If you’re anything like me, finding the perfect banana bread that stays moist yet flavorful can feel like a quest. Well, I’m excited to share this Moist Pineapple Banana Bread Recipe that’s not only wonderfully tender but also bursting with tropical flavors you never knew you needed in your life. Trust me, once you try this, pineapple and banana together in bread form will be your new favorite combo—it’s absolutely fan-freaking-tastic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist & Tender Texture: The combination of ripe bananas and crushed pineapple ensures every bite is soft and delightfully moist.
- Simple Yet Unique Flavor: That tropical twist from pineapple and coconut sets this bread apart from your everyday banana loaf.
- Easy to Make: No fancy equipment or complicated steps—perfect for a beginner or when you want a quick bake.
- Familyapproved: My family absolutely goes crazy for this bread—they beg me to make it over and over!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to nailing this Moist Pineapple Banana Bread Recipe. Each element works harmoniously, from the natural sweetness of bananas to the tropical zing of pineapple and coconut. Just make sure your bananas are ripe—brown-speckled ones are best for that deep flavor you want!
- Butter: I like using softened butter rather than melted; it helps create the right batter texture for a tender crumb.
- Sugar: Regular granulated sugar works fine, but you can swap half for brown sugar if you want a slightly richer taste.
- Eggs: These add structure and moisture — bring them to room temperature so they blend easily.
- Banana: Mashed ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture; don’t skimp here, the riper the better.
- Crushed pineapple: Make sure to drain it well to avoid a soggy loaf, but some liquid is good to keep it moist.
- Sweetened flaked coconut: Adds a subtle chewiness and tropical flavor contrast – it’s what makes this bread stand out.
- All-purpose flour: The base of your bread; measure carefully for perfect texture.
- Baking powder: Helps your bread rise nicely without being too dense.
- Baking soda: Combines with the natural acidity of bananas and pineapple to give a good rise and tender crumb.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance all that sweetness.
- Optional pineapple extract: A little boost if you want that pineapple flavor EXTRA vibrant.
Variations
I love tweaking this Moist Pineapple Banana Bread Recipe depending on the mood or occasion. It’s such a forgiving base that you can add your own flair and still get a fantastic loaf. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or macadamia nuts for crunch—I discovered this variation makes the bread feel extra special for weekend breakfast.
- Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend; just keep an eye on the moisture, adding a little extra banana if needed.
- More Tropical: Toss in some diced dried mango or pineapple chunks for bursts of chewy sweetness.
- Vegan Version: Use flax eggs and coconut oil instead of butter to get a moist loaf that’s plant-based friendly.
How to Make Moist Pineapple Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by softening your butter, then use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream it together with the sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step might seem simple, but it’s crucial because properly creamed butter and sugar give your bread that soft, tender crumb—plus, it helps dissolve the sugar evenly.
Step 2: Mix in Eggs and Fruits
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, taking your time to ensure each is fully incorporated. Then fold in the mashed banana, drained crushed pineapple, and sweetened flaked coconut. If you’re using pineapple extract, add it here to ramp up the flavor. A tip from me: don’t overmix once you add the dry ingredients, or your bread might turn out dense.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Fold In
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly stir this into your wet mixture just until everything is combined — don’t go crazy mixing here! It’s perfectly okay if a few lumps remain; overmixing can harm your bread’s texture.
Step 4: Bake Your Bread
Pour the batter into a greased 8-inch by 4-inch loaf pan. Place it in a preheated 350°F oven and bake for about 65 to 70 minutes. I always start checking around 60 minutes with a toothpick—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack so it finishes cooling evenly.
Pro Tips for Making Moist Pineapple Banana Bread Recipe
- Ripe Bananas Matter: I learned that the riper, the better—don’t even think of using greenish bananas if you want that rich banana flavor.
- Drain Pineapple Well: Too much juice can make the batter runny and the bread soggy, so give it a good squeeze or quick drain in a fine mesh strainer.
- Don’t Overmix: Folding in dry ingredients gently preserves the bread’s light crumb—this little step made all the difference in my early batches.
- Test Early: Using a toothpick to check doneness avoids overbaking and drying out the bread—a tip that saved me from many frustrating failures.
How to Serve Moist Pineapple Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping slices of this bread with a little cream cheese spread or a thin layer of honey butter—both add a subtle creaminess that works beautifully with the tropical notes. Sprinkling some toasted coconut flakes on top right before serving adds texture and that wow factor.
Side Dishes
This bread goes perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy morning or afternoon snack. I also sometimes pair it with fresh tropical fruits or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a light brunch option that feels indulgent but balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like slicing this bread and arranging it in a fan shape on a pretty platter, then drizzling with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and pineapple juice. It makes for a gorgeous presentation and adds a little extra sweetness. You can even turn leftover slices into mini French toast for breakfast—that always gets rave reviews at my house!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually wrap leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature—it stays moist and fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, keeping it in the fridge is fine but bring it back to room temp before serving.
Freezing
This Moist Pineapple Banana Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. I slice the bread first, then wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. This way, I can take out just what I need without thawing the entire loaf. Frozen slices last up to 3 months.
Reheating
To reheat, I usually pop a slice in the toaster oven for a few minutes until warm and slightly crisp on the edges. Alternatively, microwaving wrapped in a damp paper towel for 15-20 seconds restores some of the moisture if it’s feeling dry.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned crushed pineapple?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple works great but be sure to drain it very well to avoid excess moisture in your batter. You can finely chop or crush it yourself and gently squeeze out extra juice with a towel or strainer before adding it to your mix.
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What if I don’t have pineapple extract?
No worries! Pineapple extract is optional and just boosts the flavor a bit. The crushed pineapple and coconut already give plenty of tropical taste, so feel free to skip it if you don’t have any on hand.
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Why is my banana bread dry even though I followed the recipe?
That can happen if bananas aren’t ripe enough, you overmix the batter, or you overbake the bread. Make sure your bananas have brown spots, mix gently after adding flour, and start testing doneness early with a toothpick.
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Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Just double all the ingredients and use two loaf pans or one larger pan. Keep an eye on baking time—larger pans might need a bit longer or shorter depending on the thickness of the batter.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Moist Pineapple Banana Bread Recipe brings together the comfort of banana bread with a light tropical twist. Over the years, it’s become my go-to for everything from casual breakfasts to special get-togethers because it’s just that reliable and delicious. I really think you’ll enjoy baking (and eating!) it as much as my family and I do. So go ahead—grab those ripe bananas and bring a little sunshine into your kitchen with this fantastic recipe!
Print
Moist Pineapple Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Moist Pineapple Banana Bread is a delightful twist on classic banana bread, incorporating crushed pineapple and sweetened coconut for a tropical flavor boost. Perfectly moist and flavorful, it’s made with simple ingredients and baked to golden perfection, making it a delicious treat for breakfast or snack time.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana
- 1/3 cup drained crushed pineapple
- 1/2 cup sweetened flaked coconut
- Optional: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon pineapple extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for your bread batter.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated for a uniform batter.
- Mix in Fruit and Coconut: Stir in the mashed ripe banana, drained crushed pineapple, and sweetened flaked coconut. If using pineapple extract, add it now to enhance the tropical flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Prepare Pan and Bake: Spoon the batter into a greased 8-inch by 4-inch loaf pan, smoothing the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 65-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Recipe sourced from Taste of Home.
- Make sure the pineapple is well-drained to avoid excess moisture affecting the bread texture.
- You can substitute unsweetened coconut for a less sweet variation.
- Check doneness early to prevent overbaking, as oven temperatures may vary.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10th of loaf)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
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