If you’re on the hunt for the perfect slice of sunshine, look no further than The Ultimate Hawaiian Banana Bread. This isn’t just any banana bread—it’s a luscious, tropical treat that blends ripe bananas, juicy pineapple, sweet coconut, and that irresistible crunch from macadamia nuts. Each bite brings you straight to island paradise, making it The Ultimate loaf for breakfast, snacking, or impressing friends at brunch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of The Ultimate Hawaiian Banana Bread is in its simplicity—every ingredient plays a starring role in building flavor, texture, and a little hint of aloha. Gather these simple yet essential items for a taste that’s pure vacation in a loaf pan.

All-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation that gives the bread its classic structure and tender crumb.
Baking soda: The leavening agent that ensures your loaf rises beautifully and stays light.
Salt: Just a pinch brings all the sweet and tropical flavors into perfect harmony.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a cozy undertone that ties everything together.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread and helps it bake up golden brown.
Brown sugar: For a deeper, caramelized sweetness and extra moisture.
Eggs: The secret to richness and that signature banana bread texture.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender for days—no dry slices here!
Vanilla extract: A dash enhances every other flavor and makes the aroma irresistible.
Ripe bananas (mashed): The star ingredient—use those spotty, sweet bananas for maximum flavor.
Crushed pineapple (drained): Brings a juicy, tangy twist that sets this loaf apart from the crowd.
Shredded sweetened coconut: For tropical flair and a chewy, delightful texture.
Chopped macadamia nuts (optional): Adds a buttery crunch and a true taste of Hawaii; toast them for even more flavor.

How to Make The Ultimate

Step 1: Prep the Pan & Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to go. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with a little oil or butter, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This simple step guarantees The Ultimate loaf won’t stick and comes out picture-perfect every time.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Whisking not only combines the ingredients but also adds a touch of air, setting the stage for a light, fluffy loaf. This dry mixture is the backbone of The Ultimate banana bread, making sure every bite is tender and flavorful.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk both sugars with the eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy. This is where the magic starts—these ingredients create the moisture and sweetness that make The Ultimate loaf so irresistible.

Step 4: Add the Fruit

Stir in the mashed bananas and drained pineapple. The bananas should be spotty and sweet, while the pineapple brings a burst of tangy tropical flavor. Mix until everything is well combined and you’ve got a thick, fragrant batter.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and stir gently, just until there are no visible streaks of flour. Be careful not to overmix—this is the secret to keeping The Ultimate banana bread soft and moist.

Step 6: Add Coconut and Nuts

Fold in the shredded coconut and the chopped macadamia nuts (if using). These add wonderful texture and authentic island flavor. For extra depth, try toasting them first—you’ll thank yourself later!

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Slide it into the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let The Ultimate loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely—if you can wait that long!

How to Serve The Ultimate

Garnishes

For an extra wow factor, sprinkle a bit more toasted coconut or chopped macadamia nuts on top before serving. A dusting of powdered sugar gives a pretty, bakery-style finish, while a drizzle of honey or a pat of butter takes The Ultimate slice to new heights.

Side Dishes

The Ultimate Hawaiian Banana Bread is a star on its own, but it pairs beautifully with fresh tropical fruit—think pineapple wedges, mango slices, or even a scoop of Greek yogurt. For brunch, serve it alongside a big fruit salad or a frothy iced coffee for a true island-inspired feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn The Ultimate loaf into cute mini loaves or muffins—perfect for gifting or easy grab-and-go breakfasts. Or, try slicing and grilling the bread, then topping with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce for a show-stopping dessert. Thick slices also make a decadent base for French toast on lazy weekend mornings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep The Ultimate banana bread at its freshest by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days, though it usually disappears much sooner!

Freezing

For longer storage, slice the cooled loaf and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. The Ultimate bread freezes beautifully for up to 3 months—just thaw slices overnight on the counter or gently reheat before serving.

Reheating

Warm a slice of The Ultimate banana bread in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds for that just-baked taste, or pop it in a low oven for a few minutes. If you’re feeling fancy, toast thick slices and slather with butter for a truly indulgent experience.

FAQs

Can I make The Ultimate Hawaiian Banana Bread without nuts?

Absolutely! The macadamia nuts are totally optional—leave them out if you prefer a nut-free loaf, or substitute with walnuts or pecans for a twist.

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

Use very ripe bananas and mash them with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are just fine and actually add nice pockets of banana flavor.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes! Just chop the pineapple finely and be sure to drain off any excess juice, so the bread doesn’t get too wet. The fresh flavor is a wonderful addition to The Ultimate loaf.

How do I know when The Ultimate banana bread is done baking?

Test with a toothpick inserted into the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the top is browning too quickly, tent the loaf with foil for the last 10 minutes.

Is it possible to make The Ultimate recipe vegan?

Definitely! Swap the eggs for flax eggs, use a plant-based oil, and check your sugar and coconut for vegan-friendly versions. The bread stays just as moist and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to bring a little island magic to your kitchen, you simply have to try The Ultimate Hawaiian Banana Bread. With its tender crumb, tropical flavors, and endless ways to enjoy it, there’s no better way to brighten your day. Give it a go and let The Ultimate become a new favorite in your baking rotation!

The Ultimate Recipe

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4.5 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (8 servings) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Experience a tropical twist on classic banana bread with this Hawaiian Banana Bread recipe. Bursting with ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, and optional macadamia nuts, it’s a moist, flavorful treat perfect for breakfast or a snack that evokes island paradise.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained

Add-ins

1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Add Fruits: Stir the mashed ripe bananas and drained crushed pineapple into the wet ingredients until evenly incorporated.
Combine Wet and Dry: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture and stir gently just until combined; avoid overmixing for a tender crumb.
Fold in Add-ins: Gently fold in the shredded sweetened coconut and macadamia nuts if using, to evenly distribute throughout the batter.
Fill and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, toast the shredded coconut and macadamia nuts lightly before folding them into the batter.
This banana bread freezes well; wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
To reduce the fat content, substitute half of the vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce.
Ensure the crushed pineapple is well drained to prevent a soggy loaf.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American, Hawaiian