Description
This Pineapple Banana Bread is a moist, tropical twist on classic banana bread, combining ripe mashed bananas and well-drained crushed pineapple for a burst of fruity flavor. With hints of coconut and warm spices like nutmeg, it’s a perfect sweet loaf ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. The bread is baked to a golden brown with a delicate crumb and a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top for a pleasant crunch.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup lightly packed light brown sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon grated nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 4 large bananas)
- 14 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
- 1 can crushed pineapple (20 ounces, drained very well)
Optional
- ¾ cup shredded or flaked coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
- Coarse sugar (for sprinkling on top)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10″ x 5″ x 3½” loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, fine sea salt, and grated nutmeg until evenly combined. Set this dry mixture aside.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk the eggs with the pure vanilla extract. Then add the mashed ripe bananas and whisk again to integrate.
- Combine wet and dry mixes: Pour the wet banana-egg mixture over the dry ingredient mixture. Mix gently just until the ingredients are combined; do not overmix to keep the bread tender and moist.
- Add butter, pineapple, and coconut: Stir in the melted and cooled unsalted butter until fully incorporated. Then carefully fold in the well-drained crushed pineapple and the shredded or flaked coconut if using, making sure these are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Prepare for baking: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top if desired to add a crunchy texture and sweet finish.
- Bake the bread: Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a cake tester or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 20 minutes before slicing. This rest ensures the bread sets properly for neat slices.
Notes
- Ensure the crushed pineapple is very well drained to prevent excess moisture that can affect the bread’s texture.
- You can use either sweetened or unsweetened shredded coconut depending on your preference.
- If you want a less sweet bread, reduce the sugar slightly.
- Use ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- Store leftover bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- This bread freezes well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American