Aloha Quick Bread
A moist, tropical-inspired banana bread with coconut and almonds, perfect for breakfast or teatime, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (2 medium) ⓘ
- 1/4 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon orange extract ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract ⓘ
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 cup flaked coconut ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Beat in mashed bananas, milk, orange extract, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the banana mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in flaked coconut and chopped almonds.
- Pour batter into a greased or parchment-lined loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove from pan and cool completely on a wire rack.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you don't have orange extract, a tablespoon of freshly squeezed orange juice can be a great substitute. To enhance moisture, you can also add a few tablespoons of yogurt or sour cream. Make sure to measure your flour accurately to avoid a dense loaf; spoon it into the measuring cup rather than scooping.
Serving Suggestions
Aloha Quick Bread is delightful served warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese spread. Pair it with a fresh fruit salad for a refreshing breakfast or brunch option. It also makes a great snack alongside a cup of coffee or tea. For a flavorful twist, try it with a side of Black-Eyed Pea Spread for a unique flavor combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Aloha Quick Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer, where it can last for up to three months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aloha Quick Bread contains roughly 235 calories, with 2g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1055mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, frozen bananas work well in this recipe. Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. They will add the same moisture and sweetness as fresh bananas, making your bread deliciously moist.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make Aloha Quick Bread healthier, consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. You can also reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup and replace the butter with applesauce for a lower-fat version. This will maintain the bread's flavor while making it a healthier option.
Can I add other mix-ins to the bread?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your Aloha Quick Bread by adding mix-ins like chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, or even chocolate chips. Just be mindful of the total volume of ingredients to ensure the bread bakes evenly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).