Transform your classic banana bread into a tropical delight with this recipe that combines sweet bananas, juicy pineapple, and crunchy coconut. It's a refreshing twist that's perfect for summer or any time you crave a taste of the tropics.
Bananas: The key to moistness and natural sweetness. Make sure they're ripe and soft.
Crushed Pineapple: Adds a juicy texture and tangy flavor. Remember to drain it well.
Unsweetened Shredded Coconut: Provides a subtle crunch and rich coconut aroma without adding extra sweetness.
Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar: This combination gives a balanced sweetness and a slight caramel note.
Unsalted Butter: Gives richness and a tender crumb, while letting you control the salt level.
Eggs: Act as a binder to hold everything together and add structure.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavors without overpowering the tropical notes.
All-Purpose Flour: The base of your bread, providing structure.
Baking Soda: Helps the bread rise, giving it a nice lift.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm spice that complements the tropical flavors.
Try serving a slice of this bread with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of additional coconut for breakfast. For dessert, pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent treat.
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan. This ensures the bread doesn't stick and bakes evenly. Next, grab a large mixing bowl and combine your mashed bananas, crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, both sugars, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir these together until everything is well combined and you have a homogeneous mixture.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This step ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed before being mixed with the wet ingredients. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet banana mixture. Stir gently, just until combined, to avoid over-mixing which can toughen the bread.
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top, which helps it bake evenly. Pop it into your preheated oven and let it bake for 60-65 minutes. You'll know it's done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent it from becoming soggy.