Delightful Hummingbird Banana Bread Recipe for a Tropical Twist
Hummingbird Banana Bread: A Tropical Twist to Classic Comfort
Experience a delightful fusion of flavors with our Hummingbird Banana Bread, a tropical twist on the beloved classic. Packed with ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, and a hint of cinnamon, this bread is a moist and delectable treat. Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, this banana bread recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Hummingbird Banana Bread brings the tropics to your kitchen with every slice. The natural sweetness from the bananas and pineapple pairs perfectly with the warmth of cinnamon and pecans, creating a flavor-packed loaf. Not only is this bread incredibly moist and tender, but it’s also easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients. Try it for a special brunch or to impress guests with a unique dessert option.
Beyond its irresistible taste, this banana bread is versatile and forgiving. You can customize it with your favorite nuts or add-ins, making it an excellent base recipe for culinary creativity. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to use up ripe bananas that are sitting in your kitchen.
Context/Background
Hummingbird Banana Bread is inspired by the classic Hummingbird Cake, a dessert that originated in the Southern United States. Traditionally made with bananas, pineapple, and pecans, the cake is known for its rich flavor and moist texture. Translating these elements into a banana bread offers a simpler, handheld version that retains all the best qualities of the original cake.
Embracing the same tropical flair, our banana bread pays homage to the roots of Hummingbird Cake while offering a fresh take that’s easy to enjoy any time of the day. The addition of bananas not only enhances the natural sweetness but also ties together the tropical theme seamlessly.
Recipe Details
Serves: 8-10
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 4 bananas)
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, crushed pineapple, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the chopped pecans for an additional layer of texture and flavor.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips for Perfect Hummingbird Banana Bread
- Use ripe bananas for optimal sweetness and moisture.
- Drain the crushed pineapple well to prevent excess moisture in the bread.
- Do not overmix the batter; this ensures a tender crumb.
- For added crunch and flavor, toast the pecans before folding them into the batter.
Serving Suggestions
Hummingbird Banana Bread is perfect on its own or warmed with a pat of butter. Pair it with your morning coffee, or serve slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
Storage and Leftovers
Store any leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze individual slices for up to 2 months; just wrap them tightly and defrost at room temperature before serving.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a new spin on traditional banana bread, our Hummingbird Banana Bread is a must-try. Its rich flavors, moist texture, and tropical flair make it a delightful treat for any banana bread lover. Give this recipe a try, and let the exotic tastes transport you to a sunny paradise!
Recipe Notes
- Substitute walnuts for pecans if desired.
- For a more pronounced flavor, add a splash of coconut extract.
- Customize with mix-ins like raisins or shredded coconut for added texture.