Name: Hawaiian Banana Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 1 cup sugar; 2 eggs; 1 very ripe banana, mashed; 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple in juice, not drained; 1/4 cup shredded coconut, sweetened

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Hawaiian Banana Bread is a tropical twist on the classic favorite, packed with crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, and ripe bananas. Moist, flavorful, and lightly sweet, this quick bread brings a taste of the islands right to your kitchen. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, it’s a delightful loaf that feels like a mini vacation in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your ordinary banana bread. The addition of pineapple keeps the bread extra moist and gives it a tangy sweetness, while coconut flakes add texture and flavor. It’s easy to make in one loaf pan, smells amazing while baking, and tastes even better the next day. Enjoy it plain, with butter, or even topped with ice cream for a tropical treat.

Hawaiian Banana Bread

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 very ripe banana, mashed
20 oz can crushed pineapple in juice (not drained)
1/4 cup shredded coconut, sweetened

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease or line a 1.5-quart loaf pan with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer on low until creamy.
Add eggs and continue mixing gently.
Stir in the mashed banana and crushed pineapple (with juice).
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir just until combined.
Fold in the shredded coconut.
Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool completely before removing from the pan. Slice and enjoy.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 10–12 slices.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Nutty Loaf: Add 1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts or pecans for extra crunch.
Coconut Lover’s Version: Use toasted coconut for a deeper flavor.
Mini Loaves or Muffins: Bake in muffin tins or mini loaf pans; reduce baking time to 20–25 minutes.
Less Sweet: Reduce sugar to 3/4 cup if you prefer a lighter sweetness.
Glaze It: Drizzle with a simple coconut or pineapple glaze for a dessert-style finish.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Wrap the cooled loaf in plastic wrap or foil and store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or toast lightly before serving.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, but make sure to include the juice for moisture.

Can I use unsweetened coconut?

Yes, unsweetened shredded coconut works if you prefer less sweetness.

What type of banana works best?

Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for the best flavor and sweetness.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

How do I prevent the bread from being soggy in the center?

Make sure to bake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Pineapple adds moisture, so don’t underbake.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, reduce to 3/4 cup or use coconut sugar for a slightly healthier version.

Can I make this into muffins?

Yes, bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes in a muffin tin.

Should I drain the pineapple?

No, the juice helps keep the bread moist and flavorful.

Can I add a glaze?

Yes, a powdered sugar and pineapple juice glaze pairs perfectly.

Is this bread good for breakfast?

Yes! It’s delicious for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Banana Bread is a tropical spin on a classic, blending the flavors of banana, pineapple, and coconut into a moist, irresistible loaf. Easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, this bread is a great way to bring sunshine and island vibes to your table. Serve it plain, toasted, or dressed up with a glaze—it’s delicious no matter how you slice it.

Jessica