Coconut Pineapple Banana Bread: A Taste of Hawaii

Why You’ll Love Coconut Pineapple Banana Bread Recipe

This Coconut Pineapple Banana Bread is a tropical twist on the classic banana bread recipe. The combination of bananas, pineapple, and coconut brings a delightful balance of sweetness and texture. The coconut adds a subtle richness, while the pineapple infuses the bread with a juicy tang. It’s a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make recipe that will fill your home with tropical aromas. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or just craving something a little different, this banana bread will quickly become a favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed

• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained

• 1/2 cup shredded coconut

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup buttermilk or milk

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

5. Add the mashed bananas and drained pineapple to the butter mixture, mixing until combined.

6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined.

7. Fold in the shredded coconut.

8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.

9. Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

10. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10 slices

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 55-60 minutes

• Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Add nuts: Consider adding chopped macadamia nuts or walnuts to the batter for extra crunch and texture.

• Chocolate chips: For a sweet twist, add chocolate chips to the batter.

• Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to a week.

• Freezing: To freeze, wrap the banana bread tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave a slice for 15–20 seconds or warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but make sure to finely chop it and drain the excess juice before adding it to the batter.

2. Can I substitute coconut milk for buttermilk?

Yes, you can use coconut milk instead of buttermilk for a richer coconut flavor. However, the bread will be slightly denser.

3. How ripe should the bananas be?

Bananas should be very ripe, with brown spots on the peel. Overripe bananas are perfect for baking as they are naturally sweeter and moister.

4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure you check the other ingredients for any hidden gluten sources.

5. Can I use sweetened shredded coconut?

You can use sweetened shredded coconut, but reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe slightly to balance the sweetness.

6. How do I know when the bread is done baking?

Check the bread by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bread is done.

7. Can I add other tropical fruits to this recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with adding other tropical fruits like mango or papaya. Just be sure to chop them small and adjust the moisture levels if needed.

8. Can I make mini loaves instead of one large loaf?

Yes, you can use mini loaf pans and adjust the baking time to around 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

9. Can I add a glaze on top?

For extra sweetness, you can drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and a little pineapple juice over the cooled banana bread.

10. Is this recipe dairy-free?

No, this recipe contains butter and buttermilk. To make it dairy-free, you can substitute with dairy-free butter and plant-based milk.

Conclusion

This Coconut Pineapple Banana Bread is a fun and flavorful twist on the traditional banana bread. It’s easy to make and perfect for bringing a taste of the tropics to your kitchen. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this moist and delicious bread will satisfy your cravings and transport you straight to the Hawaiian islands.