Transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise with every slice of this Island-Style Banana Bread. Bursting with sweet banana flavor, kissed with coconut, and infused with island vibes, this loaf is your go-to treat for sunshine any day of the year — whether you’re beachside or just dreaming of it from your kitchen.
Light, moist, and irresistibly flavorful, this banana bread brings a breezy island twist to a beloved classic. It’s the kind of recipe that instantly brightens your day and brings smiles with every bite.
What Makes It Island-Style?
It’s all in the ingredients. This banana bread gets its island soul from toasted coconut, a hint of pineapple, and optional rum or vanilla extract for that extra layer of flavor. It’s moist, soft, and carries a subtle tropical sweetness that makes it feel like vacation in loaf form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the banana bread:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup (120 mL) coconut oil or vegetable oil
- ¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla or dark rum extract
- ½ cup (120 g) crushed pineapple (drained)
- 1 ¾ cups (260 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
- ½ cup (45 g) shredded or toasted coconut
How to Make It
Step 1: Prep your pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
Step 2: Make the batter
In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Add eggs, oil, sugar, vanilla or rum extract, and pineapple. Mix well until combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gently stir dry ingredients into wet, just until no streaks of flour remain. Fold in shredded coconut.
Step 3: Bake the sunshine
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Top with extra coconut if desired. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Why You’ll Crave It
- Tropical flavor profile with banana, pineapple, and coconut
- Golden crust, soft center — perfectly balanced texture
- Easy to make and naturally dairy-free
- Versatile — serve it warm, chilled, or toasted with butter
Serving Ideas
- Warm it up and top with a slice of cold butter or cream cheese
- Serve with fresh mango, papaya, or pineapple for a tropical brunch
- Drizzle with honey or coconut glaze for an extra touch of sweetness
- Pair with iced coffee, coconut milk latte, or mint tea
Storage Tips
- Room temperature: Wrap tightly and store for up to 3 days.
- Fridge: Keeps fresh for up to 5–6 days.
- Freezer: Slice and freeze individually for up to 2 months.
Final Thoughts
Island-Style Banana Bread – Sweet, Moist & Sunshine-Ready isn’t just a recipe — it’s a slice of escape. Each bite brings you closer to a hammock under palm trees, with warm breezes and sunshine in your soul. Perfect for sharing, gifting, or treating yourself to a little vacation at home. 🍌🌴☀️