This Pineapple Banana Bread is super moist and packed with yummy flavor! The sweetness from ripe bananas and juicy pineapple makes every bite delightful. It’s a tropical treat for your taste buds!
Baking this bread fills the kitchen with a sweet aroma that’s hard to resist. I love slicing it warm and enjoying it with a bit of butter on top. You’re going to want seconds—trust me on this one! 🍍🍌
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Use ripe bananas for the best sweetness and flavor. They should have brown spots on the skin. If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can also microwave them in their peels for about 30 seconds to soften them a bit.
Pineapple: Crushed pineapple adds moisture and a light tang. If crushed isn’t available, you can use fresh pineapple blended into small pieces or even canned pineapple chunks—just drain them well!
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal for control over salt, but you can use coconut oil or vegetable oil if you want a dairy-free option. Keep the amount the same for a successful swap.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is the norm, but if you’re looking for a more traditional flavor, brown sugar can work well too, giving a richer taste. You can also use a sugar substitute if you’re watching your sugar intake.
Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add texture. If you have nut allergies, you can skip them or substitute with pumpkin seeds for a nice crunch.
How Do I Avoid Overmixing the Batter?
Overmixing can lead to a dense bread instead of a light and moist one. To prevent this, always combine wet and dry ingredients separately first. When you mix them together, stir gently until just blended; it’s okay if there are some lumps left.
- Mix the wet ingredients in one bowl until combined, then set that aside.
- Whisk the dry ingredients in another bowl.
- Combine by adding dry to wet gradually and fold gently with a spatula.
- Avoid using a hand mixer at this point; a spoon or spatula is perfect.
Super Moist & Flavorful Pineapple Banana Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 60-70 minutes to bake. Overall, you should set aside about 1 hour and 30 minutes, plus time for cooling before slicing into your delicious bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan so that your bread won’t stick.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, take your mashed bananas and add the crushed pineapple and melted butter. Mix everything together well until it’s fully combined. This will create a nice, moist base for your bread.
3. Add Sugar and Eggs:
Now, stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract into your banana and pineapple mixture. Keep stirring until it’s nice and smooth.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon if you’re using it. This helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and spices throughout the bread.
5. Mix It All Together:
Gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing—it’s okay if there are a few lumps. A tender bread is what we’re aiming for!
6. Fold in Nuts (Optional):
If you like a little crunch, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans at this stage for added texture and flavor.
7. Pour and Spread the Batter:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Make sure it’s nice and smooth on top—this will help it bake evenly.
8. Bake Your Bread:
Place the loaf pan in your preheated oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean, you’re ready for the next step!
9. Cool the Bread:
Once your bread is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps keep the bread light and fluffy.
10. Slice and Enjoy:
Finally, slice your super moist and flavorful pineapple banana bread. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast or as a delightful snack, it’s bound to bring a smile!
Can I Substitute Fresh Pineapple for Crushed Pineapple?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple! Just finely chop it and make sure to measure out 1 cup. Keep in mind that the texture may be a bit chunkier, but it will still be delicious. If using fresh pineapple, you might want to add a little extra sweetness since fresh pineapple can be less sweet than canned.
What If I Don’t Have Ripe Bananas?
No worries! If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a brown paper bag for a day or two. Alternatively, you can use frozen bananas. Just thaw them and drain excess liquid before mashing!
How Should I Store Leftover Banana Bread?
Store any leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Absolutely! You can get creative by adding ingredients like chocolate chips, dried fruits, or shredded coconut to the batter. Just keep in mind that adding too many chunky add-ins may affect the texture, so aim for about 1/2 to 1 cup total of mix-ins.
