Dutch Oven Banana Bread Recipe

Introduction

Dutch Oven Banana Bread is a comforting and flavorful treat that’s perfect for home or campfire baking. Using ripe bananas and warm spices, this recipe delivers moist, tender bread with a hint of bourbon for extra depth. It’s a simple way to enjoy a classic dessert with a rustic twist.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 4 ripe bananas
• ½ cup softened butter
• 1 egg (beaten)
• 1 tablespoon bourbon (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
2. Step 2: Prepare your campfire or create a bed of about 20 hot coals for cooking.
3. Step 3: In a medium to large bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until fairly smooth. Add the softened butter, beaten egg, and bourbon, stirring until combined.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until fully incorporated.
5. Step 5: Line your Dutch oven with parchment paper to prevent sticking, then pour in the batter and spread evenly.
6. Step 6: Cover the Dutch oven with its lid. Arrange 5 coals in a ring and place the Dutch oven on top, then put the remaining 15 coals on the lid.
7. Step 7: Bake for about 30 minutes, monitoring the heat to maintain an even temperature.
8. Step 8: Carefully remove the Dutch oven from the heat and lift out the bread using the parchment paper.
9. Step 9: Let the banana bread cool for a few minutes, then slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• For a nutty crunch, fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans before baking.
• Omitting the bourbon keeps the flavor family-friendly without compromising on taste.
• Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for the sweetest, most flavorful bread.
• If baking indoors, you can bake the banana bread at 350°F (175°C) for 50–60 minutes in a regular oven.

Storage

Store leftover banana bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat slices gently in a microwave or oven before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake this banana bread without a Dutch oven?

Yes, you can bake it in a regular loaf pan in an oven set to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

What can I use instead of bourbon?

If you prefer to skip alcohol, simply omit the bourbon or replace it with a tablespoon of maple syrup or vanilla extract for added sweetness and flavor complexity.

Dutch Oven Banana Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 91 reviews

This rustic Dutch Oven Banana Bread recipe delivers a moist, flavorful loaf perfect for camping or home baking. Using ripe bananas, warm spices, and optional bourbon, it is baked over coals in a Dutch oven, creating a delightful crust and tender crumb. Ideal for outdoor cooking enthusiasts and banana bread lovers alike.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (8-10 slices) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt

Wet Ingredients

• 4 ripe bananas
• ½ cup softened butter
• 1 egg (beaten)
• 1 tablespoon bourbon (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside for later use.
2. Prepare Coals: Ready your campfire or a bed of approximately 20 hot coals, which will serve as the baking heat source for the Dutch oven.
3. Mash Bananas and Mix Wet Ingredients: Place the ripe bananas in a medium to large bowl and mash them thoroughly with a fork until mostly smooth. Add the softened butter, beaten egg, and bourbon (if using), stirring until the ingredients are fully combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring continuously until the batter is uniformly incorporated and smooth.
5. Prepare Dutch Oven: Line your Dutch oven with a sheet of parchment paper to prevent the banana bread from sticking during baking.
6. Pour Batter and Arrange Coals: Pour the prepared batter into the lined Dutch oven. Cover it with the lid. Arrange 5 hot coals in a ring on the ground and place the Dutch oven in the center. Then place the remaining 15 hot coals on top of the Dutch oven lid to ensure even heat distribution.
7. Bake: Allow the banana bread to bake for approximately 30 minutes over the coals, checking occasionally for doneness.
8. Remove and Cool: Carefully remove the Dutch oven from the heat using protective gloves or tools. Lift the banana bread out by the parchment paper and let it cool for a few minutes.
9. Serve: Slice the banana bread and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Using parchment paper inside the Dutch oven helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Adjust the number of coals based on the heat of your fire; the ratio of 5 coals under and 15 on top is a guideline for even baking.
• Bourbon is optional; it adds a subtle depth of flavor to the banana bread but can be omitted for a non-alcoholic version.
• Ensure bananas are very ripe for the best sweetness and flavor.
• Check the texture with a toothpick: it should come out clean when banana bread is done.

Keywords: banana bread, Dutch oven recipe, camping banana bread, rustic banana bread, outdoor baking, easy banana bread