Hawaiian Banana Bread Recipe

Imagine biting into a slice of sunshine—Hawaiian Banana Bread is just that! This tropical twist on classic banana bread brings together ripe bananas, sweet pineapple, coconut, and buttery macadamia nuts for a loaf that’s both moist and irresistible. Whether you’re dreaming of island vibes or simply searching for a fun new way to use overripe bananas, this easy recipe instantly transports your taste buds to paradise with every bite of its golden, fragrant crumb.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each component in this Hawaiian Banana Bread recipe plays a crucial role, striking a perfect balance between flavor and texture. Don’t let the exotic add-ins intimidate you—they each bring their own magic to this plush, flavorful bread!

• Bananas: Overripe bananas are best for a naturally sweet flavor and extra moistness.
• Crushed pineapple (drained): This adds a juicy tang and keeps the bread super tender.
• Unsalted butter (melted): Melted butter creates rich flavor and a soft crumb.
• Sugar: Gives the right amount of sweetness and helps with caramelized edges.
• Eggs: These bind the batter together for a cohesive loaf that holds its shape.
• All-purpose flour: The structural base—be sure to measure carefully for the perfect texture.
• Baking soda: Helps the bread rise and gives it a light, tender structure.
• Salt: Just a teaspoon brings out all the other flavors.
• Shredded coconut: Adds richness, chew, and a subtle tropical note in every bite.
• Chopped macadamia nuts (optional): For buttery crunch, but feel free to skip if you prefer.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile.

How to Make Hawaiian Banana Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for effortless removal after baking. A well-prepped pan ensures your Hawaiian Banana Bread won’t stick and will have beautifully crisp edges.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, drained crushed pineapple, melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and lush—this is where the sweet, tropical base of the bread comes to life!

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Doing this step on the side means you’ll avoid any unwanted clumps in your batter, and each bite of your Hawaiian Banana Bread will be perfectly even and fluffy.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, then gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your banana bread tender, not tough.

Step 5: Add Coconut and Macadamia Nuts

Fold in the shredded coconut and macadamia nuts (if using), saving a sprinkle of each for the top if you love a toasted finish. This step adds texture and those unmistakable tropical flavors.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The kitchen will smell heavenly as the bread turns golden, signaling that your Hawaiian Banana Bread is nearly ready to enjoy!

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once baked, let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes—this makes it easier to turn out onto a wire rack. Let it finish cooling (if you can resist!), then slice and serve warm with a pat of butter or drizzle of honey.

How to Serve Hawaiian Banana Bread

Garnishes

For a picture-perfect finish, top your slices with a sprinkle of toasted coconut, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a handful of extra chopped macadamia nuts. Even a little slather of creamy butter or honey amplifies those tropical flavors.

Side Dishes

Hawaiian Banana Bread pairs splendidly with a cup of freshly brewed Kona coffee, or alongside a bowl of fruit salad for breakfast. Serve it as a sweet treat for brunch with a tropical smoothie or even as a unique dessert with vanilla ice cream.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow your guests, try slicing and lightly toasting your Hawaiian Banana Bread for extra crunch. Or cube it for a breezy trifle layered with whipped cream and pineapple. For parties, bake the batter as muffins or mini loaves to make them grab-and-go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen and meld as it sits, making the second-day bread especially delicious.

Freezing

Hawaiian Banana Bread freezes beautifully! Slice the loaf and wrap individual pieces in plastic, then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep fresh for up to 3 months, ready to thaw whenever you’re craving a sweet slice of paradise.

Reheating

To bring frozen or refrigerated slices back to life, simply microwave for 20-30 seconds or toast lightly. This brings out the bread’s aroma and revives its tender crumb for that just-baked taste.

FAQs

Can I make Hawaiian Banana Bread without nuts?

Absolutely! The macadamia nuts add a buttery crunch, but your Hawaiian Banana Bread will still be deliciously moist and flavorful if you leave them out or substitute with another nut—or none at all.

How do I know when the banana bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your Hawaiian Banana Bread is ready to come out of the oven.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

You can use finely chopped, well-drained fresh pineapple in equal measure. Just be sure to remove as much excess juice as possible to avoid a soggy loaf.

What’s the best way to mash bananas for this recipe?

Use a fork or potato masher to thoroughly mash ripe bananas until smooth with just a few small lumps. Very ripe bananas mash more easily and give Hawaiian Banana Bread sweet depth.

Can I make this recipe into muffins?

Yes! Divide the batter evenly into a lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes. Hawaiian Banana Bread muffins make adorable, individual portions perfect for breakfast on the go or sharing with friends.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to add a taste of the tropics to your kitchen, this Hawaiian Banana Bread will soon be a family favorite. The blend of bananas, pineapple, coconut, and macadamia makes each bite feel special. Don’t wait another second—gather your ingredients and experience this easy, unforgettable loaf today!

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