Transport your taste buds to a tropical getaway with this Tropical Paradise Banana Bread! Packed with heart-healthy ingredients like olive oil, almond flour, and a touch of natural sweetness, this bread is moist, flavorful, and irresistibly delicious. The combination of bananas, coconut, and pineapple brings all the tropical vibes to your kitchen—perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tropical Twist: Bananas, pineapple, and coconut create a dreamy, exotic flavor.
Wholesome Ingredients: Naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup and made with almond flour for a healthy, gluten-free option.
Easy to Make: Simple, one-bowl preparation means less time in the kitchen and more time savoring!
Versatile: Vegan-friendly and easily customizable for dietary needs.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
2 large ripe bananas, mashed
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup honey or pure maple syrup
2 large eggs (or flax eggs for a vegan option)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups almond flour (or spelt flour for added fiber)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Optional Add-ins:
1/4 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
1/4 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
1/4 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
How to Make Tropical Paradise Banana Bread
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
Add the olive oil, applesauce, honey (or maple syrup), eggs (or flax eggs), and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond flour, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 4: Add the Tropical Touch
Fold in the shredded coconut, crushed pineapple, and chopped nuts if using. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Tips for Success
Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make the bread dense. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Drain Pineapple Well: Excess liquid from the pineapple can make the bread too wet. Press it gently with a paper towel before adding.
Storage: Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use maple syrup instead of honey.
Can I freeze this banana bread?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I use another type of flour?
You can substitute almond flour with spelt flour, whole wheat flour, or all-purpose flour. Adjust liquid amounts slightly if needed.
What if I don’t have applesauce?
You can replace it with an equal amount of yogurt, mashed banana, or additional olive oil.
Serving Suggestions
For Breakfast: Spread with almond butter or drizzle with honey for a filling start to your day.
Snack Time: Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a mid-afternoon treat.
Dessert: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent ending.
Timing & Yield
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour
Yield: 8–10 slices
Why This Recipe Works
The perfect balance of sweet, moist, and nutty flavors makes this Tropical Paradise Banana Bread a standout treat. The natural sweetness of bananas and pineapple pairs beautifully with the texture of coconut and nuts, while almond flour keeps it light yet satisfying. It’s a slice of sunshine in every bite—ideal for brightening your day!
Bake it today and let your kitchen smell like a tropical getaway! 🍌🥥🍍