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Hawaiian Banana Bread

Indulge in a taste of the tropics with this Hawaiian banana bread! Packed with pineapple, cherries, and walnuts, it’s a delightful twist on the classic.

If you’re in need of a flavorful upgrade to traditional banana bread, this is it.

Hawaiian Banana Nut Bread with Cherries
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Hawaiian Banana Bread

If you’ve ever tried Hummingbird Cake, you know how incredible the combination of bananas, pineapple, cinnamon, and nuts can be. 

This recipe is a tropical paradise on a plate! Also, it’s a breeze to make. 

It’s just a matter of combining ingredients in a bowl and pouring the mixture into a loaf pan. Then, into the oven, it goes.

And in just an hour, you’ll get to enjoy a moist, tender, and sweet tropical treat.

Craving a slice of Hawaii, but want to stay home? This is the perfect recipe for you. 

Savor the sunshine with each delightful bite of this Hawaiian banana bread!

Hawaiian Banana Bread Ingredients: Flour, Salt, Baking Soda, Sugar, Cinnamon, Walnuts, Eggs, Vegetable Oil, Bananas, Crushed Pineapples, Vanilla and Maraschino Cherries

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:

  • Flour – The foundation of your bread batter. Be sure you have all-purpose and not self-raising or cake flour.
  • Salt – This baking staple enhances the flavors in the batter.
  • Baking soda – The leavening agent responsible for making the batter rise into a tall, fluffy bread.
  • White sugar – This will add enough sweetness without adding too much moisture.
  • Cinnamon – This will give you a hint of warmth and a heavenly smell to fill the kitchen.
  • Chopped walnuts – They provide a nutty flavor and a much-needed crunch to the soft loaf. 
  • Eggs – Used to help bind everything together and to help the loaf rise. The yolks also provide richness.
  • Vegetable oil – Be sure to use a neutral-tasting oil so you don’t get any hints of flavor in the finished loaf. 
  • Bananas – The riper, the better! You’ll want to look for lots of brown streaks, with just a few yellow spots.
  • Crushed pineapple – It helps ensure a moist crumb and that every bite gets a pop of tropical flavor. 
  • Vanilla – Because all good baking recipes need vanilla!
  • Maraschino cherries – For that bright pop of color and hint of almond flavor.

Tips for the Best Banana Bread

I’m sure by now, you’ve perfected your method. I made so much banana bread last year that I could probably do it in my sleep. 

But just in case, I have some great tips to make sure this loaf comes out perfect.

  • When I say “ripe,” I mean ripe! The bananas should be so ripe, they’re almost gooey.
  • Mash the bananas thoroughly, so you’re not left with any slimy chunks.
  • Drain the pineapple to prevent a watery mess.
  • Don’t use pineapple chunks. You’ll need the crushed kind to make it moist and even. 
  • Don’t overwork the batter. Just stir gently until the flour is no longer visible
  • Check for doneness early. All ovens are different, so keep an eye on it for the last 10 minutes of baking or so.
  • Don’t leave the loaf in the pan. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, and then turn it out onto a wire rack.
  • This loaf tastes better the next day. I like to make mine a day ahead to let the flavors and texture fully develop.
Moist and Flavorful Hawaiian Banana Bread with Walnuts and Cherries

Serving Ideas for Hawaiian Banana Bread

I like nothing more than a cup of coffee with a thick slice of banana bread.

Of course, a smear of butter or sweetened cream cheese wouldn’t be out of place. 

Looking for more ideas? Here are some other fun serving suggestions:

  • Banana-bread pudding – Be sure to dry out your bread first, either by leaving it out overnight or by toasting it in the oven.

How to Store Banana Bread

One recipe makes two loaves of banana bread. Here’s how to store leftovers:

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To Store

Wrap the loaf tightly or place it in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh at room temperature for 2-3 days.

You can also refrigerate it for up to a week.

To Freeze

Be sure that the loaf has cooled completely. Double-wrap it in plastic wrap and then put it in a freezer-safe bag.

This will last 2 to 3 months in the freezer and should thaw out perfectly. 

Hawaiian Banana Bread

Course: Breakfast, SnacksCuisine: American
Servings

18

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

1

hour 
Calories

275

kcal

Indulge in a taste of the tropics with this Hawaiian banana bread! Packed with pineapple, cherries, and walnuts, it’s a delightful twist on the classic.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour

  • 3/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • 2 cups white sugar

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1 cup chopped walnuts

  • 3 eggs, beaten

  • 1 cup vegetable oil

  • 2 cups mashed very ripe banana

  • 1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

  • 1 cup maraschino cherries, diced

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (17 degrees C).
  • Grease two 9×5 loaf tins with cooking spray, butter, or oil, and line with parchment paper.
  • Mix the flour with the salt, baking soda, sugar, and cinnamon in the large mixing bowl.
  • Lightly beat the eggs in a small bowl and drain the pineapple.
  • Chop the walnuts and cherries and mash the bananas.
  • Add the chopped walnuts, beaten eggs, oil, mashed banana, drained pineapple, vanilla, and cherries to the large bowl with the flour.
  • Gently stir the batter together, folding from underneath and scraping the sides of the bowl with a spatula.
  • Only stir until combined, being careful not to over-mix.
  • Divide the batter between the two prepared loaf pans.
  • Bake for 60 minutes, checking after 50, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Allow the loaves to cool for 10 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack.
  • Let cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  • Use very ripe bananas. They should be so ripe, they’re almost gooey.
  • Drain the pineapple to prevent a watery mess.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 275kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 37g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 31mg
  • Sodium: 181mg
  • Potassium: 146mg
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 30g
  • Calcium: 11mg
  • Iron: 1mg
Hawaiian Banana Bread

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INSANELYGOOD

Hey there! I'm Kim. I love running, cooking, and curling up with a good book! I share recipes for people who LOVE good food, but want to keep things simple :)

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