Hawaiian Loaf
A moist, tropical-flavored banana loaf packed with crushed pineapple and shredded coconut, offering a sweet and fruity treat. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or snack, this bread combines rich flavors and tender crumb, appealing to coconut lovers and banana enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream margarine and sugar together in a bowl.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in mashed bananas.
- Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and mix until smooth.
- Fold in crushed pineapple and shredded coconut.
- Spoon the batter into two greased and floured 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pans.
- Bake for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your margarine is softened but not melted. You can substitute the flaked coconut with chopped nuts if you prefer a different flavor. To enhance the banana flavor, use very ripe bananas. If you don't have crushed pineapple, you can use fresh pineapple, but be sure to finely chop it for the right consistency. This recipe is inspired by other American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Hawaiian Loaf warm or at room temperature, sliced thickly. It pairs beautifully with a tropical fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. For a unique twist, try spreading a layer of cream cheese frosting on top. This loaf also makes a great breakfast alongside a cup of coffee or tea, or enjoy it with a slice of Easy Date Nut Bread for a delightful brunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Hawaiian Loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw if frozen, then warm slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a toaster oven until slightly warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hawaiian Loaf contains roughly 291 calories, with 4g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1805mg per serving (78% 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 butter instead of margarine in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute butter for margarine in equal amounts. Just ensure the butter is softened to avoid lumps in your batter. The flavor will be richer and slightly different, enhancing the overall taste of the loaf.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make a gluten-free Hawaiian Loaf, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum to help with the texture. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on it as it bakes.
How can I make this recipe less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, you can decrease the sugar by 1/2 cup or substitute some of the sugar with unsweetened applesauce. Additionally, using very ripe bananas will add natural sweetness without the need for as much added sugar.
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).