Picture this: a rainy afternoon, the smell of something sweet wafting through the kitchen, and the sound of a gentle mixer humming away in the background. This is the kind of cozy scene that evokes memories of my childhood, especially when I think about making Coconut Banana Bread. It has a way of bringing warmth and comfort, whether it’s a treat for breakfast or a snack with your afternoon tea. If you’ve ever found yourself with overripe bananas sitting on your counter and you’re wondering what to do, you’re in the right place!
Now, I want to reassure you that this recipe is not only simple but also totally stress-free. Even if it’s your first time making banana bread, I promise you can pull this off. With just a handful of basic ingredients and a little bit of love, you’re going to bake something that feels like a warm hug in every slice.
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Why I Love This Recipe of Coconut Banana Bread
There’s something incredibly special about this Coconut Banana Bread for me. It’s not just the delightful flavor of toasted coconut mingled with the sweetness of ripe bananas, but also the memories tied to it. This recipe is a symbol of cozy mornings spent with family, where each slice reminded us that the best moments are often the simplest.
For beginner cooks, this recipe is a blessing. It comes together quickly, requires minimal kitchen gadgets, and doesn’t demand perfection. The result? A delicious, moist bread that’s hard to mess up. The emotional payoff of sharing this homemade treat with loved ones is truly unmatched. It’s a testament to how food can bring us together, comfort us, and create lasting memories — one slice at a time.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Vegan Coconut Banana Bread
Alright, let’s dive into what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering Coconut Banana Bread! I’ve broken it down into essentials and a few optional add-ons too.
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Vegan Coconut Banana Bread
This Coconut Banana Bread is moist, flavorful, and infused with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the tropical flair of coconut. With a golden crust and tender crumb, it’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. Optional coconut topping adds a delightful crunch and aroma!
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (10–12 slices) 1x
Ingredients
- 1½ cups mashed bananas (345 g), very ripe
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil (115 ml, neutral flavor like canola or corn oil)
- ½ cup flaked or shredded coconut (50 g)
- ½ cup white granulated sugar (100 g)
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar (107 g)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 g)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (5 ml)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (3 g)
- 1 tsp baking soda (5 g)
- 1 tsp baking powder (4 g)
- ½ tsp salt (3 g)
- Optional: 2 tbsp flaked coconut for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) to ensure even baking.
- Grease the pan: Lightly grease a bread pan with oil or cooking spray.
- Beat eggs: In a mixing bowl, lightly beat the 2 large eggs until combined.
- Combine wet ingredients: Stir together mashed bananas, beaten eggs, and vegetable oil until smooth.
- Add coconut: Mix in the ½ cup flaked coconut.
- Sweeten: Stir in white sugar and light brown sugar until fully integrated.
- Mix dry ingredients: Add flour, vanilla extract, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gently stir until combined.
- Prepare batter: Pour batter into the greased bread pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Optional topping: Sprinkle 2 tbsp flaked coconut over the top of the batter.
- Bake: Bake for 65–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pan: Let bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Cool completely: Transfer bread to a wire rack and allow to cool completely for 1–2 hours before slicing.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas (brown and speckled) for maximum sweetness.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- If you’re out of eggs, replace each with 1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water.
- Sprinkling coconut on top creates a golden, toasty finish.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for 5 days. Freezes well for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Quick Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 loaf)
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: coconut banana bread, moist banana bread, easy banana bread, banana bread with coconut, tropical banana bread, homemade coconut banana bread
Essentials
1 1/2 Cups Mashed Bananas (345 grams): Ripe bananas work best. The browner, the sweeter. If they’re speckled with black, they’re ready.
2 Large Eggs: These help bind the mixture and give the bread a soft texture.
1/2 Cup Vegetable Oil (115 milliliters): Go for a neutral-flavored oil like canola or corn oil. This keeps the focus on those lovely banana and coconut flavors.
1/2 Cup Flaked Coconut (50 grams): You can use either flaked or shredded coconut, depending on your preference.
1/2 Cup White Granulated Sugar (100 grams): This adds sweetness.
1/2 Cup Light Brown Sugar (packed, 107 grams): This adds depth and a subtle caramel flavor.
2 Cups All-Purpose Flour (240 grams): The base of your bread—make sure to sift or mix well.
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract (5 milliliters): For that warm, homey flavor.
1 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (3 grams): This spice brings out the sweetness of the bananas and adds a cozy element to the bread.
1 Teaspoon Baking Soda (5 grams) & 1 Teaspoon Baking Powder (4 grams): These are your leavening agents and will help your bread rise beautifully.
1/2 Teaspoon Salt (3 grams): A pinch of salt balances the sweetness.
Optional Add-Ons
- 2 Tablespoons Flaked Coconut: For an extra sprinkle on top, giving your bread a delightful finishing touch.
Substitutions and Shortcuts
If you want to cut down on sugar, you can use a banana bread recipe that incorporates applesauce or a sugar substitute.
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
If you’re out of eggs, a mix of flaxseed meal and water (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg) can work wonders!
How to Make Coconut Banana Bread (Easy Recipe) Step-by-Step
Now, let’s get to the fun part! Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to make your Coconut Banana Bread.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees F (163 degrees C). This gives the heat time to circulate, ensuring an even bake.
Step 2: Grease the Bread Pan
While your oven is warming up, grab your bread pan and grease it lightly with some oil or cooking spray. If you’re using a nonstick pan, you might be okay skipping this step, but a little grease helps to guarantee easy release.
Step 3: Beat the Eggs
In a mixing bowl, lightly beat the two large eggs. This means just mixing them enough to combine the yolk and the white – no need to whip them until frothy!
Step 4: Combine Bananas, Eggs, and Oil
Add the 1 1/2 cups of mashed bananas, beaten eggs, and 1/2 cup of vegetable oil into the large mixing bowl. Now, stir these together with a large spoon until everything is thoroughly combined.
Step 5: Stir in the Coconut
Time to add the 1/2 cup of flaked coconut. Mix this into the batter. Here’s a little tip: adding the coconut before the sugar-and-flour mix helps ensure the coconut stays moist throughout baking.
Step 6: Sweeten the Mix
Next, add the 1/2 cup of white sugar and 1/2 cup of packed light brown sugar to the bowl. Stir until everything is fully integrated and there’s no visible sugar left.
Step 7: Mix in Remaining Ingredients
Now, it’s time to incorporate the dry ingredients! Add the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the bowl. Gently stir everything together until the batter is fully mixed.
Step 8: Prepare the Batter for Baking
Pour the finished batter into your prepared nonstick bread pan. Use a spatula to smooth out the top of the batter for an even bake.
Step 9: Add Coconut on Top (Optional)
If you’d like to add a little extra flair, sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of flaked coconut on top of the batter. This creates a lovely golden crust as it bakes.
Step 10: Bake
Now, place your pan in the oven and bake at 325 degrees F (163 C) for about 65 to 70 minutes. The bread is done when it’s golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 11: Cool It Down
Once your Coconut Banana Bread is done, carefully remove it from the oven. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Don’t rush into removing it; you’ll need to let it sit so it holds together when you transfer it.
Step 12: Transfer and Cool Completely
After 10 minutes, gently remove the bread from the pan and set it on a cooling rack. It will need to cool completely for 1 to 2 hours, which will enhance the flavors even more. If it seems stuck, gently slide a spatula between the bread and pan walls to help loosen it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid when Making Coconut Banana Bread (Easy Recipe)
Even though this Coconut Banana Bread recipe is pretty straightforward, there are still some common pitfalls you’ll want to dodge. Here are a few to keep in mind:
1. Using Unripe Bananas
Bananas that are not ripe enough can lead to a less flavorful and drier bread. Look for bananas that are heavily speckled with brown or even black. This signifies sweetness and moisture.
2. Overmixing the Batter
While mixing is necessary, overmixing can result in a dense loaf. Aim to stir just until the ingredients are combined without excessive beating. Trust me; a few lumps in the batter are okay!
3. Not Measuring Ingredients Properly
Baking is a science, so accuracy is vital. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure you get the quantities right. A scale can help you if you are more comfortable weighing ingredients.
4. Skipping the Cooling Period
I know it’s hard to wait for your fresh banana bread to cool down, but resist the temptation! Cooling it properly helps maintain its structure and allows the flavors to settle.
Serving Suggestions for Coconut Banana Bread (Easy Recipe)
Once your Coconut Banana Bread has cooled and it’s ready to slice, you might wonder how to serve it for maximum deliciousness. Here are a few serving suggestions:
1. Spread with Butter or Cream Cheese
A simple pat of butter or a spread of whipped cream cheese can elevate your banana bread to the next level. The richness complements the sweetness perfectly!
2. Serve It with Fresh Fruit
Pair your slices with a side of fresh fruit like berries or slices of pineapple. The tartness of the fruit balances out the sweetness of the bread beautifully.
3. Top with Toasted Coconut
For coconut lovers, a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes on top adds another layer of flavor and texture. It makes for an Instagram-worthy presentation as well!
4. Enjoy with Coffee or Tea
This banana bread is the perfect snack to accompany your afternoon coffee or tea. The warm flavors blend well with hot beverages, making each bite a delightful experience.
Pro-Level Tips for When You’re Ready
If you feel more adventurous and want to elevate your Coconut Banana Bread game, check out these pro-level tips:
1. Add Nuts for a Crunch
Stir in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for a nutty crunch that complements the banana and coconut.
2. Experiment with Spices
If you want to mix things up, try adding other spices like nutmeg or cardamom. Adding just a pinch can enhance the overall flavor profile.
3. Use Coconut Milk
For a richer coconut flavor, consider replacing some of the vegetable oil with coconut milk. This will add moisture and a delightful coconut essence.
4. Bake in Mini Loaf Pans
If you want to create individual servings, pour the batter into mini loaf pans instead. They’re perfect for sharing or freezing, and they bake in about half the time!
Conclusion & Next Steps
And there you have it — a delicious recipe for Coconut Banana Bread that is as cozy and satisfying to make as it is to eat. With a bit of patience and a sprinkle of coconut, you can create something heartwarming and delightful that is perfect for any occasion or simply just because.
Baking this bread is easier than it looks, and the possibilities for customization are endless. Whether you enjoy it plain, smothered in butter, or topped with fruit, each bite will remind you of home and comfort. So grab those ripe bananas, preheat your oven, and let’s get baking!
If you try this recipe at home, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Share your thoughts or variations you made in the comments below!
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FAQs About Coconut Banana Bread (Easy Recipe)
What is Coconut Banana Bread (Easy Recipe)?
Coconut Banana Bread is a moist and delicious quick bread made with ripe bananas, flaked coconut, and a few simple ingredients.
How can I tell when my Coconut Banana Bread is done?
Your bread is done when it is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Can I freeze Coconut Banana Bread?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to three months.
Can I make Coconut Banana Bread without eggs?
Yes! You can substitute each egg with a flaxseed meal mixture or a commercial egg replacer for a vegan option.
What can I add to Coconut Banana Bread for extra flavor?
You can add nuts, dried fruits, or spices like nutmeg or cardamom to enhance the flavor profile of your Coconut Banana Bread.
With this wonderful method at your side, I hope you find joy and comfort in every slice of your freshly baked Coconut Banana Bread! Happy baking!