Hawaiian Banana Bread Recipe

The Most Tropical Hawaiian Banana Bread Recipe You’ll Love

Crafting this delightful hawaiian banana bread brings tropical warmth right into your kitchen.

Sweet ripe bananas merge with unexpected island-inspired ingredients for a unique twist.

Pineapple chunks and toasted coconut add surprising texture and depth to every slice.

Subtle hints of rum extract create a sophisticated undertone that distinguishes this recipe from standard versions.

Soft, moist crumbs promise a delectable experience that transports you to sandy beaches and gentle ocean breezes.

Each bite carries memories of relaxed afternoons and sunshine-filled moments.

You’ll want to savor this extraordinary banana bread slowly and share its magic with everyone around you.

Why Hawaiian Banana Bread Is A Taste Of The Tropics

  • Tropical Twist Delight: Experience a mouthwatering fusion of classic banana bread with exotic Hawaiian-inspired ingredients like pineapple, coconut, and macadamia nuts that transport your taste buds to a sunny paradise.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, afternoon snack, or dessert, this recipe appeals to all ages and can be enjoyed by families, friends, and guests with its irresistible combination of sweet and nutty flavors.
  • Baking Made Simple: Requires basic baking skills and standard kitchen equipment, making it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers who want to create a delicious homemade treat without complicated techniques.
  • Customizable Comfort: Easily adaptable recipe allows for potential variations like adding chocolate chips, adjusting nut quantities, or experimenting with different spices to suit individual preferences and dietary needs.

Everything Inside Hawaiian Banana Bread

For the Fruit Base:
  • Ripe Bananas: Provide a creamy, sweet foundation with natural sugars for the bread.
  • Crushed Pineapple: Adds tropical moisture and tangy flavor to the banana bread.
For the Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates the structural base for the bread's texture.
  • Baking Soda: Helps the bread rise and achieve a light, fluffy consistency.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor profile.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Introduces a warm, aromatic spice to complement the tropical fruits.
For the Wet Ingredients and Mix-Ins:
  • Butter, Granulated Sugar: Provide richness, sweetness, and help create a tender crumb.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the bread's structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the flavor.
  • Shredded Coconut, Macadamia Nuts: Bring tropical texture and nutty crunch to the bread.

How To Make Hawaiian Banana Bread Moist And Flavorful

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Space

Crank up your oven to a cozy 350°F and generously coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray to keep everything from sticking.

Step 2: Banana Transformation

Grab those ripe bananas and transform them into a silky smooth puree by mashing thoroughly in a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Pineapple Party

Drain the crushed pineapple carefully and gently introduce it to the banana mixture, stirring to create a tropical base.

Step 4: Dry Ingredient Dance

Combine in a separate bowl:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon

Whisk these ingredients until they’re perfectly blended.

Step 5: Butter and Sugar Magic

Cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a dreamy foundation.

Step 6: Egg Integration

Add eggs one at a time, mixing completely after each addition to ensure a smooth, consistent texture.

Step 7: Vanilla Boost

Pour in vanilla extract and blend thoroughly into the wet ingredients.

Step 8: Marry the Mixtures

Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.

Step 9: Tropical Mix-In

Fold in with care:
  • Shredded coconut
  • Chopped macadamia nuts

Distribute evenly throughout the batter.

Step 10: Pan Preparation

Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even surface.

Step 11: Baking Brilliance

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 60-65 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 12: Cooling Countdown

Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 13: Slice and Savor

Cut into the Hawaiian banana bread and enjoy the explosion of tropical flavors and textures.

Top Tips For The Best Hawaiian Banana Bread

  • Prevent Sticking Perfectly: Generously grease the loaf pan and consider lining the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
  • Balance Moisture Wisely: Thoroughly drain crushed pineapple to maintain the right bread consistency and prevent sogginess.
  • Mix with Gentle Touch: Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients carefully to keep the bread tender and avoid developing tough gluten.
  • Check Doneness Accurately: Use the toothpick test by inserting it into the center; if it comes out clean with a few moist crumbs, the bread is perfectly baked.
  • Store for Maximum Freshness: Wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer preservation.

