There’s something irresistibly cozy about the sweet scent of coconut mingling with ripe bananas baking gently in the oven. One afternoon, craving a twist on classic banana bread, I sprinkled shredded coconut into my batter—and what came out was pure magic. This Coconut Banana Bread combines tropical flavors with that familiar moist, tender crumb we all love. Whether you’re looking to impress guests with a unique breakfast treat or just want a comforting homemade snack, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. Trust me, once you try it, your usual banana bread recipe will never be the same!
Why choose Coconut Banana Bread today?
Uniquely Tropical Twist: The addition of shredded coconut brings a fresh, island-inspired flavor that elevates classic banana bread. Moist and Tender: This bread stays soft and wonderfully moist thanks to ripe bananas and a perfect baking time. Simple Ingredients: You likely have everything you need already—no exotic items required. Versatile Enjoyment: Great for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, making it a crowd-pleaser anytime. Easy to Make: Minimal prep and straightforward steps mean you’ll be enjoying it sooner than you think.
Coconut Banana Bread Ingredients
For the Batter
- Ripe Bananas – Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture in your Coconut Banana Bread.
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; can swap half for whole wheat for a nuttier flavor.
- Shredded Coconut – Adds that tropical charm and lovely texture; lightly toast for enhanced aroma.
- Brown Sugar – Gives a richer sweetness and keeps the bread moist.
- Butter or Coconut Oil – Adds tenderness; coconut oil reinforces the coconut flavor beautifully.
- Eggs – Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the soft crumb.
- Baking Soda – Helps the bread rise perfectly fluffy without bitterness.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors.
- Vanilla Extract – Boosts the overall flavor depth; use pure if possible.
Optional Add-ins
- Chopped Nuts (Walnuts or Pecans) – For extra crunch and a nutty contrast.
- Cinnamon or Nutmeg – Sprinkle a pinch for warm spice notes that complement banana and coconut.
How to Make Coconut Banana Bread
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or oil, then line with parchment paper for effortless removal.
- Mash three very ripe bananas in a mixing bowl until mostly smooth, leaving a few small chunks for delightful banana texture.
- Whisk together ½ cup melted butter (or coconut oil) and ¾ cup brown sugar in a bowl until creamy, light golden, and slightly fluffy.
- Combine the mashed bananas, two large eggs, and one teaspoon pure vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture, stirring gently until ingredients are just incorporated.
- Fold in 1½ cups all-purpose flour, one teaspoon baking soda, and a pinch of salt until no white streaks remain; avoid overmixing to keep the loaf tender.
- Stir in one cup shredded coconut and optional chopped walnuts or pecans, ensuring everything is evenly coated for a perfectly balanced, tropical-nutty flavor.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula; sprinkle extra shredded coconut or nuts for a pretty, crunchy finish if desired.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the crust turns a warm golden brown.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then gently lift onto a wire rack. Cool completely, at least 30 minutes, before slicing for clean cuts.
Optional: Warm slices in a toaster for extra crisp edges.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Coconut Banana Bread?
There’s nothing quite like enjoying warm slices of fluffy banana bread with delightful tropical notes that elevate your breakfast or snack.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness, complementing the richness of the coconut and bananas beautifully. The vibrant flavors and textures create a refreshing contrast.
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Greek Yogurt Parfait: Creamy and tangy Greek yogurt layered with honey and nuts makes a satisfying pairing, providing protein and enhancing the coconut’s creaminess. Top with extra shredded coconut for an aesthetic touch.
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Coffee or Herbal Tea: A steaming cup of coffee enhances the flavors of the coconut banana bread, while herbal tea offers a soothing balance, making your mealtime feel cozy and relaxed.
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Coconut Cream Frosting: For those who enjoy a touch of sweetness, a dollop of coconut cream frosting transforms the bread into an indulgent dessert. It’s a luscious addition that amplifies the coconut flavor.
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Maple Syrup Drizzle: A warm drizzle of maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness and a deeper flavor profile, perfect for those who love a bit of decadence with their morning bread.
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Chopped Nuts Topping: Sprinkling toasted walnuts or pecans on top before serving adds crunch and a nutty dimension that pairs perfectly with the moist texture of the bread.
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Ice Cream Scoop: Enjoying a slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures, turning a simple snack into a dessert experience.
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Chocolate Chips: Mixing in dark chocolate chips introduces an unexpected sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the coconut, enhancing the overall flavor profile for a treat you won’t forget.
