopped semi-sweet chocolate, 3/4 cup of the miniature marshmallows, and 3/4 cup of the chopped graham crackers. Make sure to reserve the remaining 1/4 cup of each topping for sprinkling on top before the second bake.
• First Bake: Pour the prepared batter evenly into your greased and lined loaf pan, spreading it gently to fill the pan. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for an initial 45 minutes. At this stage, the loaf will be partially set and beginning to firm up.
• Add Toppings & Second Bake: Carefully remove the loaf from the oven. Evenly sprinkle the reserved 1/4 cup of chocolate, miniature marshmallows, and graham crackers over the top of the partially baked bread. Here’s a helpful tip: if your loaf is rising significantly and you’re concerned about losing all your beautiful toppings or them getting too dark, you can loosely tent the pan with a large piece of aluminum foil to protect them. Return the loaf to the oven.
• Final Bake & Doneness: Continue baking for another 20-25 minutes, or until a wooden skewer, toothpick, or cake tester inserted into the very center of the loaf comes out clean. If it still has wet batter, continue baking in 5-minute increments. If the top begins to brown too much before the center is cooked, again, loosely tent it with foil.
• Cooling: Once baked to perfection, allow the S’Mores Banana Bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. This cooling period is crucial as it allows the bread to set and firm up before handling. After this time, carefully lift the loaf out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. While slicing it warm is incredibly tempting, a fully cooled banana bread holds its structure better, makes for cleaner slices, and allows the incredible flavors to meld and deepen for the ultimate taste experience.

Nutrition Information (Estimated Per Serving)

Serving Size:
1/10th of loaf


|

Calories:
500
kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
70-80
g

|

Protein:
6-8
g

|

Fat:
20-25
g

|

Saturated Fat:
10-15
g

Tips for Perfect S’Mores Banana Bread Every Time

Achieving a perfectly moist, flavorful, and beautiful banana bread is easier than you think with a few key tips and tricks:

• Ripe Bananas are Key: The riper your bananas are (the more brown spots they have, the better!), the sweeter and more intensely flavored your banana bread will be. Don’t be afraid of very brown bananas – they are ideal! Frozen and thawed bananas are absolutely perfect for this as they become extra soft and release more moisture, contributing to a wonderfully tender crumb.
• Don’t Overmix: This is a golden rule in baking, especially for quick breads. Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to a tough, dense, and chewy bread instead of a soft and moist one. Mix until just combined and no streaks of dry flour remain.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. This helps them incorporate more smoothly and evenly into the batter, preventing curdling and creating a more uniform emulsion, which ultimately leads to a more tender and beautifully textured crumb.
• Lining the Pan for Easy Release: As mentioned in the recipe instructions, using parchment paper with an overhang is a complete game-changer for easy removal of your baked loaf. Don’t skip this simple step – it saves so much frustration!
• Adjusting Kahlua to Your Taste: If you prefer a less pronounced boozy flavor in your banana bread, you can slightly reduce the amount of Kahlua used in the caramelized bananas. Alternatively, you can replace a portion of the Kahlua with strong brewed coffee or a non-alcoholic coffee syrup to maintain the coffee essence without the alcohol.
• Topping Perfection for Gooey Goodness: Spreading the reserved chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers on top *after* the initial bake (around 45 minutes) is a strategic move. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf and allows the marshmallows to get perfectly gooey and toasted on top during the final baking phase, creating that signature S’Mores crust.
• Testing for Doneness: The wooden skewer or cake tester test is always reliable. Insert it into the very center of the loaf. If it comes out with wet batter, it definitely needs more time in the oven. A few moist crumbs clinging to the tester are acceptable and often indicate a perfectly moist bread, but there should be no raw batter.
• Cooling Completely for Best Texture: While it’s incredibly hard to resist slicing into a warm, aromatic loaf straight from the oven, letting the bread cool completely on a wire rack is essential. This allows the internal structure of the bread to fully set, making for cleaner, less crumbly slices and a superior overall texture and flavor development as the ingredients continue to meld.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

This S’Mores Banana Bread with Kahlua Caramelized Bananas is an absolute delight on its own, perhaps with another invigorating cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of cold milk. The complex flavors truly shine through. However, if you’re looking to elevate the experience even further, consider serving a warm slice with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For an extra touch of indulgence, a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce or a sprinkle of lightly toasted pecans would also be absolutely divine.

Storage: To maintain its freshness and moisture, store the cooled banana bread tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer-term storage, this banana bread freezes beautifully. Once completely cooled, you can wrap individual slices or the whole loaf securely in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave or oven for that wonderful fresh-baked taste and texture.

Final Thoughts on this Decadent Treat

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion like National Banana Bread Day, enjoying a quiet snow day, or simply looking for an excuse to bake something truly special and comforting, this S’Mores Banana Bread with Kahlua Caramelized Bananas recipe is an absolute must-try. It skillfully combines the comforting familiarity of classic, moist banana bread with the playful, nostalgic joy of S’Mores, all elevated by an elegant and rich hint of Kahlua. The result is a wonderfully moist, intensely flavorful, and incredibly satisfying treat that is guaranteed to impress anyone who tries it. So, gather your ingredients, put on your favorite apron (or stay in your PJs like I did!), and get ready to create a masterpiece that will fill your home with the most wonderful, inviting aromas. Happy baking!