Hawaiian Banana Bread Recipe

The Perfect Hawaiian Banana Bread Recipe for a Tropical Treat

Crafting a delectable Hawaiian banana bread transports you to tropical paradise with its rich, moist texture and unexpected flavors.

Ripe bananas mingle with shredded coconut, creating a stunning culinary symphony.

Hints of macadamia nuts add delightful crunch and island-inspired complexity.

Warm spices whisper through each tender slice, promising comfort and excitement.

Baking this bread fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that beckons everyone near.

Sweet tropical notes dance across your palate, inviting pure enjoyment.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of this extraordinary treat.

Hawaiian Banana Bread Everyone Keeps Requesting Again

  • Boost Tropical Flavor: Infuse your baking with delightful Hawaiian-inspired ingredients like coconut and pineapple that transform ordinary banana bread into an exciting tropical adventure.
  • Simplify Baking Process: Requires basic mixing techniques and standard kitchen tools, making this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced home cooks.
  • Perfect for Gatherings: Creates a crowd-pleasing dessert that works wonderfully for potlucks, brunches, family reunions, or casual weekend treats that everyone will adore.
  • Quick Comfort Food: Delivers a satisfying, moist bread packed with rich flavors that can be prepared with minimal preparation and delivers maximum deliciousness in every slice.

Ingredients for Flavorful Hawaiian Banana Bread Magic

Main Ingredients:
  • Bananas: Ripe, mashed bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.
  • Flour: The primary dry ingredient that gives structure to the banana bread.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps in creating a tender texture.
  • Butter: Contributes richness and helps create a soft crumb.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the bread.
Tropical Add-Ins:
  • Coconut Flakes, Pineapple: Bring a delightful Hawaiian-inspired tropical flavor to the banana bread.
Leavening and Seasoning:
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Help the bread rise and create a light, airy texture.
  • Salt, Cardamom: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the bread with a subtle warmth and depth.

Baking Directions for Perfect Hawaiian Banana Bread

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Warm up the oven to 350°F.

Coat a 9×5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Blend Sweet Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, whip butter and sugar until fluffy.

Incorporate eggs one by one, stirring thoroughly after each.

Fold in ripe mashed bananas.

Step 3: Sift Dry Components

Grab another bowl and blend these ingredients:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Ground cardamom

Whisk until evenly mixed.

Step 4: Merge Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly introduce dry ingredients into banana mixture.

Stir gently until completely incorporated.

Step 5: Enhance with Tropical Touches

Fold in these delightful ingredients:
  • Shredded coconut
  • Drained crushed pineapple

Mix gently to distribute evenly.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Transfer batter into prepared pan.

Slide into preheated oven.

Bake for 60-70 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow bread to rest in pan for 10 minutes.

Transfer to wire rack and let cool completely.

Slice and savor the tropical goodness.

Helpful Tips for Moist Hawaiian Banana Bread Slices

  • Pat pineapple chunks completely dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture from making the bread soggy.
  • Use overripe, super soft bananas for maximum natural sweetness and deeper banana flavor in the bread.
  • Lightly dust coconut flakes and pineapple with flour before adding to prevent them from dropping to the bottom of the loaf.
  • Start testing the bread around 55 minutes to avoid potential overbaking, which can dry out the texture.
  • Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain moisture and freshness for up to 4 days.

Fresh Variations for Hawaiian Banana Bread Fans

  • Gluten-Free Hawaiian Banana Bread: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the tropical flavor profile.
  • Vegan Tropical Banana Bread: Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based butter to create a dairy-free, egg-free alternative that keeps the Hawaiian essence.
  • Low-Sugar Pineapple Banana Bread: Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener and adding extra ripe bananas for natural sweetness.
  • Nutty Hawaiian Bread: Incorporate macadamia nuts or chopped pecans for extra crunch and a complementary tropical texture to the original recipe.

Serving Hawaiian Banana Bread with a Twist

  • Tropical Breakfast Bliss: Slice the banana bread and serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of toasted coconut for a refreshing morning treat.
  • Island-Style Dessert Twist: Warm the bread slightly and top with a scoop of coconut ice cream, drizzling caramel sauce for an indulgent after-dinner delight.
  • Brunch Companion: Pair a slice with a tropical smoothie or fresh-squeezed passion fruit juice to enhance the Hawaiian-inspired flavors and create a vibrant breakfast experience.
  • Gifting Gourmet: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper with a ribbon for a homemade, heartwarming gift that captures the essence of island hospitality.

The Best Way to Store Banana Bread Leftovers

  • Store cooled banana bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 5 days in the refrigerator, keeping it fresh and moist.
  • Wrap the entire uncut bread in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months for longer preservation.
  • Cut bread into individual slices, separate with parchment paper, place in freezer bag, and store for quick defrosting and easy single-serving portions.
  • Warm refrigerated or thawed slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds, or toast in oven at 350F for 5-7 minutes to restore original softness and enhance flavors.

FAQs

  • How can I tell if my Hawaiian Banana Bread is fully baked?

Use the toothpick test – insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the bread is done. The bread should also have a golden brown top and feel firm when gently pressed.

  • What makes the texture of this banana bread unique?

The combination of mashed bananas, coconut flakes, and pineapple creates a moist, tender crumb with tropical flavor notes. The cardamom adds a subtle warm spice that enhances the overall texture and taste.

  • Can I use fresh or canned pineapple for this recipe?

Use canned pineapple that has been well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the bread. Fresh pineapple can make the batter too wet and affect the bread’s texture.

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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 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet Hawaiian banana bread brings tropical paradise to your kitchen, blending ripe bananas with coconut and macadamia nuts. Warm slices promise a delightful escape with each bite you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup white granulated sugar
  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

Eggs and Leavening Agents:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Flavor Enhancers and Add-ins:

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
  • 1/2 cup canned crushed pineapple, well-drained

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and coat a 9×5 loaf pan with non-stick spray for optimal bread release.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend sugar and butter until creamy. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough mixing after each addition. Fold in mashed bananas until evenly distributed.
  3. Separately, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cardamom through a whisking motion to eliminate potential lumps and ensure uniform ingredient integration.
  4. Slowly introduce dry ingredient mixture into banana blend, gently stirring until a smooth, consistent batter forms without overmixing.
  5. Gently fold coconut flakes and drained pineapple into the batter, distributing ingredients evenly throughout the mixture.
  6. Transfer batter into prepared loaf pan, spreading it uniformly. Bake for 60-70 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean and dry.
  7. Allow bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, facilitating initial cooling. Carefully transfer to a wire rack, permitting complete cooling before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Perfectly ripened bananas are key to achieving the most intense, sweet flavor in this Hawaiian-style bread.
  • Drain pineapple thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the bread soggy or affecting its texture.
  • Toast coconut flakes beforehand for an enhanced nutty flavor and extra crunch that elevates the bread’s tropical profile.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to maintain the bread’s soft, tender crumb.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 216 kcal
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 140 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 31 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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