Hawaiian Banana Bread Recipe

Hawaiian Banana Bread combines the tropical flavors of pineapple and coconut with the classic comfort of banana bread. This delightful bread is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. It’s easy to make and will transport your taste buds to the islands. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 very ripe banana, mashed
• 8 ounces crushed pineapple (do not drain)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare Pan:
   • Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

1. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add Eggs:
   • Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Add Banana and Pineapple:
   • Stir in the mashed banana and the crushed pineapple (including the juice) until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 4: Add Coconut and Prepare for Baking

1. Stir in Coconut:
   • Gently fold in the shredded coconut until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
2. Transfer to Pan:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

1. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
2. Cool:
   • Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Cook’s Notes:

• Bananas: Ensure your banana is very ripe for the best flavor and sweetness.
• Pineapple: Using crushed pineapple with its juice adds moisture and tropical flavor. If you prefer less sweetness, you can slightly drain the pineapple.
• Coconut: For extra flavor, you can lightly toast the shredded coconut before adding it to the batter.

Variations:

Nutty Hawaiian Banana Bread:

• Add 1/2 cup of chopped macadamia nuts or walnuts to the batter for a crunchy texture.

Gluten-Free Version:

• Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in a 1:1 ratio.

Tropical Fruit Mix:

• Add 1/4 cup of diced mango or papaya along with the banana and pineapple for a fruitier bread.

Chocolate Chip Hawaiian Banana Bread:

• Fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips for a sweeter, indulgent twist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use frozen bananas? A: Yes, frozen bananas work well in this recipe. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

Q: Can I make this bread ahead of time? A: Absolutely! This bread stays moist and flavorful for several days. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Q: Can I freeze Hawaiian Banana Bread? A: Yes, you can freeze this bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Q: What can I use instead of shredded coconut? A: If you’re not a fan of coconut, you can omit it or replace it with chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit.

Q: How do I know when the bread is done? A: The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.

Hawaiian Banana Bread is a delightful and easy recipe that brings a taste of the tropics to your table. The combination of bananas, pineapple, and coconut creates a moist and flavorful bread that’s perfect for any time of day. Whether you stick to the original recipe or try one of the variations, this bread is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy your delicious homemade Hawaiian Banana Bread!