Banana bread is a beloved classic in many kitchens, but when you give it a tropical twist, it becomes a whole new experience. Hawaiian Banana Bread is a delightful blend of traditional banana bread with the exotic flavors of pineapple and coconut. This fusion not only enhances the sweetness but also brings a moist and fluffy texture that elevates it from a typical breakfast loaf to a treat you’ll want to enjoy any time of the day. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a breakfast item, or a dessert to serve to guests, this banana bread will certainly impress.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Prepare the wet ingredients: In a larger bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
Mash the bananas and stir them into the wet mixture. Fold in the crushed pineapple and shredded coconut, ensuring everything is well combined.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix as this can make the bread dense.
Optional step: If you’re adding nuts, fold them in gently at this point.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
For an extra touch of Hawaiian flair, consider adding a glaze made with powdered sugar and pineapple juice. Simply mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of pineapple juice until smooth, then drizzle it over the cooled banana bread. The glaze adds a lovely tang and enhances the tropical flavors even more. You could also sprinkle additional shredded coconut on top for added texture and visual appeal.
Hawaiian Banana Bread offers a fantastic combination of familiar and exotic flavors that make it a standout in any recipe collection. The addition of pineapple gives it a moist and tender crumb, while the coconut adds a delightful chewiness that pairs beautifully with the richness of the bananas. Whether you're making it for a family brunch, a potluck, or simply as a treat for yourself, this banana bread brings a taste of the tropics to your table. The recipe is versatile, allowing you to play around with add-ins like macadamia nuts or even a handful of chocolate chips for an extra indulgent version.
Baking this loaf fills your kitchen with the wonderful aroma of bananas, coconut, and vanilla, making it impossible to wait until it's cooled down before cutting yourself a slice. And, because it stores well, you can enjoy a slice with your morning coffee or tea for several days—if it lasts that long!