Tropical Banana Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting 🍌🍰
This Tropical Banana Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful twist on classic banana bread, bursting with island-inspired flavors like sweet coconut, juicy pineapple, and crunchy pecans. Topped with a luscious cinnamon-spiced cream cheese frosting, this loaf is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy afternoon treat. Easy to make and ready in just over an hour, it’s a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to bake again and again!
Ingredients
For the Banana Bread:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup canola or vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup diced pineapple, patted dry
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan. - Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, sugar, brown sugar, egg, and oil. Stir until well blended. Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in the shredded coconut, diced pineapple, and chopped pecans. - Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. - Make the Frosting
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon, beating until fully combined. - Frost & Serve
Once the bread is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Sprinkle with extra chopped pecans for a decorative crunch. Slice and serve!
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55–60 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 8–10 slices
Tips & Variations
- Storage: Store the frosted bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
- Make it Nut-Free: Skip the pecans and add extra coconut or pineapple for texture.
- Muffin Option: Divide the batter into a greased muffin tin and bake for 20–25 minutes for tropical banana bread muffins.
- Extra Tropical Flair: Add a splash of rum extract or a handful of dried mango for even more island vibes.
This Tropical Banana Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting is a deliciously moist and flavorful treat that brings a taste of the tropics to your table. Perfect for sharing (or not!), it’s sure to become a favorite. Let us know how you make it your own in the comments below!
Happy baking! 🍍🥥
