Hawaiian Banana Bread Recipe
Hawaiian Banana Bread Recipe is a delightful twist on the classic banana bread, infused with tropical flavors from crushed pineapple and flaked coconut. This moist and flavorful bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack. Its unique combination of ingredients makes it a standout treat that can elevate any occasion, whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet afternoon at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tropical Flavor: The addition of crushed pineapple and coconut gives this banana bread an irresistible taste of the islands.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can whip up this delicious recipe in no time.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm with butter, slice it for lunchboxes, or serve it as a sweet dessert.
- Moist Texture: The use of ripe bananas and buttermilk ensures a moist loaf that stays fresh longer.
- Great for Sharing: Perfect to bring to gatherings or potlucks; everyone will love this tropical treat!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the Hawaiian Banana Bread Recipe, gather your essential kitchen tools. This will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Bread pan
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining wet and dry ingredients without mess.
- Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure the right balance of flavors in your bread.
- Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth batter by thoroughly mixing all ingredients together.

Ingredients
For the Banana Base
- 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe banana
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 can crushed pineapple, undrained (8 ounce)
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (alcohol-free) flavoring or vanilla
For the Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup flaked coconut
How to Make Hawaiian Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First, heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Don’t forget to spray your bread pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine:
1. Mashed bananas
2. Granulated sugar
3. Crushed pineapple (with juice)
4. Buttermilk
5. Melted butter (cooled slightly)
6. Eggs
7. Vanilla extract
Stir these together until everything is well incorporated.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another large bowl, mix together:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Baking powder
3. Baking soda
4. Ground cinnamon
5. Salt
6. Flaked coconut
Whisk until evenly blended.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Make a well in the center of the dry mixture and pour in the wet ingredients. Gently stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into your prepared bread pan. Bake in your preheated oven for 50 minutes to 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Check for Doneness
After baking, use a toothpick to check at least three spots in your bread for doneness.
Step 7: Cool Before Slicing
Allow the bread to cool before slicing for best results. Enjoy your delicious Hawaiian Banana Bread!
How to Serve Hawaiian Banana Bread Recipe
Hawaiian Banana Bread is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. It pairs beautifully with different toppings and sides, making it versatile for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Toasted with Butter
- Spread a generous layer of butter on warm slices for a rich and creamy experience.
Topped with Fresh Fruit
- Add sliced strawberries, bananas, or kiwi on top for a refreshing burst of flavor.
Served with Whipped Cream
- A dollop of whipped cream brings a light and airy touch that enhances the sweetness of the bread.
Accompanied by Yogurt
- Serve alongside a bowl of creamy yogurt for a balanced breakfast or snack option.
Drizzled with Honey
- A drizzle of honey adds natural sweetness, perfect for those who love a sticky treat.
Paired with Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy this bread with a hot cup of coffee or tea to complement its tropical flavors.
How to Perfect Hawaiian Banana Bread Recipe
Perfecting your Hawaiian Banana Bread is simple with just a few tips. Follow these suggestions to elevate your baking game.
- Use ripe bananas: The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
- Don’t overmix: Mix until just combined to ensure a tender loaf without dense texture.
- Room temperature ingredients: Use eggs and buttermilk at room temperature for better mixing and rise.
- Check oven temperature: Always use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature.
- Let cool before slicing: Cooling helps set the structure, making it easier to slice without crumbling.
- Experiment with add-ins: Consider adding nuts or dried fruits for extra texture and flavor variations.
Best Side Dishes for Hawaiian Banana Bread Recipe
To make your meal complete, consider serving Hawaiian Banana Bread with these delightful side dishes. They complement the flavors beautifully and provide variety.
- Tropical Fruit Salad: A mix of pineapple, mango, and papaya brings freshness that pairs well with the bread.
- Coconut Chia Pudding: Creamy chia pudding infused with coconut milk offers a rich yet healthy side option.
- Granola Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a crunchy contrast to the soft banana bread.
- Smoothie Bowl: Blend your favorite fruits into a smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds for added nutrition.
- Avocado Toast: Creamy avocado on toasted bread provides healthy fats that balance the sweetness of banana bread.
- Honeydew Melon Slices: Light and refreshing honeydew melon slices cleanse the palate between bites.
- Peanut Butter Rice Cakes: For an extra crunch and protein boost, serve rice cakes spread with peanut butter alongside your banana bread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Hawaiian Banana Bread Recipe, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your bread turns out perfectly.
- Boldly underestimate ripeness: Using bananas that aren’t ripe enough can lead to a less flavorful bread. Make sure your bananas are well-spotted and soft for the best taste.
- Boldly ignore measuring: Not measuring ingredients accurately can ruin your recipe. Always use precise measurements for consistent results.
- Boldly overmix the batter: Overmixing can result in dense bread. Stir until just combined for a light texture.
- Boldly skip cooling time: Cutting into warm bread can cause it to crumble. Allow it to cool completely for cleaner slices.
- Boldly miss checking doneness: Not testing for doneness can lead to underbaking or overbaking. Use a toothpick in multiple spots to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Hawaiian banana bread in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Hawaiian Banana Bread Recipe
- Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.
Reheating Hawaiian Banana Bread Recipe
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat a slice on high for about 15-20 seconds, checking often so it doesn’t dry out.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes per side until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Hawaiian Banana Bread Recipe that might help you with your baking journey.
Can I add nuts to my Hawaiian Banana Bread Recipe?
Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add great texture and flavor. Just fold them into the batter before baking.
How do I know when my Hawaiian Banana Bread is done?
Check with a toothpick inserted in the center; if it comes out clean, your bread is done baking.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can substitute buttermilk with plant-based milk mixed with lemon juice and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs.
What can I use instead of crushed pineapple?
You could use applesauce or finely chopped mango as a substitute, but this will change the flavor slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Banana Bread Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile! You can customize it by adding different fruits or nuts according to your preference. Give it a try and enjoy its tropical flavors!
Hawaiian Banana Bread
Experience a taste of paradise with this Hawaiian Banana Bread Recipe, a delightful twist on the classic treat. Infused with tropical flavors from ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and flaked coconut, this moist loaf is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a scrumptious snack. Its easy preparation makes it an ideal choice for both experienced bakers and novices alike. Serve it warm with butter, top it with fresh fruit, or enjoy it as is—the options are endless!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tropical
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe banana
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 can crushed pineapple, undrained (8 ounce)
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (alcohol-free)
- 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup flaked coconut
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your bread pan by spraying it with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, mix together mashed bananas, granulated sugar, crushed pineapple (with juice), buttermilk, melted butter (cooled slightly), eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, salt, and flaked coconut.
- Create a well in the dry mixture and pour in the wet ingredients; stir gently until just combined—some lumps are okay.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool before slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
