Welcome to a tropical escape in every slice! This Citrus Glazed Coconut Banana Bread takes your beloved classic banana bread and elevates it with the exotic allure of coconut and a vibrant, zesty citrus glaze. It’s a delightful twist that promises to transport your taste buds to sunnier shores, making it an instant family favorite and a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you opt for the bright tang of lemon or the refreshing zest of lime, this recipe is designed to be flexible, allowing you to use whatever fresh citrus you have on hand to achieve that perfect sweet-tart balance.
If you find yourself enchanted by the tropical flavors of this bread, you’ll also adore our classic Coconut Bread for another taste of paradise.
Is there such a thing as too many banana bread variations? We wholeheartedly believe the answer is a resounding no! Banana bread holds a special place in our hearts – a comforting, versatile quick bread that transforms overripe bananas into something truly magical. Here on Taste and Tell, we’ve explored many delicious iterations, and this Citrus Glazed Coconut Banana Bread is rapidly climbing the ranks to become a new favorite. My constant supply of bananas, fueled by my kids’ endless appetite and my love for morning smoothies, always leaves a few perfectly ripe, spotty ones on the counter. And when those dark spots appear, it’s not a sign of waste, but a promise of future banana bread glory. This recipe, with its tropical flair, is precisely the kind of delicious anticipation we live for!
For those who share my passion for coconut and lemon, this bread is a dream come true. The rich, moist banana bread base is infused with the subtle sweetness and unique texture of coconut, creating a truly irresistible foundation. Then, a bright, tangy citrus glaze—whether made with lemon, lime, or a delightful blend of both—cascades over the top, adding a refreshing zing that perfectly complements the tropical notes. This combination is a culinary symphony, a match made in heaven that you simply have to try to believe. It’s more than just a quick bread; it’s a mini-vacation in every bite!
Key Ingredients for Your Tropical Banana Bread
Crafting the perfect Citrus Glazed Coconut Banana Bread starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving its signature moist texture and unforgettable flavor profile. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why:
- Coconut Oil: To truly enhance that tropical essence, coconut oil is our go-to fat in this recipe. It imbues the bread with a subtle, yet distinct coconut flavor that butter can’t quite replicate. If you don’t have coconut oil on hand, softened butter or a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil can be used as alternatives, though the coconut flavor will be less pronounced.
- Granulated Sugar: This provides the primary sweetness for the banana bread, balancing the rich banana and coconut flavors. Regular white granulated sugar is all you need for a perfectly sweet crumb.
- Large Eggs: Eggs are crucial for binding the ingredients together, adding richness, and contributing to the bread’s overall structure and tenderness. For best results, use large eggs at room temperature, as they emulsify more easily with other ingredients.
- Ripe Bananas: The star of the show! The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas that are heavily speckled or even mostly black with just a hint of yellow on the peels. This indicates maximum sweetness and a soft texture that’s easy to mash and incorporates beautifully into the batter, ensuring a moist and delicious loaf.
- Plain Greek Yogurt: This secret ingredient is key for achieving an incredibly moist, tender, and perfectly structured banana bread. Greek yogurt adds a lovely tang and richness without making the bread heavy. We recommend using full-fat or low-fat Greek yogurt for the best results; non-fat varieties may alter the texture.
- Milk: A small amount of milk helps to adjust the batter’s consistency, ensuring it’s just right for baking. Any type of milk you typically have in your refrigerator, such as 2% or whole milk, will work well here.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract is essential for enhancing and rounding out all the wonderful flavors in the bread, adding a classic warmth that complements the tropical notes.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is the foundation of our quick bread, providing the necessary structure. Ensure you measure it correctly – spooning the flour into the measuring cup and leveling it off, rather than scooping directly from the bag, prevents over-measuring and a dense loaf.
- Baking Soda: Our primary leavening agent, baking soda reacts with the acidic ingredients (like yogurt and bananas) to create carbon dioxide, giving the bread its beautiful rise and light texture. Do not skip this!
- Salt: A pinch of salt is vital for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the individual flavors within the bread, making them sing.
- Sweetened Shredded Coconut: This ingredient is what truly brings the tropical vacation vibe! Sweetened shredded coconut adds wonderful flavor and a pleasant chewiness throughout the loaf. For those who prefer a less sweet bread, unsweetened shredded coconut can be used, but avoid desiccated coconut as its texture is much drier. We also reserve a portion for sprinkling on top before baking, adding a lovely golden finish.
