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This island-inspired twist on banana bread blends sweet ripe bananas with juicy crushed pineapple and coconut, creating an incredibly tender loaf that'll transport you straight to the tropics.
When I mixed crushed pineapple into my go-to banana bread, it completely changed the game. The extra fruit adds natural sweetness and keeps every bite wonderfully moist.
Key Components:
- Very ripe bananas: Bring natural sweetness
- Crushed pineapple: Add juiciness, tropical taste
- Shredded coconut: Gives light texture contrast
- Butter: Needs to be softened
- All-purpose flour: Forms the backbone
- Leavening agents: Make it rise properly
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Step-by-Step Method:
- Create Mixture
- Beat butter and sugar till light
- Blend in eggs individually
- Stir in mashed bananas
- Mix in pineapple with juice
- Incorporate Dry Items
- Strain flour with rising agents
- Add slowly to wet mixture
- Stir in coconut carefully
- Mix just enough
- Cooking Process
- Pour into buttered 9x5 pan
- Cook at 350°F
- Test after 60 minutes
- Let stand 10 minutes
- Let stand 10 minutes
- Finish and Preserve
- Move to cooling rack
- Wait till fully cooled to slice
- Cover completely for storage
- Good for 3-5 days
The real trick is waiting for bananas to get super dark and spotted - they'll give you the richest flavor.
Keeping It Fresh:
Stays good on the counter for 3 days, or wrap it up tight and freeze for up to 3 months.
Tasty Twists:
Throw in some chopped macadamias or grated lime peel for an extra touch of the tropics.
Perfect Pairings:
Tastes amazing lightly toasted with a smear of butter or cream cheese.
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Pro Pointers:
- Get flour amount right
- Verify your oven runs true
- Pull it out in time
- Let it cool fully before cutting
I've learned from countless baking sessions that taking your time with ingredient temps and careful mixing is what makes this tropical bread turn out just right.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Should I drain pineapple?
- No need! The juice gives extra flavor and keeps it moist.
- → How ripe do bananas need to be?
- The riper the better. Look for ones with lots of black spots.
- → Can this loaf be stored in the freezer?
- Sure! Wrap it tight and freeze for up to three months.
- → Can I toss in nuts?
- Definitely! Macadamia nuts are ideal. Add half a cup, chopped.
- → Why leave it in the pan to cool?
- It's super moist, so it’ll stay together better this way.