The magic of Hawaiian Banana Bread lies in the combination of flavors that evoke the essence of a tropical paradise. The sweetness of ripe bananas melds perfectly with the tangy burst of crushed pineapple, while the shredded coconut adds a subtle chewiness and a hint of the islands’ breezy shores. The macadamia nuts or walnuts contribute a delightful crunch, making each bite a symphony of textures and tastes. This bread is not just a treat but a mini-vacation in every slice, perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or savoring it solo, Hawaiian Banana Bread offers a delicious escape to the tropics, no passport required.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3-4 bananas)
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup chopped macadamia nuts or walnuts (optional)
- ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut
Instructions:
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bread after baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, crushed pineapple, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk or electric mixer to blend the ingredients until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir to ensure all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
- Add Nuts and Coconut: Fold in the chopped macadamia nuts (or walnuts) and shredded coconut. These add a lovely texture and a touch of tropical flavor to the bread.
- Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, and the bread should feel firm to the touch.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve your Hawaiian Banana Bread at room temperature or slightly warmed.
