Hawaiian Banana Bread Recipe

The Tropical Twist: Hawaiian Banana Bread Recipe That Wows

Crafting a delightful hawaiian banana bread brings tropical warmth to your kitchen’s cozy atmosphere.

Sweet ripe bananas mingle with unexpected coconut fragments, creating a luscious blend of island-inspired comfort.

Pineapple chunks add surprising bursts of tangy excitement to each slice.

Subtle rum hints whisper memories of distant sandy beaches and relaxed evenings.

Baking this treat feels like a mini vacation without leaving home.

Fragrant spices dance through the dense, moist crumb, promising pure deliciousness.

Slice into pure paradise and savor every incredible moment.

Why Hawaiian Banana Bread Brings Tropical Flavor

  • Tropical Twist Delight: Escape to a Hawaiian paradise with this unique banana bread that blends classic comfort with exotic flavors of pineapple, coconut, and macadamia nuts.
  • Stress-Free Baking: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires simple mixing and minimal complicated techniques, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or weekend brunches, this bread offers a delightful conversation starter that will impress friends and family with its unexpected tropical combination.
  • Versatile Snacking Option: Enjoy as a breakfast companion, afternoon snack, or dessert – this Hawaiian banana bread adapts to any mealtime and satisfies sweet cravings with its rich, moist texture.

Ingredients for Hawaiian Banana Bread

Main Ingredients:
  • Flour: A key component that provides structure and texture to the banana bread.
  • Bananas: Ripe, mashed bananas add natural sweetness and moisture to the recipe.
  • Butter: Melted butter contributes rich flavor and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds depth of flavor and helps keep the bread moist and sweet.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the bread.
Hawaiian-Inspired Add-Ins:
  • Crushed Pineapple, Coconut, Macadamia Nuts: These tropical ingredients give the bread a distinctive Hawaiian flair and add extra texture and flavor.
Dry Ingredients:
  • Baking Soda, Salt: Essential leavening and seasoning agents that help the bread rise and enhance overall taste.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients.

How to Bake Hawaiian Banana Bread

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×5 inch loaf pan and coat it with a light layer of butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Ensure these ingredients are thoroughly combined with no lumps.

Step 3: Create Wet Mixture

In a large bowl, combine:
  • Melted butter
  • Brown sugar
Mix until the sugar and butter create a smooth, cohesive blend. Add in:
  • Eggs
  • Mashed ripe bananas
  • Vanilla extract

Stir until the mixture looks silky and well-incorporated.

Step 4: Merge Mixtures

Pour the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Gently stir until just combined – avoid overmixing. Carefully fold in:
  • Crushed pineapple
  • Shredded coconut
  • Chopped macadamia nuts

Step 5: Bake the Bread

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

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely before slicing and enjoying.

Expert Tips for Hawaiian Banana Bread

  • Use very ripe, almost black bananas for maximum sweetness and deeper banana flavor.
  • Drain crushed pineapple thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the bread, which could make the texture soggy.
  • Toast macadamia nuts before adding to enhance their rich, buttery flavor and create a delightful crunch.
  • Replace some all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition and a nuttier taste profile.
  • Store bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer preservation.

Variations to Enjoy Hawaiian Banana Bread

  • Tropical Nut-Free Version: Replace macadamia nuts with sunflower seeds for a crunchy texture without nuts, perfect for those with nut allergies.
  • Gluten-Free Island Bread: Swap regular flour with almond or coconut flour to create a gluten-free alternative that maintains the Hawaiian-inspired flavor profile.
  • Reduced Sugar Tropical Loaf: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of brown sugar, and add extra ripe bananas for natural sweetness while lowering overall sugar content.
  • Vegan Paradise Bread: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of butter, and ensure all ingredients are plant-based for a completely vegan Hawaiian-style banana bread.

Suggested Pairings for Hawaiian Banana Bread

  • Sip Tropical Rum Cocktail: Pair this Hawaiian banana bread with a light, fruity rum cocktail that echoes the tropical flavors. Mix white rum, pineapple juice, and a splash of coconut cream for a refreshing drink that complements the bread's nutty and sweet profile.
  • Spread Coconut Butter Delight: Enhance the bread's tropical essence by spreading a layer of homemade coconut butter. The creamy, rich spread will intensify the coconut notes already present in the bread and provide a luxurious texture.
  • Serve with Macadamia Nut Ice Cream: Create a decadent dessert experience by serving a scoop of macadamia nut ice cream alongside a slice of warm banana bread. The cold, creamy ice cream will contrast beautifully with the bread's warm, dense texture.

Storage Tips for Hawaiian Banana Bread

  • Store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
  • Slice the bread, wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
  • Keep the bread in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or toast in a toaster oven at 300F for 2-3 minutes until slightly crisp and warm.

FAQs About Hawaiian Banana Bread

  • Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, thawed frozen bananas work perfectly and can even enhance the banana flavor in the bread.

  • Is it necessary to use macadamia nuts?

No, you can substitute with other nuts like walnuts or pecans if macadamia nuts are unavailable or too expensive.

  • How ripe should the bananas be?

Use very ripe, almost black bananas with brown spots for the sweetest and most intense banana flavor in the bread.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that has a 1:1 substitution ratio.

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Hawaiian Banana Bread Recipe

Hawaiian Banana Bread Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 75-80 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Indulgent Hawaiian Banana Bread emerges as a tropical delight, blending ripe bananas with coconut and macadamia nuts for a luscious island-inspired treat. Moist, rich slices promise a delectable journey through Pacific flavors you’ll savor with each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1/2 cup shredded coconut
  • 1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts

Flour and Leavening:

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients and Sweeteners:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 350F (175C) and coat a 9×5 inch loaf pan with non-stick spray or butter.
  2. Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry mixture.
  3. In a separate large bowl, combine melted butter and brown sugar, whisking until thoroughly blended and slightly glossy.
  4. Incorporate eggs, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture, stirring until smooth and consistent in texture.
  5. Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender crumb.
  6. Carefully blend crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, and chopped macadamia nuts into the batter, distributing ingredients evenly.
  7. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.
  8. Bake for 60-65 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through to promote uniform browning, until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.
  9. Remove from oven and let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes to stabilize its structure.
  10. Carefully transfer the bread to a wire cooling rack, allowing it to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Swap out some flour with whole wheat or almond flour to boost nutrition and create a gluten-free version for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Toast macadamia nuts beforehand to enhance their rich, buttery flavor and add a delightful crunch to the bread’s texture.
  • Drain pineapple chunks thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the bread soggy and ensuring a perfect, consistent bake.
  • Experiment with adding a tropical twist by incorporating shredded coconut on top or mixing in a splash of rum for an adult-friendly variation.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60-65 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 257 kcal
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 171 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 37 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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