Make Ahead Options
These Coconut Banana Bread delights are perfect for busy cooks looking to save some time! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients (except the shredded coconut) and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain the bread’s wonderful moisture and flavor, be sure to cover the container tightly. When you’re ready to bake, simply fold in the shredded coconut, pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, and bake as directed. Trust me, by prepping ahead, you’ll enjoy that heartwarming aroma and taste just as fresh as if you made it on the spot!
Coconut Banana Bread Variations
Feel free to mix things up and make this Coconut Banana Bread your own with these delightful spin-offs!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut oil for butter and swap out eggs with flax eggs for a completely dairy-free treat.
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Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, ensuring a tender loaf that everyone can enjoy without the gluten.
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Chocolate Chip Delight: Add ½ cup of dark chocolate chips for a decadent, tropical twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
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Nutty Crunch: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for delightful added texture and a nutty flavor that complements the coconut.
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Tropical Berry Boost: Incorporate 1 cup of diced fresh pineapple or berries for an extra burst of flavor and moisture, enhancing the tropical vibe.
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Coconut Cream Swirl: For a creamy indulgence, dollop in spoonfuls of coconut cream before baking, creating a delightful surprise in every bite.
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Spiced Sensation: Sprinkle in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to warm up the flavor profile and make your kitchen smell incredible.
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Zesty Twist: Grate the zest of one lime or orange into the batter for a refreshing citrus note that brightens the entire loaf.
How to Store and Freeze Coconut Banana Bread
Room Temperature: Keep your Coconut Banana Bread wrapped in plastic wrap or sealed in an airtight container for up to 3 days to retain moisture and flavor.
Fridge: For longer freshness, store in the fridge wrapped tightly; it will stay good for up to 1 week, but may dry out slightly.
Freezer: To freeze, slice the bread and wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then store in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months for quick snacks!
Reheating: Simply pop slices in the toaster or microwave for a few seconds to enjoy that freshly baked warmth and flavor again!
Expert Tips for Coconut Banana Bread
- Use Ripe Bananas: Choose bananas with lots of brown spots for natural sweetness and moisture; underripe bananas make the bread dry and bland.
- Don’t Overmix Batter: Fold ingredients gently to keep your Coconut Banana Bread tender and avoid a tough, dense texture.
- Toast Coconut Lightly: Briefly toasting shredded coconut before adding enhances its aroma and adds a subtle crunch without burning.
- Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure 350°F is consistent—too hot can brown the crust too fast, too low risks underbaking.
- Cool Completely Before Slicing: This prevents crumbly slices and helps the flavors develop fully for the best taste and texture.
Moist Coconut Banana Bread Recipe You’ll Crave Every Morning Recipe FAQs
How ripe should the bananas be for the best Coconut Banana Bread?
Use bananas that are very ripe with lots of brown spots all over the peel. These bananas are sweeter and moister, which helps your bread stay tender and flavorful. Avoid underripe bananas—they can make the bread dry and less sweet.
What’s the best way to store Coconut Banana Bread to keep it fresh?
Keep your bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or sealed in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This preserves moisture and flavor beautifully. For longer storage, refrigerate wrapped well, but note it might dry out a bit over the week.
Can I freeze Coconut Banana Bread, and how should I do it?
Absolutely! Freezing is a great way to enjoy this bread longer. Slice it first, then wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place all wrapped slices in a freezer-safe zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw at room temperature or toast slices directly from frozen for a quick treat.
My Coconut Banana Bread turned out dense—what went wrong?
This usually happens if the batter is overmixed or if the bananas aren’t ripe enough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the texture light and tender. Also, make sure your baking soda is fresh and your oven temperature is stable around 350°F.
Is this Coconut Banana Bread safe for pets or people with allergies?
This recipe contains eggs, gluten (all-purpose flour), and coconut, which can be allergens for some people and pets. Never feed bread with these ingredients to dogs or cats, and if you have allergy concerns, consider substituting flours and omitting nuts or coconut after consulting a nutritionist.
Moist Coconut Banana Bread Recipe You’ll Crave Every Morning
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or oil, then line with parchment paper.
- Mash three very ripe bananas until mostly smooth, leaving a few small chunks.
- Whisk together ½ cup melted butter (or coconut oil) and ¾ cup brown sugar until creamy and light golden.
- Combine the mashed bananas, two large eggs, and one teaspoon pure vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture.
- Fold in 1½ cups all-purpose flour, one teaspoon baking soda, and a pinch of salt until no white streaks remain.
- Stir in one cup shredded coconut and optional chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top; sprinkle extra shredded coconut or nuts if desired.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then gently lift onto a wire rack. Cool completely.
