Hawaiian Banana Bread

by

Indulge in a slice of paradise with our mouthwatering Hawaiian Banana Bread recipe. Packed with the exotic flavors of ripe banana, juicy crushed pineapple, and sweet shredded coconut, each bite will transport you to the sunny shores of Hawaii. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, or as a delightful dessert, this moist and tender bread is guaranteed to delight your taste buds and become a cherished family favorite.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 very ripe banana, mashed
  • 20 oz can of crushed pineapple in juice, not drained
  • ¼ cup shredded coconut, sweetened

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a loaf pan by greasing it with non-stick spray or lining it with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until creamy and well combined using an electric mixer on low speed.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing gently after each addition.
  4. Slowly incorporate the mashed banana and the entire can of crushed pineapple (including the juice) into the mixture until well combined.
  5. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  7. Stir in the shredded coconut until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
  10. Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan before removing it.
  11. Once cooled, slice the Hawaiian Banana Bread into thick slices and savor it alone, with a smear of butter, or topped with a scoop of your favorite ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Nutritional Information:

  • Calories: 275 kcal
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 56mg
  • Sodium: 219mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 25g
  • Protein: 4g

Serving and Storage Tips:

  1. Serving Suggestions:
    • Enjoy a slice of Hawaiian Banana Bread on its own for a delightful snack.
    • Spread a generous layer of butter on a warm slice for a comforting treat.
    • Elevate your dessert game by serving slices topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
    • Pair slices with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a tropical fruit smoothie for a satisfying breakfast.
  2. Storage Instructions:
    • To maintain freshness, store the Hawaiian Banana Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
    • For longer storage, wrap individual slices or the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer.
    • Frozen banana bread can be stored for up to 3 months.
    • When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen slices at room temperature or gently reheat them in the microwave for a warm and comforting treat.

Variations:

  1. Tropical Nut Blend: Add a tropical twist to your banana bread by incorporating a blend of chopped macadamia nuts, pecans, and almonds into the batter. The nutty crunch complements the tropical flavors perfectly.
  2. Coconut Cream Glaze: Elevate the sweetness by drizzling a coconut cream glaze over the cooled banana bread. Simply mix together powdered sugar and coconut cream until smooth, then drizzle over the bread for an extra burst of coconut flavor.
  3. Pineapple Upside-Down: Turn your banana bread into a pineapple upside-down cake-inspired treat by lining the bottom of the loaf pan with pineapple slices and maraschino cherries before pouring in the batter. Once baked and inverted, you’ll have a stunning and delicious twist on a classic dessert.
  4. Mango Madness: For a fruity explosion, fold diced mango chunks into the batter along with the mashed banana. The juicy sweetness of mango adds a vibrant tropical flair to every bite.
  5. Hawaiian Spice: Spice up your banana bread with a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for a warm and aromatic flavor profile reminiscent of the spices found in traditional Hawaiian cuisine.
  6. Tropical Citrus Zest: Enhance the tropical flavors by adding zest from oranges, lemons, or limes to the batter. The bright citrus notes will complement the sweetness of the banana and pineapple beautifully.
  7. Chocolate Coconut Swirl: Indulge your sweet tooth by swirling melted chocolate and shredded coconut into the batter before baking. The decadent combination of chocolate and coconut adds an irresistible twist to this tropical treat.
  8. Pina Colada Twist: Channel the flavors of the classic cocktail by adding a splash of rum extract to the batter along with the crushed pineapple and shredded coconut. It’s like sipping a pina colada in bread form!

FAQs:

  1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned crushed pineapple?
    • Yes, you can substitute fresh pineapple for canned crushed pineapple. Simply finely chop fresh pineapple to achieve a similar texture.
  2. Can I make this banana bread gluten-free?
    • Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to make this recipe gluten-free. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
  3. How can I tell when the banana bread is done baking?
    • Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is done. Avoid overbaking to keep the bread moist.
  4. Can I reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe?
    • Yes, you can adjust the sugar to suit your taste preferences. However, reducing the sugar may alter the texture and sweetness of the bread.
  5. Can I omit the shredded coconut from the recipe?
    • Yes, you can omit the shredded coconut if you prefer. The bread will still be delicious with the flavors of banana and pineapple.

Elevate your baking game with our delectable Hawaiian Banana Bread recipe. With its irresistible combination of tropical flavors and easy-to-follow instructions, this bread is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a taste of the islands or simply looking for a delicious homemade treat, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Enjoy a slice (or two) and let your taste buds embark on a culinary journey to paradise!