Aloha Bread

This is my favorite sweet bread recipe. It is really hard to stop eating. I got this recipe from the Lion House cookbook.

1 Cup butter*
2 Cups sugar
4 eggs
1 Cup mashed bananas (about 2)
4 Cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp salt
1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained**
1 Cup coconut
3/4 Cup chopped pecans (optional)

Grease 2 large 8x4-inch loaf pans; set aside. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs. Stir in bananas. In separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt; add to banana mixture. Blend well, but do not overmix. (Overmixing causes tunnels and coarse texture.) Add pineapple, pecans, and coconut; mix on low speed until blended. Pour into prepared pans. (Pans should be two-thirds full.)

Bake at 325 degrees for 60-80 minutes. Do the toothpick test. Makes two large loaves.

*I accidentally put in 1/2 Cup of butter the last time and it turned out soooo good. So try it with half the butter and you will get this bread that is so yummy. I think the outside of the bread was the best. It looks like it wouldn't be the best part but, oh boy, it is like candy on the outside.

**I don't drain the pineapple juice too much. I leave a little bit of juice left in there. It makes for a moister bread.