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Hawaiian Banana Bread

Exotic Delight: Hawaiian Banana Bread Recipe

Get ready to embark on a tropical journey with a slice of Hawaiian Banana Bread! Bursting with the flavors of ripe bananas and sweet coconut, this delectable treat is sure to transport you to the sandy shores of Hawaii with every bite. Made with creamy cream cheese, fragrant coconut extract, and a hint of sweetness from shredded coconut, this moist and flavorful banana bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon snack. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to bring a taste of paradise into your kitchen!

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup butter (or 8 tablespoons or 1 stick), softened
  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup white granulated sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon coconut extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup flaked or shredded sweetened coconut
  • 1/4 cup milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, softened cream cheese, and white granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add the Eggs and Coconut Extract:

  1. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well incorporated.
  2. Stir in the coconut extract until evenly distributed.

4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:

  1. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder.
  2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing until just combined.

5. Fold in the Coconut and Milk:

  1. Gently fold in the flaked or shredded sweetened coconut until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  2. Stir in the milk until the batter reaches a smooth and pourable consistency.

6. Bake the Banana Bread:

  1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly.
  2. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Cool and Serve:

  1. Allow the Hawaiian Banana Bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  2. Once cooled, slice and serve the banana bread, enjoying the tropical flavors with each bite.

Cook’s Notes and Variations:

  • Ripe Bananas: For the best flavor and sweetness, use ripe bananas with brown speckles on the skin.
  • Coconut Texture: Adjust the texture of the shredded coconut based on your preference. For a finer texture, pulse the coconut in a food processor before adding it to the batter.
  • Optional Add-Ins: Enhance the flavor and texture of the banana bread by adding chopped nuts, such as macadamia nuts or pecans, or dried fruit, such as diced pineapple or mango.
  • Glaze or Frosting: Drizzle the cooled banana bread with a coconut glaze or cream cheese frosting for an extra touch of sweetness and indulgence.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

Savor the tropical flavors of Hawaiian Banana Bread while adhering to your keto or low-carb lifestyle with these adaptations:

Keto Version:

  • Replace the white granulated sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener, such as erythritol or stevia, to reduce the carb content.
  • Substitute almond flour or coconut flour for the all-purpose flour to make the bread keto-friendly.
  • Use full-fat cream cheese and butter to keep the bread rich and moist without adding extra carbs.

Low-Carb Version:

  • Reduce the amount of sugar used in the recipe or use a sugar-free sweetener to lower the carb content.
  • Use a combination of almond flour and coconut flour to create a low-carb flour blend for the bread.
  • Opt for unsweetened shredded coconut instead of sweetened coconut to minimize added sugars.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

A: Yes, frozen bananas can be used in place of fresh bananas. Thaw the frozen bananas and drain any excess liquid before mashing and adding them to the batter.

Q: How should I store leftover banana bread?

A: Wrap leftover banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can refrigerate the bread for longer shelf life.

Q: Can I freeze Hawaiian Banana Bread?

A: Yes, you can freeze banana bread for future enjoyment. Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw slices in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.

Q: Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?

A: Absolutely! Simply divide the batter evenly among greased or lined muffin cups and bake at the same temperature for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

In conclusion, Hawaiian Banana Bread is a delightful fusion of tropical flavors and classic comfort food. With its moist and tender texture, fragrant coconut aroma, and sweet banana goodness, it’s a treat that’s sure to brighten any meal or snack time. Whether you’re craving a taste of the islands or simply looking for a delicious way to use up ripe bananas, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Plus, with keto and low-carb adaptations available, everyone can enjoy the indulgence of Hawaiian Banana Bread. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience a taste of paradise with this irresistible recipe!

Indulge in the tropical flavors of Hawaiian Banana Bread – it’s like a mini vacation for your taste buds!

This comprehensive blog post provides a detailed guide to making Hawaiian Banana Bread, including ingredients, instructions, variations, FAQs, and adaptations for keto and low-carb diets, ensuring that readers have all the information they need to recreate this delightful tropical treat.