Introduction
has become my absolute go-to recipe when I'm craving something that feels like a vacation in a slice. I first made this during that endless winter of 2024 when we all needed a bit of sunshine! The combination of sweet, caramelized bananas, juicy pineapple chunks, and toasted coconut creates this amazing tropical vibe that honestly makes my kitchen smell like a Hawaiian beach resort. It's super moist (yeah I know everyone hates that word but there's just no better way to describe it!) and has these gorgeous golden-brown crispy edges that I can never resist picking at.
Timing
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 55-60 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 3 very ripe bananas, mashed (the spottier the better!)
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained (canned works fine - fresh if you're feeling fancy)
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut + extra for topping
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240g)
- 1/2 cup butter, melted (use coconut oil for dairy-free)
- 2 large eggs, room temp
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark - I prefer dark)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional but amazing)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ok listen - this is crucial - grease AND line your 9x5 loaf pan with parchment paper. Leave some overhang on the sides. Trust me on this one, I learned the hard way!
Step 2
Toast that coconut! Spread it on a baking sheet and pop it in the preheating oven for like 5 minutes. Watch it like a hawk because it goes from perfect to burnt in approximately 2.5 seconds... Not that I'm speaking from experience or anything 😅
Step 3
In a large bowl, mash those bananas until they're pretty smooth. Mix in the drained pineapple (seriously, drain it well or your bread will be soggy), melted butter, eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla. The mixture might look a bit curdled - totally normal!
Step 4
Dump in your dry ingredients - flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if using. Fold everything together just until combined. Please don't overmix! A few flour streaks are actually okay here. Coconut Pineapple Banana BreadGently stir in the toasted coconut.
Healthier Alternatives
Look, I've tried ALL the substitutions (my sister's on this whole keto thing). You can swap the flour for gluten-free 1:1 blend - works surprisingly well! For vegan version, use flax eggs and coconut oil instead of butter
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