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Take your taste buds on a holiday with this island-inspired banana bread that blends sweet, ripe bananas with juicy crushed pineapple and coconut for an incredibly tender loaf that feels like a vacation in every bite.
Mixing in crushed pineapple completely changed my regular banana bread into something extraordinary. This fruit combo adds natural sweetness while keeping every slice wonderfully moist.
Key Components:
- Overripe bananas: Add natural sweetness
- Crushed pineapple: Lock in moisture, bring tropical taste
- Shredded coconut: Adds light texture
- Butter: Needs to be softened
- All-purpose flour: Forms the foundation
- Leavening agents: Help the bread rise properly
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Step-by-Step Method:
- Mix Wet Ingredients
- Beat butter with sugar until light and airy
- Beat in eggs individually
- Stir in mashed bananas
- Add undrained pineapple
- Combine Dry Components
- Sift flour with rising agents
- Add slowly to wet mixture
- Stir in coconut carefully
- Mix just until combined
- Cooking Guidelines
- Pour into greased 9x5 bread pan
- Cook at 350°F
- Start checking around 60 minutes
- Let sit briefly
- Let sit briefly
- Finishing Touches
- Move to cooling rack
- Let cool fully before slicing
- Cover tightly for storage
- Stays fresh 3-5 days
The key ingredient? Super spotty, dark bananas that look past their prime actually pack the most flavor punch.
Keeping It Fresh:
Stays good on the counter for 3 days, or wrap it well and freeze for up to 3 months.
Tasty Twists:
Throw in some chopped macadamias or fresh lime zest for more island vibes.
Perfect Pairings:
Tastes wonderful lightly toasted with a smear of butter or cream cheese on top.
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Baker's Secrets:
- Use proper flour measuring technique
- Verify your oven runs true to temp
- Pull it out before it gets too dry
- Wait until completely cool to cut
After baking countless loaves, I've learned that taking your time with ingredient temps and careful mixing is what creates that dreamy texture in this island-inspired bread.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Should I remove pineapple juice?
- Nah, the juice gives it moisture and taste.
- → How ripe do bananas need to be?
- Super ripe, with lots of black spots, for the best sweetness.
- → Can I freeze leftovers?
- Totally. Wrap it tightly and store for up to 3 months.
- → What about adding nuts?
- Sure thing! Chopped macadamia nuts (1/2 cup) go really well.
- → Why leave it in the pan first?
- Because it’s super soft and might fall apart if removed too soon.