Tropical Coconut-Lime Banana Bread: A Vacation for Your Taste Buds

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Imagine treating yourself to a slice of sunshine—this Tropical Coconut-Lime Banana Bread is every bit as cheerful and carefree as a day at the beach. Infused with tangy lime, sweet coconut, and the comforting flavor of ripe bananas, this loaf offers a breezy getaway in every bite.

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Ingredients

  • 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup shredded unsweetened coconut
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional, for a richer sweetness)
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ⅓ cup melted coconut oil (plus extra for greasing)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • ½ cup coconut milk
  • Zest of 1 lime (about 1 tablespoon)
  • Juice of half a lime (for a little extra tang)
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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with coconut oil or line it with parchment paper. This ensures an easy release later on.

In a large bowl, stir together the flour, shredded coconut, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the mashed bananas, melted coconut oil, eggs, coconut milk, lime zest, and lime juice until well combined.

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Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing just until the batter comes together. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, so a few small lumps are perfectly fine. Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread rest in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. Once it’s cool, slice yourself a piece and take a relaxed bite of the tropics.

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This recipe is perfect for anyone craving a summery break from the ordinary. The extra flavor from coconut and lime pairs beautifully with cozy banana sweetness. If you’re looking for a slightly healthier spin, swap out half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour or use a little less sugar. You can also add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or extra coconut flakes on top for crunch. Whether you’re a fan of bright citrusy notes, coconut’s creamy sweetness, or simply love a moist banana bread, this loaf will transport you straight to a blissful island escape.

Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.