Tropical Banana Bread is a soft, buttery loaf filled with ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, coconut flakes, and toasted macadamia nuts, then finished with a fluffy cream cheese frosting.
Prep time: PT15M
Cook time: PT75M
Total time: PT90M
4.95 stars (18 reviews)
banana bread
- Start by toasting the macadamia nuts. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt a stick of butter. Once the butter has melted, stir in the macadamia nuts and turn the heat to medium. Once the butter starts to bubble and foam up, cook the mixture for a full 2 minutes.
- Stir very frequently with a silicone spatula, making sure you scrape down the bottom of the pan. This will ensure nothing burns and the butter and macadamia nuts brown evenly.
- After 2 minutes, the macadamia nuts and butter should be very fragrant. Remove the pan from the heat and immediately transfer the butter macadamia nut mixture to a large bowl.
- Now add the coconut oil so it melts down and allow the mixture to cool slightly for 5 minutes.
- During the 5-minute cool down, preheat your oven to 350ºF and grease and line an 8-inch x 4-inch or a 9-inch x 5-inch loaf pan, and put a piece of parchment that spans just the center length with the ends of the parchment hanging over the edge of the pan for an easy way to release the loaf to cool. This cool-down period is also a perfect time to prep and mash the banana.
- After the 5 minutes are up, add the mashed banana, sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, and crushed pineapple to the butter macadamia mixture and whisk to combine.
- Then, whisk in the baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Finally, add the flour and use a large silicone spatula to mix everything just until the batter has come together, trying not to over-mix. Lastly, add in the sweetened coconut flakes and mix until combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 65-75 minutes, until the loaf is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
- Let the loaf cool for about 10 minutes in the pan, then use the parchment paper to lift the loaf out of the pan and place it on a cooling rack to cool completely.
- In a medium bowl using an electric hand mixer, add the cream cheese and beat it until smooth. Next, add the butter and beat it until smooth, about 15 seconds.
- Add the powdered sugar, salt, vanilla, heavy cream, and coconut extract, if using. Beat for a full 2 minutes for fluffy and smooth frosting.
- Once the loaf is cooled, dollop the frosting over the top of the loaf and use the back of a spoon to swirl it all over. Sprinkle the top with more coconut flakes. Slice up the loaf.