Oh boy, have I got a treat for you today! If you’ve ever found yourself with a few overripe bananas languishing on your kitchen counter, this Hummingbird Banana Bread with Toasted Coconut is the perfect solution! This delightful quick bread not only uses those bananas but also brings a tropical flair with toasted coconut and a nice crunch from pecans (if you’re feeling fancy!). I often make this recipe on lazy Sunday mornings and I can never seem to make enough—my family gobbles it up in no time!
I have fond memories of baking this with my grandmother. She would always say, “The secret to great banana bread is love and just the right amount of coconut!” Now, I’m not sure about the love part since I approach everything with a huge dollop of that, but she certainly had a point about the coconut! The toasty flavor adds an irresistible twist and the smell wafting around the house while it bakes is enough to get anyone excited for breakfast!
What’s in Hummingbird Banana Bread with Toasted Coconut?
Let’s dive into what makes this heavenly bread so special. Here’s a quick breakdown of the ingredients:
Ripe Bananas: The star of the show! Their natural sweetness and moisture will keep our bread tender and delicious. Brown, spotty bananas are perfect, so don’t shy away from those!
Sugar: A combination of regular sugar and brown sugar gives this bread the perfect sweetness and adds depth thanks to the molasses in the brown sugar.
Unsalted Butter: I love using melted butter—it adds richness and helps make the bread beautifully moist.
Eggs: These are crucial for binding our ingredients together and giving the bread that soft, fluffy texture.
Vanilla Extract: Just a teaspoon of this fragrant extract elevates the overall flavor and adds a sweet aroma to the bread.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the foundation of our bread, providing structure and body.
Baking Soda: Our leavening agent! This will help our banana bread rise beautifully in the oven.
Salt: Just a touch enhances all the other flavors, so don’t skip it!
Shredded Coconut: This adds a drastic amount of texture and flavor. Toasting it beforehand brings out its natural nuttiness.
Pecans (optional): These crunchy nuts are optional but highly recommended by yours truly! They add a delightful crunch that pairs perfectly with the soft bread.
Is Hummingbird Banana Bread with Toasted Coconut Good for You?
Let’s be honest; while this banana bread is a scrumptious delight, it does have a decent amount of sugar and butter. However, there are some tiny health perks that come along with those bananas and nuts!
Ripe Bananas: They are loaded with potassium and vitamin C—not to mention the fiber content, which will help keep you feeling full longer.
Shredded Coconut: When consumed in moderation, coconut can be an excellent source of healthy fats. Plus, it adds an enticing fiber boost too!
Pecans: If you choose to include these little wonders, you’ll be adding some heart-healthy fats and protein to the mix. Plus, they pack a lovely crunch!
Now, I can’t say this bread is a health food, but it’s definitely a delicious way to use up those bananas and treat yourself (or your friends and family) to something really special!
Ingredients List
– 3 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup shredded coconut, toasted
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
This recipe makes about 8 servings, depending on how thick you slice!
How to Make Hummingbird Banana Bread with Toasted Coconut?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well blended.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Gently stir until just combined—don’t overdo it!
5. Fold in the toasted coconut and chopped pecans (if you’re using them).
6. Pour the batter into your greased loaf pan, and smooth out the top.
7. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing right about now!
8. Let the bread cool in the pan for a bit before transferring it to a wire rack. Don’t forget to slice and enjoy your Hummingbird Banana Bread warm with a bit of butter!
Hummingbird Bread Tips and Twists!
If you want to take this bread to the next level, dot some chocolate chips into the batter before baking. I also love to experiment with spices—think cinnamon or nutmeg!
Don’t forget, this bread freezes beautifully! Just wrap it tightly and store in the freezer for up to three months. It’s a lifesaver when unexpected guests arrive or when you just need a slice of happiness on a Tuesday.
So there you have it! I can’t wait for you to try this Hummingbird Banana Bread with Toasted Coconut. I promise it will fill your home with warmth and happiness. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you, so please share your experiences! Happy baking!
