Are you craving a comforting, flavorful bread that's also incredibly easy to make? Look no further! This banana coconut bread recipe is the perfect answer for a delicious homemade treat. It's moist, subtly sweet, and packed with the tropical goodness of coconut. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. It’s a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals, perfect for a quick dinner or a delightful afternoon snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk (or 1/2 cup milk + 1 tsp lemon juice/vinegar)
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This simple step ensures your bread releases easily.
Dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This preliminary step is key for even baking.
Wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the mashed bananas, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. Don't overmix!
Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Stir in the shredded coconut.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it after 50 minutes, as oven temperatures can vary.
Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the bread to set properly.
Tips for the Best Banana Coconut Bread:
- Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Overripe bananas are perfect!
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Start checking for doneness around the 50-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
- Get creative with toppings: Sprinkle some chopped nuts or coconut flakes on top before baking for added texture and flavor.
Variations:
- Chocolate chip banana coconut bread: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent twist.
- Spiced banana coconut bread: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to the batter for a warm, comforting flavor.
- Vegan banana coconut bread: Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tbsp water per egg) and use a vegan buttermilk alternative.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 10-12g
- Protein: 4-5g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Fiber: 2-3g
This delicious banana coconut bread recipe is a perfect example of quick dinner ideas that are also incredibly healthy and satisfying. It's a fantastic option for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. Enjoy this easy, homemade recipe and savor every bite of this moist and flavorful treat! It's sure to become one of your best recipes.