This Pineapple Quick Bread transforms ordinary moments into mini tropical vacations with each moist, flavorful slice. The crushed pineapple infuses the bread with natural sweetness and incredible moisture, while hints of vanilla and cinnamon add warmth and complexity. Perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert, this versatile quick bread requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. No mixer needed—just simple ingredients combined to create a sunny treat that brightens even the cloudiest days. Whether enjoyed plain, toasted with butter, or dressed up for dessert, this bread brings a taste of the tropics to your table any time of year.
Why You Should Try This Pineapple Quick Bread
There’s something undeniably magical about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home, especially when it carries the sweet, tropical notes of pineapple. This Pineapple Quick Bread is not just another recipe—it’s an invitation to transform your ordinary day into a tropical getaway without leaving your kitchen.
The beauty of this quick bread lies in its perfect balance of flavors. The natural sweetness of pineapple creates a moist, tender crumb that melts in your mouth with each bite. Unlike many desserts that leave you with a sugar overload, this bread offers a sophisticated sweetness complemented by warm notes of vanilla and cinnamon. The crushed pineapple distributes evenly throughout the batter, ensuring every slice delivers that perfect hint of tropical paradise.
Tropical Paradise Pineapple Quick Bread: A Slice of Sunshine
Beyond its incredible taste, this recipe shines in its simplicity. As a quick bread, it bypasses the time-consuming process of yeast activation and kneading, making it accessible even to novice bakers. With just a few basic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, you can create something truly extraordinary. The preparation requires minimal effort—mix, pour, bake—yet the results will make you look like a seasoned pastry chef.
Pineapple Quick Bread: A Tropical Twist on a Classic Favorite
This versatile bread transitions effortlessly from a breakfast staple to an afternoon snack or an elegant dessert. Enjoy it warm from the oven with a pat of butter for breakfast, pack a slice in your lunchbox for a midday treat, or dress it up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an impressive dessert. It’s also an excellent option for gifting, as it stays fresh for days and is sure to brighten someone’s day with its sunny flavor profile.
Finally, this Pineapple Quick Bread offers a wholesome alternative to commercial baked goods. By making it at home, you control the quality of ingredients and can adjust sweetness and add-ins to suit your preferences. It’s a recipe that invites creativity while providing comfort—the perfect combination for both everyday enjoyment and special occasions.
Storage Options
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep fresh for up to 1 week in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Wrap individual slices or the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer bag. Freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours.
Summary
Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes Servings: 1 loaf (10-12 slices) Calories: Approximately 220 per slice
A moist, tender quick bread filled with sweet pineapple flavor and warm hints of vanilla and cinnamon. This easy-to-make tropical treat requires no mixer and uses simple pantry ingredients for a delicious breakfast, snack, or dessert option.
Equipment
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire cooling rack
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained (reserve 2 tablespoons juice)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease any exposed parts.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.
- In a large bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and the 2 tablespoons of reserved pineapple juice until smooth.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the drained crushed pineapple and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then use the parchment paper overhang to lift it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice and serve as desired.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the pineapple well to avoid excess moisture in the bread. However, save some juice to add to the batter for extra flavor.
- The bread continues to develop flavor as it sits, making it even better the next day.
- This recipe can be made into muffins by dividing the batter among 12 muffin cups and baking for 18-22 minutes.
Tips for Success
- Bring eggs to room temperature before starting for better incorporation.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients to ensure a tender crumb.
- Tent the bread with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking if it’s browning too quickly.
- For the most accurate results, measure flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife, rather than scooping directly with the measuring cup.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing to prevent it from crumbling.
Additional Tips and Variations
- Coconut Pineapple Bread: Add 1/2 cup shredded coconut to the batter for an extra tropical flavor.
- Pineapple Rum Bread: Replace 1 tablespoon of the reserved pineapple juice with dark rum.
- Pineapple Zucchini Bread: Add 1 cup of shredded zucchini (well drained) for a nutritional boost and extra moisture.
- Glazed Pineapple Bread: Drizzle cooled bread with a simple glaze made from 1 cup powdered sugar mixed with 2 tablespoons pineapple juice.
- Pineapple Cherry Bread: Add 1/2 cup of chopped maraschino cherries for a pop of color and flavor.
- Healthier Version: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar to 1/2 cup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned? A: Yes, you can use fresh pineapple. Crush it in a food processor and drain well. You’ll need about 1 1/2 cups of crushed fresh pineapple.
Q: Is this bread very sweet? A: It has a moderate sweetness that comes primarily from the natural sweetness of the pineapple, but you can reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup if preferred.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free? A: Yes, you can substitute a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.
Q: Why did my bread sink in the middle? A: This could be due to underbaking, opening the oven door too early in the baking process, or having too much moisture from the pineapple. Make sure to drain the pineapple thoroughly.
Q: Can I use pineapple chunks instead of crushed pineapple? A: Yes, but pulse them in a food processor first to create a crushed consistency for even distribution throughout the bread.
Conclusion
This Pineapple Quick Bread is more than just a recipe—it’s a simple way to bring warmth and joy to any occasion. With its moist, tender crumb and delightful tropical flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether enjoyed as a morning treat with coffee, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a delightful dessert, each slice delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and texture that will transport you to a sunny paradise. The ease of preparation makes it accessible to bakers of all skill levels, while the versatility of the recipe invites creative adaptations to suit your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try, and discover the simple pleasure of homemade quick bread with a tropical twist!