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.
Your banana bread looks just great.. I think I should try it. I am still in searches for that perfect banana bread recipe :)
Great recipe! I drizzled a lemon glaze on top. Next time, I need to add applesauce. I used whole wheat flour and a half cup brown sugar and half cup regular sugar and unsweetened coconut. It turned out incredible especially with the lemon glaze.
This looks delish! I currently have four bananas “on death’s bed”…. Only worry is if the mortician, er… baker…. will have time to transform them before they are beyond use?! Thanks for sharing your recipe.
So I tried it at home and it turned out great. I did tweak it a little bit by lowering the sugar to 3/4 cup and I think next time I may try just 1/2 cup because it was still a little sweet for me. But the flavor is great and it’s wonderfully moist but not so much that I feel it would go bad fast. Thanks.
What a lovely story about your family’s ploy to get banana bread. Awesome! I wouldn’t say my boys and husband are as devious but more a case of straight talking ‘Mum look at the bananas they’re crying out for a baking’. I know that means they want banana bread.
I shall definitely add some almonds and shredded coconut to my recipe next time. The combination sounds divine.
I love what Carson said, about waiting for the bananas to “die.” I have “dead” bananas in the house all the time so I can whip this up in no time. I’m so excited for that coconut flavor to just shine through :)
Oh this looks so good!! Happy Mother’s Day :)
What a fantastic bread, Sommer! I have a handful of bananas and a bag of sweetened coconut begging to be used for this. Saving to try soon!
I NEVER say no to banana!
Oh my! Looks amazing!
I like the idea of coconut and banana! I don’t think I’ve tried anything like this.
looks so delicious, now to go check on the banana situation in the kitchen :)
I made this last night! I made it into 4 mini loaves and it’s just fantastic! I was thrilled!
Yay, Carolyn! I’m so glad you like it. :)
These two go so well together. I made a similar recipe and it was delicious.
Aw! That’s so sweet! My kids always have a hard time resisting strawberries unless I tell them I’m making a Dutch Baby or Strawberry Shortcake. Then they have amazing restraint!
Oh man! our banana bread looks amazing!!!! I am so into coconut!!
LOL, your son has the right take on bananas! Your bread looks just perfect and the dollop of melted butter on top is driving me bonkers. I feel like there should always be a supply of fresh moist banana bread in the house. Always. :)
Oh, yeah…move over plain ol’ banana bread. This could become a new favorite :)