Coconut Bread

Aug 29, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

Baking Quick breads Vanilla: Paste Easy

A loaf of coconut bread on a wooden board, two thick slices cut to show the moist crumb

This moist coconut quick bread blends shredded coconut and vanilla bean paste into a tender crumb, topped with toasted coconut for a tropical twist. Perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Prep 15 min

Cook 60 min

Cooling 10 min

Total 1 hr 25 min

Yield 8 slices

Diet —

Ingredients

Adjust yield

slices

2.0 cups (240.0 g)all-purpose flour
1.0 tsp (5.0 g)baking soda
½ tsp (2.0 g)baking powder
½ tsp (3.0 g)fine sea salt
½ cup (113.0 g)unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup (150.0 g)light brown sugar, packed
2.0 (100.0 g)large eggs
1.0 cup (90.0 g)unsweetened shredded coconut plus 2 tbsp toasted coconut, divided
½ cup (120.0 ml)coconut milk (full fat)
1.0 tsp (5.0 g)vanilla bean paste
1 ½ cups (360.0 g)mashed ripe banana (about 3 bananas)
¼ cup (30.0 g)toasted chopped macadamia nuts

Make it at home

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the 1 cup shredded coconut.
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy using a hand or stand mixer.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla bean paste and coconut milk.
Fold in the mashed bananas.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in the toasted macadamia nuts.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle the reserved 2 tablespoons toasted coconut evenly over the batter.
Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
Remove the bread from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out using the parchment overhang and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips

Use full-fat coconut milk for rich flavor and moist crumb.
Fold the dry ingredients gently into the wet to keep the bread tender and fluffy.

Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make coconut bread?

Plan on 15 minutes of prep and 1 hour of cooking, plus 10 minutes to rest. The recipe makes 1 9x5-inch loaf (8 slices).

How should I store coconut bread?

Store the cooled bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week. Rewarm slices gently before serving.

Can I make coconut bread ahead?

The bread can be baked up to 2 days ahead; keep tightly wrapped until serving.

Can I use a different form of vanilla?

Yes. This recipe uses 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (5 g). Each teaspoon of pure vanilla extract can be swapped for 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste, the seeds of half a vanilla bean, or 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla powder. Paste and seeds add the classic dark specks.

This moist coconut quick bread blends shredded coconut and vanilla bean paste into a tender crumb, topped with toasted coconut for a tropical twist. Perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 8 servings this recipe makes.

446 Calories / serving

21.9g Fat

59.2g Carbs

6.6g Protein

28.9g Sugar

Whole recipe (8 servings): ~3568 cal · 175g fat · 474g carbs · 53g protein · 231g sugar

Estimated values per serving, calculated from standard ingredient data. Not verified Nutrition Facts; actual values vary with brands, measurements, and preparation.

Per serving · 446 calories

What it takes to burn one serving

Brisk walking 84 min·4.9 mi·~9850 steps
Walking uphill or incline treadmill 60 min·3.0 mi·~6000 steps
Moderate cycling 45 min·9.0 mi
Swimming laps 62 min
Jogging 44 min·3.7 mi·~7050 steps
Stair climbing 41 min·~3700 steps
Dancing 72 min
Bodyweight circuit training 45 min
Cleaning, errands, or playing with the dog 104 min

Rough estimates for one serving, based on standard MET values at about 155 lb. Your own burn depends on body size, effort, and fitness. Shown for context only — food is not something you have to earn.

Made with VanillaGoods

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