Hawaiian Banana Bread with Pineapple, Coconut & Macadamia Nuts Recipe

If you’re ready to whisk your tastebuds off to the tropics, you have to try this Hawaiian Banana Bread with Pineapple, Coconut & Macadamia Nuts! It’s a vibrant twist on classic banana bread with lush pineapple, crispy coconut, and the buttery crunch of roasted macadamia nuts in every single bite. Sweet, tender, and a little bit decadent—this loaf is pure sunshine on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This tropical take on banana bread keeps things refreshingly simple. Each ingredient has a special role: the bananas and pineapple infuse moisture and flavor, the coconut and macadamias add irresistible texture, and just a handful of pantry staples tie it all together.

• All-purpose white flour: Provides the bread’s soft, classic structure and ensures every piece slices beautifully.
• Sugar: Balances the natural fruit sweetness and helps the crust get that perfect golden color.
• Baking powder & baking soda: Our dynamic leavening duo! These create the light rise and tender crumb you crave in banana bread.
• Salt: Just a hint sharpens all the other flavors (don’t skip it!).
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add fluffy richness.
• Vanilla extract: The secret aroma boost that ties the island flavors together.
• Ripe bananas: The riper, the better—think black spots! These make the bread moist and sweet with true banana flavor.
• Crushed pineapple with juice (8 oz. can): Adds juicy tropical flavor and extra tenderness—no need to drain.
• Organic sunflower oil (or any neutral oil): Brings moisture without overpowering the fruity flavors.
• Macadamia nuts (dry roasted & chopped): The toasty crunch is unmistakably Hawaiian—don’t skimp!
• Unsweetened coconut flakes: Adds chewy, nutty flavor and visual flair (and prevents the bread from drying out).

Variations

This Hawaiian Banana Bread with Pineapple, Coconut & Macadamia Nuts is endlessly flexible—don’t hesitate to make it your own! You can swap, skip, or double down on your favorite flavors to suit any mood, diet, or pantry surprise.

• Gluten-Free: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and you’ll get the same moist, tender crumb—no one will guess the difference!
• Nut-Free: Leave out the macadamia nuts and add extra coconut or even a sprinkle of dried pineapple for nut-allergy friendly flair.
• Add Chocolate Chips: For pure decadence, stir a handful of white or dark chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
• Extra Citrus Zing: Mix in some fresh lime or orange zest for an even brighter, punchier tropical flavor.

How to Make Hawaiian Banana Bread with Pineapple, Coconut & Macadamia Nuts

Step 1: Prep Your Pan & Roast the Nuts

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease your loaf pan well (I love using a bit of coconut oil for more tropical vibes). Dry-roast your macadamia nuts in a small skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, just until toasty and fragrant. Let them cool, then chop roughly. This quick step gives the nuts their deep, buttery flavor and crunch that make this bread shine.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures your leaveners and sugar are evenly distributed, so every bite is perfectly risen and sweet—no pockets of salt or flour here!

Step 3: Mash & Mix Your Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs and stir in the vanilla. Mash the ripe bananas until almost smooth, then add to the wet mixture along with the pineapple (juice and all!) and oil. Whisk everything until combined; this will look a little loose and chunky, but don’t worry, it’s just right.

Step 4: Combine the Batter—Gently!

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry bowl, stirring just until no flour streaks remain. The batter should be a little lumpy—that’s the secret to tender, never-tough banana bread. Fold in the chopped macadamia nuts and coconut flakes, mixing as little as possible so your bread stays light and moist.

Step 5: Bake & Check for Doneness

Spoon the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 55–65 minutes, until the top is deep golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean (a crumb or two is okay; wet batter is not). Let cool in the pan before turning out—this helps the bread finish setting and makes slicing a dream!

How to Serve Hawaiian Banana Bread with Pineapple, Coconut & Macadamia Nuts

Garnishes

Go bold and toast a little extra coconut or a handful of chopped macadamias to sprinkle right over the top of your cooled banana bread. For a finishing flourish, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze will make each slice totally irresistible and bakery-beautiful.

Side Dishes

Pair a warm slab with a scoop of vanilla Greek yogurt, a swirl of whipped cream, or a fruit salad for a brunch that’ll whisk you to Waikiki. A mug of coconut coffee or pineapple iced tea on the side adds to the whole island experience!

Creative Ways to Present

Transform this Hawaiian Banana Bread with Pineapple, Coconut & Macadamia Nuts into something truly special by slicing and serving with tropical fruit, or cutting thick slabs to make over-the-top French toast. Wrap mini loaves in parchment and vibrant ribbon for a heartfelt homemade gift or party favor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, wrap your loaf tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen and stay moist (sometimes banana bread tastes even better by day two!).

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully—just wrap individual slices or the entire loaf in plastic, tuck into a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight on the counter or warm gently to enjoy anytime.

Reheating

To refresh a slice, pop it in the microwave for 10–20 seconds or toast lightly for a crisp edge. The fruity aroma and soft crumb come right back to life, as if it were just baked!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Let yourself be transported—one warm, fragrant slice at a time—by this Hawaiian Banana Bread with Pineapple, Coconut & Macadamia Nuts. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or just craving a taste of island sunshine, this recipe never fails to bring smiles. Go ahead, give it a whirl and see why it’s my go-to for celebrations, cozy weekends, and every sweet moment in between!

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