Name: Hawaiian Banana Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 75 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian, Tropical
Ingredients: 1/2 cup softened butter.; 1 cup sugar.; 2 large eggs.; 1 mashed ripe banana.; 1 cup crushed pineapple with juice.; 2 cups all-purpose flour.; 1 tsp baking powder.; 1/2 tsp baking soda.; 1/4 tsp salt.; 1/4 cup shredded coconut.

This Hawaiian Banana Bread is a delightful tropical twist on the classic banana bread, blending ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and shredded coconut for an island-inspired flavor. The sweetness of the pineapple combined with the texture of the coconut adds an extra layer of flavor and richness to this moist and delicious bread. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime snack, this banana bread recipe is easy to make and a great way to use up overripe bananas. The loaf bakes to perfection, resulting in a golden, tender crumb that pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. Add this tropical banana bread to your baking list and bring a taste of the islands to your kitchen.

Hawaiian Banana Bread is a delightful fusion of classic banana bread flavors with tropical additions like pineapple and coconut. This moist and flavorful loaf brings a taste of the islands right to your kitchen, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a midday snack. The addition of crushed pineapple and shredded coconut gives the bread a tender crumb and a sweet, tropical flavor that will transport you to a warm beach with each bite.

Let's dive into the ingredients you'll need to make this delicious Hawaiian Banana Bread.

INGREDIENTS

Butter: 1/2 cup of softened salted butter provides a rich base and helps keep the bread moist.
Sugar: 1 cup of granulated sugar adds sweetness, balancing the natural flavors of banana and pineapple.
Eggs: 2 large eggs help bind the ingredients together and give the bread structure.
Banana: 1 ripe banana, mashed, brings the classic banana flavor and adds moisture to the loaf.
Crushed Pineapple: 1 cup of crushed pineapple, with its juice, adds a tropical flavor and keeps the bread incredibly moist.
All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups of flour provide the structure for the bread, giving it the perfect rise.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda ensure the bread rises well and has a tender crumb.
Salt: A pinch of salt (1/4 teaspoon) balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Shredded Coconut: 1/4 cup of shredded coconut adds texture and a burst of tropical flavor in every bite.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray, and line it with parchment paper if desired for easy removal.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat 1/2 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of sugar together until light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes, and it helps create a tender texture in the bread.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Banana, and Pineapple: Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the mashed banana (1 ripe banana) and 1 cup of crushed pineapple with its juice until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can make the bread dense.
Step 6: Add Shredded Coconut: Stir in 1/4 cup of shredded coconut for an extra layer of texture and tropical flavor. The coconut will add a subtle chewiness to each bite.
Step 7: Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve your delicious Hawaiian Banana Bread!

Serving and Storage Tips

For the best flavor, serve Hawaiian Banana Bread slightly warm or at room temperature. It's perfect on its own or with a spread of butter or cream cheese.
This bread is an excellent option for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful tropical treat.
If you have leftovers, store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Hawaiian Banana Bread also freezes well. To freeze, wrap the loaf (or individual slices) in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently reheat in the microwave before serving.

Helpful Notes

If you'd like to enhance the tropical flavors even more, you can stir in additional shredded coconut or even some chopped macadamia nuts for extra texture and crunch.
Be sure to use ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots for the best flavor. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
If you prefer a lighter texture, you can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly heartier loaf.

Tips from well-known chefs

Ina Garten: For an extra-decadent finish, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and pineapple juice over the cooled bread before serving.
Gordon Ramsay: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter to bring out the warm flavors of the banana and pineapple.
Rachael Ray: Try adding a few crushed macadamia nuts to the top of the loaf before baking for a deliciously crunchy topping.