When it comes to comfort baking, few things rival the warm, inviting aroma of banana bread fresh out of the oven. But this isn’t just any banana bread—it’s a tropical-inspired delight that combines sweet bananas, juicy pineapple, shredded coconut, and crunchy pecans for a flavor-packed loaf. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, this Banana Pineapple Bread is the ultimate treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tropical Twist on a Classic: The addition of pineapple and coconut transforms traditional banana bread into a flavor-packed tropical experience.
Moist and Tender: Mashed bananas, oil, and pineapple ensure the loaf stays perfectly moist.
Crowd-Pleaser: With its rich flavors and creamy frosting, this bread is guaranteed to impress guests or satisfy your sweet tooth.
Easy to Make: Using simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
For the Bread:
Bananas: 3 ripe bananas, mashed (adds natural sweetness and moisture).
Sugar: 1/2 cup white sugar and 1/4 cup brown sugar (balances sweetness and adds a hint of caramel).
Egg: 1 large egg (binds the ingredients).
Oil: 1/4 cup canola or vegetable oil (keeps the bread tender).
Flour: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (provides structure).
Leavening Agents: 1 teaspoon each of baking powder and baking soda (ensures a light, fluffy loaf).
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (enhances the flavors).
Coconut: 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut (adds texture and tropical flair).
Pineapple: 1/2 cup diced pineapple, patted dry (adds bursts of juiciness).
Pecans: 1/2 cup chopped pecans (adds crunch and nutty flavor).
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
Cream Cheese: 4 ounces, softened (creates a creamy, tangy base).
Butter: 1/4 cup, softened (adds richness).
Powdered Sugar: 1/2 cup (sweetens the frosting).
Vanilla Extract: 1/2 teaspoon (enhances flavor).
Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon (adds warmth and spice).
How to Make Banana Pineapple Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a standard loaf pan with cooking spray or butter, and lightly dust with flour to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
Stir in the white sugar, brown sugar, egg, and oil until fully combined.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
In the same bowl, sift in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gently mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense bread.
Step 4: Fold in the Add-Ins
Fold in the shredded coconut, diced pineapple (make sure it’s patted dry to avoid excess moisture), and chopped pecans.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Beat until fully incorporated and fluffy.
Step 7: Frost and Serve
Once the bread has completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
Sprinkle with additional chopped pecans for garnish, if desired.
Slice and serve for a sweet, tropical treat!
Tips + Tricks for Recipe Success
Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for the best results.
Drain the Pineapple Well: Excess liquid from the pineapple can make your bread too moist. Use a paper towel to pat the pineapple chunks dry before adding them to the batter.
Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to dense or tough bread.
Cool Completely Before Frosting: If the bread is still warm, the frosting will melt and slide off. Be patient and let it cool fully!
Double the Recipe: This bread freezes well, so consider making two loaves—one to enjoy now and one to save for later.
FAQs About Banana Pineapple Bread
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the texture may be denser. You can also use a mix of half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.
Can I make this recipe without nuts?
Of course! Simply omit the pecans if you prefer nut-free bread. You can also replace them with chocolate chips or raisins for a fun twist.
How do I store leftover bread?
Store the bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread (with or without frosting) for up to 3 months.
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Yes, canned pineapple works well. Just make sure to drain it thoroughly and pat it dry before adding it to the batter.
Can I skip the cream cheese frosting?
While the cream cheese frosting adds an extra layer of flavor and decadence, the bread is delicious on its own. You can skip the frosting or substitute it with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
Serving Suggestions
This Banana Pineapple Bread is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:
For Breakfast: Pair a slice with your morning coffee or tea for a sweet start to the day.
For Dessert: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
For Brunch: Add it to a brunch spread alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and savory dishes.
As a Gift: Wrap it in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Time and Serving Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: Makes 8-10 slices
Conclusion
This Banana Pineapple Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect blend of tropical flavors and classic comfort food. Moist, tender, and loaded with delicious add-ins like coconut, pineapple, and pecans, every bite is a little taste of paradise. Whether you’re baking it for yourself or sharing it with loved ones, this recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite. Try it today—you won’t be disappointed!