Hawaiian Mango Bread Recipe: A Tropical Delight

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Mango bread, the heavenly treat you encounter at Hawaiian farmers markets and roadside stands, can now be made right in your own kitchen. This moist and delicious bread, loaded with the flavors of fresh mangoes, is the perfect accompaniment to a fresh cup of Hawaiian coffee and a captivating book. So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Mango bread slices on white plate, sliced mango half, cup of coffee, whole mango

Mango bread has become a beloved staple in our household, replacing banana bread in our hearts and stomachs ever since we first tasted it in Maui a few years ago. Its versatility is unmatched – enjoy it at room temperature or heat it slightly and savor it with a slathering of butter or cream cheese. Pure bliss!

What is Hawaiian Mango bread?

During our trip to Maui, we had the pleasure of sampling various quick breads, including banana, mango, lilikoi, and guava. While Maui is famous for its delectable banana bread, mango bread stole our hearts. This sweet, cake-like bread is reminiscent of banana bread but with a burst of mango flavor.

You can find mango bread at several farmers markets on the island, but the best we discovered was at the outdoor market near Leoda’s pie shop on the way to Lahaina. Trust me, you and your kids won’t be able to get enough of it. Speaking of Leoda’s pies, they are absolutely amazing and a must-try when in Maui!

Whole loaf of mango bread on wire cooling rack, bowl of mango puree, whole mango, mango half sliced

Maui mango bread inspiration:

After returning from Maui, I scoured the internet for mango bread recipes, but none of them quite matched the ones we had on vacation. Various attempts at substituting with banana bread recipes fell short as well. Determined to recreate the magic, I made it my mission to search for Hawaiian cookbooks during our next Hawaii trip.

Fortunately, I stumbled upon three fantastic cookbooks at the Talk Story bookstore in Hanapepe, Kauai. This charming independent bookstore boasts an extensive collection of Hawaiian guidebooks and cookbooks. It felt like a culinary treasure trove, and I couldn’t wait to experiment with the mango bread recipes I found.

Talk Story Book Store Hawaii

Mango bread ingredients:

To bring this tropical delight to life in your own kitchen, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Mango puree (fresh or thawed from frozen)
All-purpose flour
Sea salt (milder sea salt is preferable)
Baking soda
Ground cinnamon (just a touch to enhance the mango’s flavor)
Avocado oil (a neutral oil that keeps the bread moist)
Large eggs
Granulated white sugar
Vanilla extract
Rum (optional, but dark or gold rum complements the mango flavor beautifully)

(See recipe card for exact amounts)

Mango bread on aqua and brown wood cutting board, one slice cut

How to make mango bread:

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect mango bread:

If using fresh mangoes, blend them until smooth. For frozen mangoes, thaw them to room temperature before pureeing.
This recipe doesn’t require a mixer; it’s a two-bowl recipe. Make sure to prepare your loaf pans by buttering and flouring them or using parchment paper with excess hanging over the long edges.
Whisk together the dry ingredients in one bowl.
In a larger mixing bowl, combine the mango puree, sugars, eggs, oil, vanilla extract, and optional rum.
Add the flour mixture to the mango mixture and mix well.
Divide the batter between the prepared loaf pans and bake.
If you prefer, you can also turn this recipe into muffins. Many readers have had great success with this variation.

Close-up of mango bread slices

Best pans to use for loaf cakes:

When it comes to baking loaf cakes, aluminum pans are your best bet. They distribute heat evenly, ensuring a perfectly baked loaf without burnt edges or raw centers. Here are some of my favorite pans that consistently deliver excellent results.

Top Tips:

Before you embark on your mango bread-making adventure, here are a few tips to ensure success:

While this recipe was initially sponsored by Chosen Foods and I used their avocado oil, feel free to use another neutral-flavored oil like melted coconut oil or sunflower oil.
If you don’t have loaf pans or only have one, you can make muffins instead. The recipe works beautifully for muffins, and you can get creative with the quantities.
Mango bread freezes exceptionally well. Wrap it in plastic wrap, then foil, and finally seal it in a resealable bag to maintain freshness. Trust me, you don’t want any unwanted freezer smells interfering with your delightful treat.
Whether you use fresh or frozen mango, make sure to achieve a thick applesauce-like puree that isn’t watery.

Two mango bread slices on a white plate, whole mango, cup of coffee

More Mango dessert recipes:

If mango is your jam, check out our collection of delectable mango dessert recipes. From refreshing mango sorbet to luscious mango cheesecake, we have something to satisfy every mango craving.

More quick bread recipes:

Can’t get enough of quick breads? We’ve got you covered! Explore our assortment of delectable quick bread recipes, from classic favorites like banana bread to unique creations like pumpkin chocolate chip bread.