Moist Hawaiian Banana Bread Recipe

Island-Inspired Moist Hawaiian Banana Bread Recipe for Sunshine

Sweet aromas of tropical paradise waft through kitchens when baking this delectable hawaiian banana bread that combines ripe bananas with subtle island flavors.

Creamy and dense, this bread offers a delightful twist on classic banana bread recipes.

Overripe bananas become the secret weapon for maximum moisture and richness.

Each slice promises a tender crumb with hints of coconut and macadamia nuts dancing across your palate.

Local ingredients elevate this simple quick bread into something extraordinary.

The recipe celebrates the lush bounty of hawaii’s fresh produce and time-honored baking traditions.

Prepare to embark on a delicious culinary journey that will transport you straight to the sunny shores of the islands.

How to Bake Banana Bread With a Twist

  • Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F and give your loaf pan a quick butter massage to prevent sticking.

  • Blend the Dry Crew

Toss flour, sugars, rising agents, salt, and cinnamon into a big bowl and whisk them into a friendly mixture.

  • Dance with Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, smoosh bananas, crush pineapple, crack eggs, splash oil, and drizzle vanilla. Whip everything into a silky smooth potion.

  • Create Your Tropical Fusion

Gently swirl wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Don’t overwork the batter! Sprinkle in coconut and macadamia nuts for that island vibe.

  • Bake to Perfection

Pour your luscious mixture into the waiting pan. Let it bake for about an hour, checking with a toothpick for that perfect golden-brown doneness. When the pick comes out clean, your Hawaiian paradise is ready to devour.

Additions That Make Your Bread Stand Out

  • Add an extra ripe banana for an even more moist and tender bread that practically melts in your mouth.
  • Skip the macadamia nuts for a kid-friendly version or replace with toasted sunflower seeds for a similar crunch.
  • Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this bread suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and pineapple juice over the cooled bread for an extra burst of tropical flavor.
  • Replace eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, and use coconut oil or vegetable oil to create a completely plant-based version of this Hawaiian-inspired bread.

Presenting Banana Bread With a Sweet Finish

  • Tropical Breakfast Delight: Slice the warm banana bread and pair it with a dollop of coconut yogurt for a creamy, refreshing morning treat that transports you to a Hawaiian paradise.
  • Afternoon Tea Upgrade: Serve thin slices alongside a cup of green tea or tropical iced tea, garnished with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for an extra crunch and island-inspired flavor.
  • Dessert Transformation: Top a warmed slice with a scoop of macadamia nut ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce, creating a decadent dessert that celebrates the bread's rich Hawaiian ingredients.
  • Brunch Centerpiece: Create a beautiful breakfast spread by arranging slices on a wooden board with fresh pineapple chunks, passion fruit, and a small bowl of honey for guests to customize their experience.

Keeping Banana Bread Moist After Baking

  • Let the Hawaiian banana bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes after baking, allowing it to stabilize and prevent crumbling when removed.
  • Store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining moisture and freshness.
  • Slice bread before freezing, wrap individual portions in freezer-safe wrap, and store for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in toaster oven.
  • Prepare batter and refrigerate overnight before baking for enhanced flavor development and convenience. Mix wet and dry ingredients separately, combining just before baking to keep ingredients vibrant and texture perfect.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 12

Hawaiian Banana Bread Must-Haves

For Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and helps bind the bread together, choose unbleached for better texture.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a moist, tender crumb with deep caramel undertones.
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents that help the bread rise and create a light, fluffy texture.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the bread.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Brings warm, aromatic notes that complement the tropical ingredients.
For Wet Ingredients:
  • Ripe Bananas: Provide natural sweetness, moisture, and rich banana flavor; choose overripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness.
  • Crushed Pineapple: Adds tropical tang and extra moisture to the bread, creating a unique Hawaiian twist.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide structure and richness to the bread.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures a moist, tender crumb and helps prevent the bread from becoming dry.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor and adds depth to the bread's taste profile.
For Mix-In Ingredients:
  • Shredded Coconut: Brings tropical texture and authentic Hawaiian flair to the bread.
  • Macadamia Nuts: Adds crunch and rich, buttery flavor characteristic of Hawaiian cuisine; toast lightly for enhanced nuttiness.

Gear to Bake a Tropical Banana Bread

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending dry ingredients without lumps.
  • Medium bowl: Use for mixing wet ingredients thoroughly.
  • 9×5-inch loaf pan: Key for baking the banana bread with proper shape.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient amounts.
  • Spatula: Great for folding ingredients and scraping batter into pan.
  • Toothpick: Helps check if bread is fully baked by testing center.
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Moist Hawaiian Banana Bread Recipe

Moist Hawaiian Banana Bread Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Tropical paradise meets comfort in this Hawaiian Banana Bread, blending island sweetness with classic baking charm. Ripe bananas and coconut create a luscious loaf that transports you to sun-kissed shores with each delectable slice.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 (large) eggs
  • ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil or melted butter
  • 2 ripe bananas, mashed
  • ½ cup (120 ml) crushed pineapple, drained
  • ½ cup (50 g) shredded coconut
  • ½ cup (60 g) chopped macadamia nuts (optional)
  • 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Calibrate oven to 350F (175C) and lubricate a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or butter.
  2. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Integrate flour, sugars, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a spacious mixing vessel, whisking thoroughly to ensure uniform distribution.
  3. Moisture Amalgamation: Combine mashed bananas, crushed pineapple, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract in a separate container, blending until achieving a harmonious, smooth consistency.
  4. Batter Creation: Delicately incorporate wet ingredients into dry mixture, using minimal stirring to prevent over-mixing. Gently fold shredded coconut and macadamia nuts throughout the batter, distributing ingredients evenly.
  5. Baking Process: Transfer prepared batter into greased loaf pan, spreading uniformly. Position in preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, verifying doneness by inserting a toothpick into bread’s center – it should emerge clean and free of raw batter.

Notes

  • Select overripe, soft bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and deeper banana flavor, which enhances the bread’s moisture and natural sugars.
  • Ensure crushed pineapple is well-drained to prevent excess moisture that could make the bread soggy or affect its texture during baking.
  • Fold wet and dry ingredients together using minimal strokes to avoid developing gluten, which keeps the bread tender and prevents a tough, dense result.
  • Swap macadamia nuts with toasted pecans or almonds for different flavor profiles, or omit nuts entirely for nut-free dietary requirements while maintaining the bread’s tropical essence.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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