Grandmama’s Hawaiian Nut Bread
I was so honored when Amanda Dobbs sent me this recipe for Grandmama’s Hawaiian Nut Bread, along with the story of her dear Grandmother who makes it for her. I know you’ll enjoy reading about the fascinating Mrs. Molcie as much as I did, and we’ll all be thankful for her every time we have this wonderful bread!
“Molcie Dobbs is a phenomenal woman. As a twenty-two year old (mind you, the age I am now), my grandmother had moved out of her family home and took a man’s job driving a forklift at TCI, the Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railroad Company. She put in an application every afternoon until she got the job, of which she knew nothing about.
There she met my grandfather, fell in love, and started the wonderful family I belong to. Her Hawaiian Banana Nut Bread is just like her—an average old-fashioned favorite, a kind that looks just like every other one on the outside. However, once you slice it open and experience it, you notice that there is something distinctly different and special about it, and her. Grandmama has been making this bread for about as long as I can remember. She uses this recipe to show her talent and her appreciation for numerous people around the community, including the garbage man who would pause his work just to roll her garbage can back to her house for her.
She is known for her Hawaiian Banana Nut Bread around our family and acquaintances; however, I know her for much more than that. Grandmama has taught me more about hard work, true love, and the importance of independence as a woman than I could have ever asked for. Every time I see banana nut bread, I think of Grandmama and how her special twist makes a very ordinary recipe extraordinary—just like Grandmama makes my very ordinary life that much more extraordinary, just by being in it.” ~Amanda Dobbs, Molcie’s Granddaughter
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups plain flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teapoon salt
- 1 heaping teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup shredded coconut
Wet Ingredients
- 3 whisked eggs
- 2 cups mashed bananas
- 1-1/2 cups vegetable or canola oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 to 2 tsp coconut extract to taste
- 8 oz can crushed pineapple drained
Instructions
- In large bowl, whisk together dry ingredients.
- In separate bowl, whisk together wet ingredients.
- Add wet mixture to dry mixture and stir with a spatula just until moistened.
- Pour into 2 greased and floured 5x9 inch loaf pans.
- Bake at 350 for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Cool in pans on wire rack for 10 minutes.
- Remove from pan to the wire rack and cool completely. Makes 2 loaves.
Nutrition
If a child shoots an arrow that reaches the top of a tall palm tree, then it must be that an elder person carved the arrow for him.
~Nigerian Proverb
Christy, can this recipe be frozen? I do a lot of baking for our church coffee fellowship hour….we freeze items and then the volunteers can serve whatever they find in the cupboard(freezer). I’m not sure about freezing coconut or pineapple.
Yes, this recipe freezes wonderfully well. Normally, we wrap in heavy duty foil and then put in freezer bag. We do this all the time and it is yummy!
Yes, this recipe freezes wonderfully well. Normally, we wrap in heavy duty foil and then put in freezer bag. We do this all the time and it is yummy!
Wonderful recipe! Made it this weekend. Kept one for my family and took one to a neighbor recovering from surgery. In fact, I just finished the last piece of my loaf! Love your site.
My sister, Denise, an avid fan of Southern Plate, made this wonderful bread as a housewarming gift for my son and his wife yesterday. Along with this delicious bread she brought bread cloth made and embroidered by another sister. I am so thankful that the granddaughter of Grandma Molcie shared her memories and the recipe. I will be making this recipe today for a dear friend. This just shows what Southern Plate is about, sharing good food, wonderful families and love!! By the way, I rate this as a 5 star recipe
I made this recipe this week and it was soooo good and easy!
Thank you Grandmama Molcie!!!
I absolutely loved the story. It brought back so many memories. I can certainly remember all the wonderful times with my grandmother. How blessed we are when we have such a wonderful grandmother and mother! I am now a grandmother, and I try every day to be the best grandmother that I can be. Thank you for bringing back the precious memories.
This is a grandmama to emulate – a woman to emulate. God bless you both, and thanks so much for this heavenly recipe!
Wonderful story of Grandmama Dobbs! The recipe sounds delish. My dear husband loves to bake and often bakes banana bread, but this sounds so much more special. Will have to make it and surprise him!