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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.