Hefeweiss Banana Beer Bread Recipe

I don’t know about you, but one of my favorite types of bread, especially for breakfast, is banana bread. It just so happens that my favorite banana bread recipe is a lot like my favorite “normal” bread recipe, in that they both contain beer. I know, I know, you’re shocked, right?... Stop! That question was rhetorical. All joking aside if you like to brew and drink Hefeweizens, but you also enjoy warm and delicious banana bread… Say no more, as the kids say, “I got you, fam”.

Besides tasting freaking amazing, this recipe is in keeping with my usual theme of “waste not” or at least waste, “less”. Got the trub-y cloudy bits leftover from a wheat beer brew? No problem. Got smooshed, bruised bananas? They are beautiful just like you, let’s use them up! Honey and or maple syrup hiding in your cupboard? Not for long!

Don’t have any left-over Beer after bottling? That’s okay too! You can use a beer that is already bottled or even commercially produced beer, but what IS important, is that you use a beer specifically made with a “wheat style” yeast.

This plays a big role in the flavor of your finished banana bread. Unfiltered, bottle-conditioned wheat beers are especially great, because the little bit of activity from the yeast in the beer, will help give it a lovely texture… But this is not completely essential to use a beer that contains live yeast cells. It’s just extra nice if you can, just don’t let a lack of access to that, stop you from making this yummy treat.

Here is what you will need:

3 cups of All-Purpose Flour

1.5 Teaspoons of baking soda

2/3 cup quick oats

1.5 cups of VERY ripe mashed banana

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

1.5 cups hefeweizen beer

¼ cup maple syrup or honey

2 tablespoons melted butter, vegetable oil or coconut oil

¼ Teaspoons kosher or sea salt

A small pinch of ground cinnamon (you can use more to taste)

Half a cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Here’s how you make it:

1. Preheat oven to 375°. In a large bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt, oats, brown sugar, and chopped nuts if you are using them. In another bowl, mix bananas, cinnamon, beer, and maple syrup until blended. Add to flour mixture; stir just until fully incorporated but be careful not to overmix it.

2. Next, Transfer that delicious bad boy to a greased 9x5-in. loaf pan. Drizzle the top with the melted butter or oil. Bake 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan for at least 20 minutes before removing.

3. Slice, and enjoy!

Now that you know how to make this delicious carb-laden creation, don’t go sending me your gym membership fees, you eat this at your own stretchy-pants risk, ya hear?!