Bananas sautéd in Cointreau add a special and super tasty twist to this greek yogurt Banana Bread!
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Even though baking was how I first learned to cook, for a long time I didn't bake that often. I felt like it took too much time and the results usually weren't very healthy. But I've since learned that baking is really fun and often a lot of the time needed involves hands-off time then things are in the oven.
For this recipe, I wanted to create a somewhat less traditional version of banana bread, so I cooked the bananas in a little Cointreau, which gives them great flavor and makes your kitchen smell wonderful while cooking.
Ingredient Notes
- Ripe Bananas: You want to use really ripe, but not quite turning brown bananas.
- Butter: Whenever possible, I generally recommend European, unsalted butter for baking.
- Cointreau: This orange-flavored liqueur is key to giving the bread its flavor.
- Dark brown sugar: You can substitute light brown sugar but it may alter the color of the bread slightly.
- Greek yogurt: Lowfat or full-fat yogurt is the best option here. Be sure it's plain Greek yogurt so you get the correct consistency and flavor. Yogurt is one of the secrets to keeping the bread moist without adding a lot of fat.
- Orange juice: Fresh squeezed is ideal, especially since you only need a small amount. Bottled orange juice will work if you prefer.
How to make banana bread
Since you are cooking the bananas prior to incorporating them into the batter, this bread had a few steps that are key to a tasty result.
Mix the dry ingredients: You'll want to do this in a small mixing bowl using a whisk so they are all incorporated together before you add them to the batter.
Cook the bananas: Slightly mash the banana with a fork before adding them to the pan. First, you melt the butter then you add the banana and Cointreau. You cook the mixture until slightly thickened and bubbling. Then remove the pan from the heat and let cool slightly. I prefer a slightly lighter banana taste, so if you just love bananas, you can add a second one to the recipe. No other changes are needed.
Make the batter: I typically use a stand mixer when baking as I think it just makes things easier, however, if you don't have one you can use a hand mixer instead. At this step, you start by mixing the brown sugar and butter together. Then you add the eggs, the banana mixture and the yogurt. Once that is all blended together you'll slowly mix in the dry ingredients.
Bake the bread: The batter goes into a greased, standard loaf pan and then into the oven for about 45 minutes. You'll want to let it cool slightly before removing it from the pan.
Make the glaze: While the bread is cooling, mix the powdered sugar and orange juice together in a small bowl. Leave it at room temperature until you are ready to drizzle it over the bread.
Tips for Storing Banana Bread
Banana bread will keep for about a week if you wrap it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. You can also freeze it if you want to keep it longer. To serve simply defrost if it's been frozen and then microwave for about 15 seconds to warm it up a bit. Either way, wait until you are ready to eat it to add the glaze.
Banana Bread Serving Suggestions
This makes the perfect dish for a Sunday brunch party, and also makes a nice afternoon snack with tea. If you want to make it part of a breakfast or bunch menu I'd pair it with:
- Melon, Proscuitto and Mozzarella Skewers
- Sausage and Mushroom Egg Muffins or Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole
More baking ideas
If you love baking, try one of these great recipes next:
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Drunken Banana Bread
Ingredients
For the bread:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 large ripe banana
- 5 tablespoons butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons Cointreau
- ½ cup dark brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup plain greek yogurt
For the glaze:
- ⅔ cup powdered sugar
- 5 teaspoons orange juice
Instructions
- Heat the oven. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9 inch loaf pan with cooking spray.
- Mix the dry ingredients. Place flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamons in a small mixing bowl. Mix well with a whisk and set aside.
- Cook the bananas. Slightly mash the banana with a fork. Place 3 tablespoon (56g) of butter in a medium saucepan and heat over medium-low heat. Cook until the butter is melted. Add banana and Cointreau. Cook for 3-5 minutes, until slightly thickened and bubbling. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Make the batter. Place brown sugar and 2 tablespoon (28 g) butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat on medium speed until small, pea-sized chunks are formed. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until smooth after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl between additions. Add banana mixture and yogurt, beat until smooth. Slowly add the flour mixture and mix until well blended.
- Bake the bread. Pour batter into the loaf pan. Bake for 40- 45 minutes until a knife comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Remove from pan and place on a wire rack and continue to cool.
- Make the glaze. While the loaf is cooling mix the powdered sugar and orange juice in a small bowl. Drizzle over the slightly warm loaf. Slice and serve.
Nutrition
This post was originally published in October 2013. It was updated in January 2021 with some new information and photos. No changes were made to the original recipe.
matt
In the directions you mention adding yogurt but in the ingredients there is no yogurt listed. So how much yogurt and I am guessing plain.
foodiegirlchicago
Hi -
Sorry, oversight on my part - thanks for bringing it to my attention! It is 1/3 cup plain yogurt. Happy Cooking!
Kait
This looks so good! I bet the Cointreau really gives it a deep flavour! I love banana bread in any form! And the drizzle makes it that much more special!
FoodieGirlChicago
Kait - The drizzle is really good, I love it on muffins and other baked things too
Marye
Oh yum! This sounds so good!
Judy@ImboredLetsGo
What a delicious idea to cook the banana with Cointreau...Sounds fantastic!
Mirlandra @ Mirlandra's Kitchen
Oooo - I love this idea! I am excited to give it a try. Thanks!
Jennifer Stewart
I think that I am totally in love with this! I might use bourbon because that is the hub's favorite but I am totally on board with ANY liquor in my banana bread...
Chrisy @ Homemade Hooplah
Loving the idea of spiking the bananas before baking. Nice twist on a classic!
FoodieGirlChicago
Thanks Chrisy!
Gwen @simplyhealthyfamily
This banana bread is most definitely splurge worthy! Very next baked goodie I'm going to make! oxoxo
FoodieGirlChicago
Thanks Gwen, I hope you enjoy it!!
Lucy @ Bake Play Smile
Oh I love the idea of adding the liquor - so clever! Yep there's just nothing like a bit of baking fun. So glad you got back into it! Thanks for linking up with our Fabulous Foodie Fridays party xx
Kathryn Doherty
Now I'm sad that every banana bread I've ever made wasn't drunk. Those poor little loaves - totally missed out. 😉 I love the sound of this bread - what a great touch to add the Cointreau! Will have to get my boozy baking on soon!
Lisa @ Chocolate Meets Strawberry
Banana bread spiked with Cointreau?! Yes please!! This looks fantastic!
Tanya @ Yummy Lil Things
I’m all for adding booze to my food whenever possible. I may throw some mini chocolate chips in there too!
Urban Foodie Kitchen
Love the addition of mini chocolate chips!
Nick
Use banana flavored moonshine in place of the cointreau and yogurt and add chocolate chips
Kathryn Rudey
Hi Nick - Love the additions!