Sweet Hummingbird Banana Bread Recipe: Tropical Comfort Joy

Whipping up a delightful hummingbird banana bread always brings unexpected joy to my kitchen adventures.

Sweet memories of southern comfort flood back with each slice.

Ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and toasted pecans create a magical combination that dances across your taste buds.

Cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious touch to this classic Southern treat.

Baking becomes an intimate experience when you infuse love into every ingredient.

Moist and fragrant, this bread promises to become your new favorite weekend indulgence.

You won’t be able to resist another slice of pure deliciousness.

Banana Bread Inspired by Hummingbird Cake

• Elevate classic banana bread with surprising pineapple and coconut flavors that transform an ordinary recipe into an extraordinary treat.
• Whip up this delectable bread in just about an hour, with simple mixing steps that even novice bakers can master effortlessly.
• Packed with familiar ingredients and a gentle sweetness that appeals to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family gatherings or afternoon snacks.
• Enjoy this bread plain, with butter, or drizzled with a delightful pineapple glaze, offering multiple ways to savor each delicious slice.

What You’ll Need for This Spiced Banana Loaf

• Flour: Provides structure and base for the banana bread.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents for light texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that add depth and aroma.

• Bananas: Ripe, soft bananas for natural sweetness and moisture.
• Pineapple: Crushed fruit adding tropical twist and extra moisture.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with caramelization.
• Oil: Creates a moist and tender bread texture.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds rich, classic flavor.

• Pecans, Walnuts: Crunchy nuts for texture and nutty flavor. Use fresh, unsalted nuts.
• Shredded Coconut: Optional tropical addition for extra texture.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet glaze.
• Pineapple Juice or Milk: Helps thin and create drizzling consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle flavor to the glaze.

Baking Instructions for Flavorful Banana Bread

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Grab a loaf pan and give it a quick spray with cooking oil or line with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg

Step 3: Mash Tropical Goodness

• Ripe bananas
• Crushed pineapple
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Vegetable oil
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Step 4: Marry Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Chopped pecans
• Shredded coconut

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour batter into prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Slide into preheated oven. Bake for 55-65 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick- it should come out clean. If top browns too quickly, cover with aluminum foil.

Step 6: Cool and Rest

Let bread relax in pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to wire rack and allow to cool completely.

Step 7: Create Dreamy Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Pineapple juice
• Vanilla extract

Drizzle generously over cooled bread.

Step 8: Slice and Savor

Cut into thick slices. Serve as is or with a pat of butter. Enjoy the tropical twist on classic banana bread!

Tips to Keep Your Banana Bread Moist

• Perfectly Prevent Overmixing: Stir ingredients gently until just combined to keep the bread tender and prevent a tough, dense texture.
• Smart Moisture Management: Add crushed pineapple for extra moisture and a tropical twist that keeps the banana bread incredibly soft and rich.
• Customize Nut Crunch: Experiment with different nuts like pecans or walnuts to add texture and enhance the bread's nutty flavor profile.
• Foil Protection Technique: Cover the bread with aluminum foil if the top browns too quickly, ensuring even baking and preventing burning.
• Glaze Game Changer: Create a simple pineapple juice glaze to add an extra layer of sweetness and moisture that elevates the entire dessert.

Proper Storage for Banana Bread Freshness

• Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual slices or the entire loaf in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Frozen banana bread keeps well for 2-3 months.
• Remove from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a toaster oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes until slightly crisp and warm.

Pairings That Work with Spiced Banana Bread

• Brew a medium-roast Hawaiian or Jamaican coffee with subtle caramel and fruity undertones that complement the banana bread's tropical pineapple and coconut notes. The coffee's smooth flavor enhances the bread's complex sweetness.
• Whip softened cream cheese with a touch of honey and sprinkle of cinnamon. This tangy, rich spread provides a luxurious contrast to the bread's dense, moist texture and adds a delightful creamy dimension.
• Mix a light rum with pineapple juice and a splash of coconut cream. This tropical cocktail mirrors the bread's ingredients, creating a harmonious flavor experience that highlights the dessert's Caribbean-inspired essence.
• Scoop premium vanilla bean ice cream alongside a warm slice of banana bread. The cold, smooth vanilla perfectly balances the bread's warm spices and adds a decadent, indulgent touch to each bite.

Tropical Twists to Try in This Bread

• Gluten-Free Tropical Bread: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the rich, tropical flavor profile.
• Vegan Island Loaf: Substitute eggs with mashed banana or flaxseed mixture, use coconut oil instead of regular oil, and swap dairy-based glaze with plant-based alternatives like maple syrup or coconut cream.
• Low-Sugar Wellness Bread: Reduce sugar quantities by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and incorporate more nuts for natural sweetness and additional protein content.
• Protein-Packed Recovery Bread: Add vanilla protein powder to the dry ingredients, increase nut quantities, and include chia seeds for extra nutritional boost and texture variation.

Banana Bread Questions Answered

• What makes Hummingbird Banana Bread different from traditional banana bread?

This version combines classic banana bread with flavors of the famous Hummingbird cake, including crushed pineapple, coconut, and pecans, creating a more complex and tropical-inspired dessert.

• Can I make this bread without nuts?

Yes, you can easily omit the pecans or walnuts if you have nut allergies or simply prefer not to use them. The bread will still be delicious and moist.

• Is this bread suitable for breakfast or dessert?

Hummingbird Banana Bread works perfectly as both a breakfast treat and a dessert. Its rich flavor and moist texture make it versatile for different occasions throughout the day.

• How can I tell if the banana bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is done. If it has wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes.

Hummingbird Banana Bread Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet banana bread meets Southern charm in this hummingbird banana bread, blending classic Southern flavors with comforting nostalgia. Cream cheese frosting and pecans crown this delightful treat, promising pure bliss with each delectable slice you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 large ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
• ½ cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups (220 grams) all-purpose flour
• ⅔ cup (133 grams) granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup (67 grams) light brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Flavor and Texture Enhancers (Optional):

• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• ¼ cup shredded coconut
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Glaze Ingredients:

• ½ cup (60 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon pineapple juice or milk
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Warm the kitchen oven to 350F (175C), preparing a standard loaf pan with a light coating of grease or a protective parchment paper lining.
2. Craft a dry ingredient blend by thoroughly whisking flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a spacious mixing vessel.
3. Create a vibrant wet mixture by thoroughly blending mashed bananas, crushed pineapple, granulated and brown sugars, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until achieving a harmonious, smooth consistency.
4. Gently incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, using delicate folding motions to maintain a tender texture. Introduce chopped pecans and shredded coconut, ensuring even distribution without aggressive stirring.
5. Transfer the luscious batter into the prepared loaf pan, carefully smoothing the surface for an even bake. Position in the preheated oven and monitor for 55-65 minutes, checking doneness with a slender toothpick that should emerge clean when inserted into the bread’s center.
6. Shield the bread’s surface with aluminum foil if excessive browning occurs during the final baking stages, protecting the delicate crust.
7. Allow the freshly baked bread to rest within the pan for 10 minutes, then delicately transition to a wire cooling rack for complete temperature reduction.
8. Optional: Craft a luminous glaze by whisking powdered sugar with pineapple juice and vanilla extract, elegantly drizzling over the completely cooled banana bread.
9. Slice and serve, presenting this decadent tropical-inspired treat either unadorned or accompanied by a luxurious butter complement.

Notes

• Toast nuts before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and create a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Drain pineapple thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the bread soggy and affecting its texture.
• Use overripe bananas with dark spots for maximum natural sweetness and moisture in the bread.
• Gluten-free option: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg