Hawaiian Banana Bread

Are you ready for a tropical twist on a classic comfort food? Imagine the soft, tender crumb of banana bread, but with a juicy pop of pineapple and the rich sweetness of coconut. That’s exactly what you get with this Hawaiian Banana Bread—a perfect blend of familiar comfort and tropical paradise. It’s like taking a bite out of the islands! With its melt-in-your-mouth texture, bits of pineapple, and the warmth of toasted coconut, this banana bread will quickly become your go-to recipe for when you need something indulgent yet simple.

Why You’ll Love Hawaiian Banana Bread

Tropical Flavors You’ll Crave

Who doesn’t love a good banana bread, right? But add pineapple and coconut into the mix, and you’ve got something seriously special. The sweetness of the banana marries perfectly with the bright, tangy pineapple and chewy coconut, making each bite feel like a vacation.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

You don’t need a whole pantry of exotic ingredients to make this bread. The magic is in the combination of familiar ingredients with a tropical twist. If you’ve got overripe bananas and some canned pineapple, you’re practically halfway there!

Perfectly Moist and Tender

The pineapple adds extra moisture, making this banana bread super soft and tender. Plus, it keeps well for days, so you can enjoy it as a treat or breakfast all week long.

Great for Any Occasion

This bread is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even as a gift to share with friends. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or craving something indulgent with your morning coffee, this tropical banana bread is always a winner.

Ingredients

Let’s break down the ingredients you’ll need for this tropical twist on banana bread:

Ripe Bananas

Bananas are the star of the show here. The riper, the better! Overripe bananas are perfect because they add natural sweetness and a moist texture to the bread.

Pineapple

Crushed pineapple, drained of its juice, brings that fruity, tropical zing that makes this banana bread stand out from the crowd.

Shredded Coconut

Sweetened shredded coconut adds a chewy texture and a hint of nuttiness, taking this bread to the next level.

All-Purpose Flour

The classic flour base to create that soft and fluffy texture.

Sugar

A little sugar is all you need to enhance the sweetness of the bananas and pineapple, without making it overly sugary.

Eggs

Eggs help bind the ingredients together and give the bread its richness and rise.

Baking Soda

The leavening agent that makes your banana bread light and fluffy.

Salt

A pinch of salt helps balance out the sweetness and brings all the flavors together.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla adds depth and complements the tropical flavors in the bread.

Butter

Melted butter adds richness and moisture to the bread. You could substitute with oil if you prefer, but butter gives it a lovely flavor.

Optional: Chopped Walnuts or Macadamia Nuts

If you want to add a bit of crunch, feel free to mix in some chopped nuts for texture and flavor. Macadamia nuts would be particularly fitting for this Hawaiian-style bread!

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bread will cook evenly and develop that beautiful golden-brown color.

Prepare Your Baking Pan

Grease a loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray, or line it with parchment paper to make sure your banana bread slides out easily once it’s baked.

Mash the Bananas

In a large bowl, mash your ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. The riper they are, the easier they will mash—and the sweeter the bread will be!

Mix in the Wet Ingredients

Add the melted butter to the mashed bananas and stir to combine. Then, add the eggs, vanilla extract, and pineapple. Mix everything together until it’s fully incorporated.

Add the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix. You want everything just combined.

Stir in Coconut (and Nuts)

Gently fold in the shredded coconut, and if you’re using, the chopped nuts of your choice. This will give the bread its tropical flair and extra crunch.

Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Enjoy

Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice it up, and enjoy the tropical goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 10
Calories per serving: 250
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 70 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

How to Serve Hawaiian Banana Bread

As a Breakfast Treat

Start your morning with a slice of this banana bread, maybe paired with a hot cup of coffee or a refreshing tropical smoothie. The coconut and pineapple will make you feel like you’re on a vacation every morning!

As a Snack

Perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up, this bread makes for a satisfying snack that’s sweet, moist, and filling.

For a Party or Gathering

Slice it up and serve it at your next get-together. Hawaiian Banana Bread is always a crowd-pleaser, and it’s a unique twist that guests will remember.

With a Dollop of Whipped Cream

For an indulgent treat, serve a slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey. It makes the bread feel extra special!

Additional Tips

Ripen Your Bananas Quickly

If your bananas aren’t quite ripe enough yet, pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 15 minutes. This will speed up the ripening process and give you the perfect bananas for baking.

Make It Gluten-Free

If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend.

Store for Later

This bread stays fresh for about 3-4 days at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze slices for up to 3 months!

Add Extra Fruit

If you love the tropical vibes, feel free to add additional fruits like mango or even shredded zucchini for extra moisture.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this without coconut?

A1: Yes! If you’re not a fan of coconut, you can leave it out. The banana and pineapple will still provide plenty of flavor.

Q2: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

A2: Absolutely! Just make sure to finely chop and drain fresh pineapple before using it in the recipe. The texture and flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Q3: Can I use a hand mixer or stand mixer?

A3: You can, but I recommend mixing by hand to keep the bread light and fluffy. Overmixing with a mixer can lead to a dense texture.

Q4: Can I use whole wheat flour?

A4: Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but keep in mind that it may change the texture and flavor slightly.

Q5: Can I add chocolate chips to this bread?

A5: Yes! Chocolate chips would be a great addition to this tropical banana bread for an extra sweet treat.

Q6: How do I store leftover banana bread?

A6: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months.

Q7: Can I use unsweetened coconut?

A7: You can use unsweetened coconut, but the bread might not be as sweet. If you use unsweetened coconut, you may want to increase the sugar a little.

Q8: Can I make this into muffins instead of a loaf?

A8: Yes! If you prefer muffins, simply divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Q9: Can I make this vegan?

A9: Yes, you can substitute the eggs for a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons of water), and use non-dairy butter to make this banana bread vegan-friendly.

Q10: What kind of bananas work best for banana bread?

A10: The riper, the better! Look for bananas that are speckled with brown spots—they’re the sweetest and will create the best banana bread.

Conclusion

This Hawaiian Banana Bread is a delicious, tropical take on the classic banana bread that’s sure to brighten your day. With the sweetness of ripe bananas, tangy pineapple, and chewy coconut, this bread is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or share it with friends, it’s the kind of comfort food that will make you smile with every bite. So grab those overripe bananas and get baking—you’re in for a tropical treat!

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