Happy Valentine’s all. I’ve never been a big fan of banana bread, but Matt loves it and so does Cole. With that, the little guy and I decided we would make his dad banana bread French toast for his Valentine’s breakfast.
I’ll have the recipe of the French toast up next week. Today, I’m just sharing the banana bread recipe and the sweet pictures of my boy picking flowers for his dad. The man he calls, “Superman”.
I’m fortunate that even at this young age he knows how much his dad does for him. Valentine’s is a day Matt and I use as an excuse for a free pass to do all things we wouldn’t otherwise do, like watch marathon runs of Breaking Bad, True Detective (our new favorite), Cold Case, Forensic Files and such. I know we have strange tastes, but let’s chalk it up to a curiousity for human behavior, otherwise our TV choices might seem kinda creepy.
I digress. Back to the little guy. For Cole, Valentine’s Day is a day to show how much he loves his dad (somehow, mom – me, is partner to carry out this day). He wanted to make sure he could do something for his dad, so I decided, why not breakfast and flowers? Simple. Nothing fancy, just simple sweetness that is in line with what Matt does for us each day.
I know, I’m so sappy today, but I truly am so thankful to be married to the love of my life and best friend, who has given me the best little family.
Toasted Pecans & Coconut Banana Bread
Makes one 9×4 Loaf
- 1/2 cup ( 1 3/4 oz) sweetened coconut, toasted and cooled
- 1 cup (3 1/2oz) Diamond of California pecans, toasted and cooled
- 1 3/4 cup flour
- 1 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 medium bananas (11 1/4 oz), mashed
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
Preparation: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Cover 9×4 loaf pan with bake spray and lightly dust with flour.
- Place coconut and pecans in a food processor and pulse to a coarse crumb. Or alternatively, using a knife chop to a coarse crumb.
- Whisk to combine flour, baking soda and salt in a bowl. Add in coconut and pecan mixture and whisk to combine.
- Place mashed bananas and sugar in a stand mixer bowl fitted with a paddle attachment and beat on low until combined. Add in egg and buttermilk and beat until combined. Turn off mixer and using a sturdy spatula, fold in dry mixture. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake at 350 degrees F for about 50 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist (not wet) crumbs.
Welcome to my cozy corner where baking meets random thoughts and musings. I’m a self-taught baker sharing all things sweet (and some savory—okay, and cocktails) with a whisk in one hand and a camera in the other. 
What a sweet post! This bread looks perfect…and no butter or oil!
Lovin’ the breads and this one sounds great with the coconut!
Happy Valentine’s Day & Cole is darling!!
Happy Valentine’s Day Naomi!
Banana bread is fab way to start the day. I posted a banana bread muffin recipe as well for breakfast today! 
This is a great bread, love the flavors and the shots are gorgeous, beautiful lighting!
What a great looks loaf of banana bread! Love the photos and the addition of pecans and coconut! Have a great Valentine’s Day with your family!
This is just so sweet! Cole is adorable! Happy Valentine’s Day!
Awww, what a sweet post, Naomi! Love the photos and the bread recipe! Happy V-Day!
So sweet! Happy Valentine’s Day! xo
This post is so sweet, the bread looks/sounds divine, and the pictures of your son picking flowers are precious! Love that first one too – the personalized touch is perfect.
Gorgeous bread, a perfect Valentine’s breakfast!
Awwww, this is such a lovely post
The banana bread looks phenomenal – love it!
I could start every day with a slice of this and be happy! Hope you enjoyed your Valentine’s Breakfast! Your little boy is adorable!!
He is beautiful:)
Ok and the bread too:)
Happy Valentine’s Day Naomi! This is such a lovely bread with a lovely story behind it
So sweet!! Cole sounds like and amazing kid! AND the photos are just gorgeous. I love the shots of Cole picking flowers. Stunning!
Oh and I personally love banana bread! Mmm!
Lovely post and very sweet pics! I am a big fan of banana bread with coconut, but haven’t added pecans before. I am going to give this a try! Thanks for sharing!
It’s so amazing to see a beautiful relationship of a dad and his boy.
The recipe sounds very tasty, banana bread is not my favourite either but toasted pecans and coconut make everything better! Happy Valentine’s Day!
I like Sappy Naomi
and this banana bread is absolutely perfect looking!
I love seeing pics of your boys on here, more please! And sappy Naomi makes me a happy Heidi. When is your big wedding day? Assuming after the babes comes along. I happen to have three ripe bananas begging to be made into something. Looks like they just found their home!
Naomi replied: — February 15th, 2014 @ 11:16 am
Hi Heidi! Thanks for the sweet comment. Although we may seem like newlyweds b/c we’re still crazy for each other, we’ve been married for over seven years!
These photos are beautiful. I love banana bread and this makes me want to go make some this afternoon.
Can’t wait to try this! Did you use sweetened or unsweetened coconut?
Naomi replied: — February 15th, 2014 @ 9:04 pm
Barb- Good question! Sweetened coconut.
Hi Naomi,
Your recipes are amazing,
I was wondering if this recipe would work if I just take out the coconut and pecans for a basic banana bread recipe?