- Powdered Sugar: The base for our irresistible citrus glaze. Powdered sugar dissolves easily, creating a smooth, pourable glaze. No need to sift; any small clumps usually whisk out effortlessly.
- Fresh Lemon or Lime Juice: The bright, fresh tang of lemon or lime juice is critical for the glaze. It cuts through the sweetness of the bread and coconut, adding a refreshing citrus burst that truly elevates the flavor profile. Always use fresh-squeezed juice for the best, most vibrant flavor; bottled juices won’t deliver the same punch. A combination of both lemon and lime can also be a delicious choice!
Expert Tips for Baking Perfect Citrus Glazed Coconut Banana Bread
Baking quick breads like this Citrus Glazed Coconut Banana Bread is generally straightforward, but a few expert tips can ensure your loaf turns out perfectly every time. Pay attention to these details for the best possible results:
- Understanding Oven Variations: Remember that every oven is different, and baking times can vary. While this coconut banana bread typically bakes in about an hour, it might be a little shorter or longer in your oven. Always rely on the visual cues and the toothpick test for doneness, rather than just the clock.
- Checking for Doneness: The best way to tell if your banana bread is fully baked is by inserting a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center of the loaf. It should come out clean, with no wet batter clinging to it. If it’s still wet, continue baking in 5-10 minute increments.
- Preventing Over-Browning: If you notice the top of your banana bread browning too quickly before the center is cooked through, simply tent the loaf loosely with aluminum foil. This protects the top from further browning while allowing the inside to continue baking evenly.
- Optimal Storage: Once completely cooled, store any leftover Citrus Glazed Coconut Banana Bread in an airtight container at room temperature. The glaze, being made with powdered sugar, may become a bit sticky over time, but rest assured, the bread will remain incredibly delicious and moist for several days. For longer freshness, you can also refrigerate it.
- Freezing for Later Enjoyment: This banana bread freezes beautifully! For the best quality, freeze the loaf before applying the citrus glaze. Wrap the cooled, unglazed loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the loaf completely at room temperature, and then prepare and spoon on the fresh glaze just before serving.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until they are combined. Overmixing quick bread batters can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to a tough and dry loaf. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
- Preheat Your Oven Properly: Always preheat your oven fully before placing the bread inside. A properly preheated oven ensures that the leavening agents activate correctly, giving your bread the best rise and texture.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Where specified, using room temperature ingredients (like eggs and yogurt) helps them incorporate more smoothly into the batter, creating a more uniform and tender crumb.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking a consistently perfect loaf of Citrus Glazed Coconut Banana Bread that will impress everyone who tries it!
More Irresistible Banana Bread Recipes
If you’re as passionate about banana bread as we are, you’ll love exploring these other fantastic variations that offer unique twists on the classic:
- Brownie Mix Banana Bread: A delightful fusion of fudgy brownies and moist banana bread for the ultimate chocolate-banana treat.
- Blueberry Banana Bread with Coconut: Sweet blueberries and tropical coconut mingle in this bright and fruity loaf.
- Peanut Butter Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips: A comforting combination of creamy peanut butter and melty chocolate chips in a banana bread base.
- Banana Oat Bread: A wholesome and hearty option, perfect for breakfast or a healthy snack.
- Classic Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: A timeless favorite, studded with delicious chocolate chips.
- Streusel Topped Banana Bread: A simple banana bread elevated with a buttery, crumbly streusel topping.
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Citrus Glazed Coconut Banana Bread
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Ingredients
- 1/4 cup coconut oil softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups mashed bananas
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sweetened shredded coconut divided
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lime or lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by coating it generously with nonstick cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened coconut oil and granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and crumbly. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure full incorporation. Then, beat in the mashed bananas, Greek yogurt, milk, and vanilla extract until just combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine. Finally, fold in 1/2 cup of the sweetened shredded coconut.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of sweetened shredded coconut over the top of the batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too much before it’s done, lightly tent with aluminum foil. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully removing it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the bread cools, prepare the citrus glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh lemon or lime juice until smooth and lump-free. Once the banana bread has cooled completely, generously spoon or drizzle the glaze over the top. Allow the glaze to set slightly before slicing and serving.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide.