Banana Coconut Bread
Everyone has a favorite moist banana bread recipe. This Banana Coconut Bread is my personal favorite and has gained recognition from a few other prestigious critics as well.
This vivid memory of my four year old son makes me smile every time I think of it.
I walked into the kitchen one afternoon to see his pale-blue eyes, half covered in disheveled hair, peeping over the counter top. …No, let me correct that. Intensely glaring over the edge of the counter, at the bananas that sat there.
I asked, “Carson, are you hungry?”
“Yes,” he sheepishly replied.
“Would you like a banana?”
He paused a moment, then in a tormented tone answered, “No. (long pause) I’m waiting for the bananas to DIE, so I can eat banana bread!”
Banana Coconut Bread, the utopian state to which all bananas aspire. Or at least that is the belief in my house. Everyone enjoys a ripe banana. Yet they all, husband included, leave them sitting there. Hoping, if there are 3 bananas left when they turn dark, this supreme treat will emerge.
Ah, the lesson of delayed gratification.
I’m enormously intrigued watching my children ponder this virtue of patience. Mediocre satisfaction now, or jovial bliss later. Hmmm…
This ultra moist Banana Coconut Bread recipe is a must-try. The butter, applesauce and bananas create a dense tender texture that is hard to resist. The addition of shredded coconut and almonds provide that extra something that take this bread to the next level. I’ve tried many moist banana bread recipes over the years, but this Banana Coconut Bread is the best in my opinion!
Other Irresistible Breads:
Nutella Swirl Tea Loaf ~ All Day I Dream About Food
Cheddar Scallion Monkey Bread ~ Foodie with Family
Banana Coconut Bread
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 stick butter softened
- 1/4 cup applesauce
- 2 large eggs
- 2 very ripe bananas (2 large or 3 small) smashed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup shredded coconut
- 3/4 cup chopped nuts almonds, pecan, walnuts…
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and grease and flour a 9x5 loaf pan. (1 1/2 quart capacity)
- Using an electric mixer, cream the sugar and butter together until light and fluffy. Then add the applesauce, eggs and bananas. Mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all the dried ingredients. Slowly beat the dry mixture into the wet.
- Add the coconut and chopped nuts. Mix well.
- Pour the batter into the loaf pan. Bake for 20 minutes, then lower the temperature to 325 degrees F and bake another 40+ minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then flip it out onto a cooling rack.
Wonderful flavors :) This looks beautiful, Sommer!
Hugs <3
What a wonderful combination of flavors! And I bet the applesauce kept the bread extra moist!
Just love the idea of coconut in this banana bread!
Haha, that is the cutest and most honest quote. He is exactly right. Great bread, I would wait for them to die too even though I love bananas.
Lovely recipe! Can’t wait to try it! I was also wondering about the sweetened vs. unsweetened coconut. I am going to guess unsweetened.
(PS, I just discovered your blog today and already have 3 recipes I need to make ASAP!)
Waiting for the bananas to “die”…I don’t think it gets more adorable! I have 4 “dead” bananas waiting to get used up….and happy to find a new recipe to use!
This looks so good. I want a slice. If I made it, I would have to make it without nuts (my son is allergic).
Doodler… unfortunately, you might also want to omit the coconut. Coconut is part of the tree nut family. Your son may not be as sensitive to coconuts though. Good luck! And yes, THIS looks awesome, you can almost taste it.
Wonderful crust and perfect texture..love the color of your banana coconut bread, Sommer!
LOL, the utopian state to which all bananas asipre. You crack me up! Gorgeous bread!
Oh I like this. I love the idea to mix coconut and banana together. I’m going to need to put this on my to do list.
I love a moist banana bread= nothing better!
i get all warm inside when i see brown bananas…it always means warm fresh bread!
The combo with the coconut is simply perfect!!
I grew up with my mom making banana bread at least once a week. There’s nothing better than some butter on top that seeps into all the crevices :-)
Haha! Waiting for the bananas to “die.” Kids are the best. Love the addition of coconut.
This looks amazing! I love the addition of coconut…my family also waits for those last 3 bananas :)
Sounds great–do you use sweetened or unsweetened coconut?
I used sweetened, but either would work. :)
I love how simple and yummy this looks! Awesome.