Creative Twists On Hawaiian Banana Bread

  • Gluten-Free Coconut Banana Bread: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the same tropical essence while accommodating gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegan Tropical Loaf: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of butter, and ensure all ingredients are plant-based, creating a compassionate version of the original recipe.
  • Low-Sugar Pineapple Banana Bread: Reduce granulated sugar and incorporate natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit, keeping the bread's rich flavor profile while lowering overall sugar content.
  • Nut-Free Tropical Bread: Omit macadamia nuts and replace with sunflower seeds or additional shredded coconut, providing a safe alternative for those with nut allergies.

Perfect Pairings For Hawaiian Banana Bread

  • Pair Tropical Rum Cocktail: Craft a refreshing mai tai or Hawaiian rum punch that complements the bread's fruity and nutty profile, enhancing the tropical essence with each sip.
  • Enhance with Coconut Cream Spread: Whip softened cream cheese with shredded coconut and a touch of honey, creating a luxurious spread that amplifies the bread's tropical notes and adds creamy texture.
  • Match with Macadamia Nut Coffee: Brew a smooth, medium-roast coffee with hints of macadamia nut flavor, providing a rich and complementary backdrop to the bread's nutty undertones.

How To Store Hawaiian Banana Bread Without Drying Out

  • Store cooled banana bread in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap for up to 5 days in the refrigerator, preserving its moisture and freshness.
  • Wrap the completely cooled bread in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining its delicious tropical flavors.
  • Cut the bread into individual slices, separate with parchment paper, place in a freezer bag, and store for easy grab-and-go portions up to 2 months.
  • Thaw frozen bread at room temperature, then warm individual slices in a toaster oven or microwave for 15-20 seconds until slightly warm and soft.

Hawaiian Banana Bread FAQs To Keep Handy

  • How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?

The bananas should be very ripe, with dark brown or black spots, as they provide more sweetness and a deeper flavor profile for the bread.

  • Can I substitute macadamia nuts with another type of nut?

Yes, you can use almonds, walnuts, or pecans as alternatives, though macadamia nuts give the bread a distinctly Hawaiian touch.

  • Is it important to drain the pineapple before adding it to the batter?

Absolutely. Draining excess liquid prevents the bread from becoming too wet and ensures the right texture and consistency.

  • What does folding the ingredients mean, and why is it important?

Folding means gently mixing ingredients to preserve air bubbles, which helps create a lighter, more tender bread texture without overmixing.

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Hawaiian Banana Bread Recipe

Hawaiian Banana Bread Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Delightful Hawaiian Banana Bread brings tropical sunshine to classic comfort baking, blending ripe bananas with sweet coconut and gentle island spices. Warm slices promise a mini vacation that transports your taste buds straight to paradise.


Ingredients

Scale

Fruits and Vegetables:

  • 3 ripe bananas
  • 0.5 cup crushed pineapple

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients and Add-ins:

  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup shredded coconut
  • 0.5 cup chopped macadamia nuts

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
  2. Mash the ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth and creamy, creating a rich fruit base for the bread.
  3. Drain excess liquid from the crushed pineapple and gently fold it into the mashed bananas, ensuring even distribution.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon to create a uniform dry mixture.
  5. Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar in another bowl until light and fluffy, creating a smooth foundation for the bread.
  6. Incorporate eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure a consistent texture.
  7. Stir in vanilla extract, blending it completely into the wet ingredients.
  8. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing.
  9. Gently fold in shredded coconut and chopped macadamia nuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
  10. Pour the prepared batter into the greased loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even surface.
  11. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  12. Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  13. Slice and serve the Hawaiian banana bread, enjoying the tropical blend of flavors and textures.

Notes

  • Drain pineapple thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the bread soggy and affecting its texture.
  • Toast macadamia nuts and coconut before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and create a more complex taste profile.
  • Substitute gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly version, ensuring the same moist and tender crumb.
  • Replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative that complements the tropical theme of the bread.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 65 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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