If you love banana bread, you’re in for a treat with this Hawaiian Banana Bread recipe. Packed with tropical flavors like pineapple and shredded coconut, this banana bread is moist, flavorful, and perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. The addition of macadamia nuts gives it an extra crunch that makes every bite satisfying. Get ready to experience a delicious tropical twist on a beloved classic!
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3-4 bananas)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch (23x13cm) loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add Bananas and Pineapple: Fold in the mashed bananas and crushed pineapple until evenly mixed.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add Coconut and Nuts: Gently fold in the shredded coconut and chopped macadamia nuts, if using.
- Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Cool: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Bananas: The riper the bananas, the better! Overripe bananas with lots of brown spots are perfect for this recipe, as they provide maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Pineapple: Be sure to drain the crushed pineapple well to prevent excess moisture in the bread.
- Mixing: Avoid overmixing the batter once you add the dry ingredients. Overmixing can result in a dense banana bread.
Variations
- Chocolate Chips: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a sweeter version of this tropical bread.
- Nut-Free: Omit the macadamia nuts if you prefer a nut-free version, or replace them with sunflower seeds for a different texture.
- Coconut Glaze: For an extra touch, make a simple glaze by mixing powdered sugar with coconut milk and drizzle it over the cooled bread.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but make sure to chop it finely and drain any excess juice to avoid adding too much moisture to the batter.
2. How do I store Hawaiian Banana Bread?
Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months.
3. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly denser texture. Using entirely whole wheat flour may make the bread too heavy.
4. Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?
Absolutely! Simply divide the batter evenly into a muffin tin lined with paper liners. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Hawaiian Banana Bread is a delicious twist on the classic banana bread, packed with tropical flavors that transport you straight to an island paradise. The combination of sweet bananas, juicy pineapple, and crunchy macadamia nuts makes this banana bread a real standout. Whether enjoyed at breakfast, as a snack, or even as dessert, it’s sure to bring a bit of sunshine to your day. Give it a try, and let the tropical flavors take you away!
