Name: Pineapple Quick Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-481154H51M8S
Total time: 6 min
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ⅛ teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ cup unsalted butter (softened); ¼ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained, liquid reserved); ¼ cup pineapple juice (from the canned crushed pineapple); 2 tablespoons milk; 2 tablespoons pineapple juice (from the canned crushed pineapple); 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Pineapple quick bread is a delightful fusion of tropical sweetness and classic quick bread ease. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe combines the juicy tang of pineapple with the moist, rich texture of a homemade loaf. It’s a perfect choice for a variety of occasions—serve it as a quick breakfast option, a light afternoon snack, or even as a dessert for those who love a fruity twist on their baked goods.

Unlike traditional yeast-based breads, quick breads like this one use baking powder as a leavening agent, allowing the batter to rise without requiring time to proof. The pineapple juice and crushed pineapple add both moisture and flavor, while the buttery base gives the bread a satisfyingly soft crumb. Learn more about quick bread to understand why this method is so popular for busy bakers.

The tropical flavor of pineapple isn’t just delicious—it brings an exotic feel to your table, and the natural acidity helps keep the bread fresh longer. Read more about the various ways to incorporate pineapple into baking at this page.

Ingredients Overview :

To make the perfect pineapple quick bread, you’ll need a balance of both wet and dry ingredients. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the right flavor and texture. Below is a breakdown of the key ingredients used in this recipe:

For the Bread:

All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups): The base of the bread that provides structure. Learn more about flour types here.
Salt (⅛ teaspoon): Enhances flavor by balancing the sweetness.
Baking powder (2 teaspoons): The essential leavening agent that helps the bread rise. Understand how baking powder works in quick breads.
Unsalted butter (½ cup): Adds richness and a tender crumb.
Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Sweetens the bread while aiding in moisture retention.
Eggs (2 large): They provide structure and moisture to the bread.
Crushed pineapple (1 cup, drained): Adds natural sweetness and a tropical punch. You can explore more about different pineapple forms in recipes here.
Pineapple juice (¼ cup, from the canned pineapple): Boosts the bread’s flavor with extra tropical notes.
Milk (2 tablespoons): Moistens the batter, ensuring a tender loaf.

For the Glaze:

Pineapple juice (2 tablespoons): Enhances the bread’s flavor.
Powdered sugar (1 cup): Creates a sweet, smooth glaze.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, aromatic touch. Discover more about the benefits of vanilla extract in baking here.

Each of these ingredients is essential for the overall success of the bread, giving it the perfect moist and fluffy texture.

Necessary Kitchen Equipment :

Before you start making your pineapple quick bread, it’s important to have the right kitchen tools on hand. These basic items will make the process smoother and ensure your bread bakes evenly:

Mixing bowls: For combining both wet and dry ingredients.
Sifter: To sift the flour, salt, and baking powder, ensuring a light, lump-free batter. Learn more about sifting here.
Electric mixer or whisk: Helps you cream the butter and sugar until fluffy.
Loaf pan: A standard 9×5 loaf pan works best for even baking. Explore more about loaf pans here.
Cooling rack: Essential for cooling the bread properly.
Small bowl: For mixing the glaze ingredients.

Having the right equipment is key to achieving the best results in both texture and taste for your quick bread.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Pineapple Quick Bread :

Let’s walk through the detailed steps to make your delicious pineapple quick bread. Follow these instructions to ensure the perfect loaf every time.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Properly preheating the oven ensures your bread bakes evenly. While the oven is heating, grease your loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray. This prevents the bread from sticking and makes it easier to remove once it’s done baking. If you’re using a different-sized loaf pan, make sure to adjust your baking time accordingly. Learn more about baking temperatures to get the best results.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, sift together the 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ⅛ teaspoon of salt, and 2 teaspoons of baking powder. Sifting helps to break up any lumps in the flour, ensuring a smooth batter. It also helps evenly distribute the baking powder throughout the dry ingredients, which is crucial for the bread’s even rise. If you don’t have a sifter, you can use a fine-mesh sieve as a substitute. This process not only ensures a lump-free mixture but also creates a lighter texture in the final bread.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, cream together ½ cup of unsalted butter (softened) and ¼ cup of granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to beat the mixture until it becomes smooth, light, and fluffy. Creaming the butter and sugar properly is essential because it incorporates air into the batter, which helps the bread rise and creates a tender texture. Make sure the butter is softened, not melted, for the best results. This step forms the foundation of your bread’s texture, giving it that perfect balance of moisture and fluffiness. Read more about why creaming butter and sugar is important in baking here.

Step 4: Add the Eggs

Next, add two large eggs, one at a time, to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat well after each addition to ensure the eggs are fully incorporated. This method helps maintain the smooth texture of the batter and ensures that all the ingredients blend evenly. Adding the eggs one at a time also prevents the batter from curdling, which can happen if the eggs are added too quickly. Eggs not only provide moisture but also help bind the ingredients together, resulting in a tender and well-structured loaf.

Step 5: Mix in Pineapple Juice and Dry Ingredients

Gradually, alternate between adding the ¼ cup of reserved pineapple juice and the sifted dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture. Start with a portion of the dry ingredients, followed by the pineapple juice, and continue until everything is incorporated. Mixing in the dry ingredients slowly and alternating with the juice prevents overmixing, which can make the bread tough. The pineapple juice adds moisture and a tropical flavor to the batter. Stir just until combined to avoid activating too much gluten, which could make the bread dense. This balance ensures a light and airy texture.

Step 6: Incorporate Milk and Crushed Pineapple

After mixing the dry ingredients and pineapple juice, gently stir in the 2 tablespoons of milk. Once the milk is well blended, fold in 1 cup of drained crushed pineapple. Folding is key here—gently mix the crushed pineapple into the batter to avoid breaking it down too much. This step adds little bursts of flavor throughout the bread while keeping the texture moist and delicious. Be sure the pineapple is well-drained to prevent excess liquid from making the batter too wet, which could affect the bread’s final consistency.

Step 7: Bake

Once your batter is ready, pour it into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking the bread at the 50-minute mark. A well-baked loaf will be golden brown on top and firm to the touch. Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack.

Step 8: Cool

After letting the bread cool in the loaf pan for 10-15 minutes, gently transfer it to a cooling rack. Cooling the bread completely on a rack is crucial because it prevents the bottom from becoming soggy. The air circulation around the loaf ensures the bread cools evenly, maintaining the perfect texture. Letting it cool fully also helps the flavors to settle. Once cooled, the bread is ready to be glazed and served. Proper cooling is essential for both texture and flavor development in any quick bread.

Preparing the Glaze :

Once your pineapple quick bread has cooled completely, it’s time to prepare the glaze. This simple glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and highlights the tropical flavors of the bread.

Mixing the Glaze Ingredients :

In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of pineapple juice (from the drained canned pineapple), and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Use a whisk or fork to mix the ingredients until the glaze is smooth and free of lumps. If the glaze seems too thick, you can add a few more drops of pineapple juice to thin it out. The glaze should be thick enough to drizzle but still spread easily over the bread. For inspiration on different glaze textures, check out these glaze ideas.

Glazing the Bread :

Once the glaze is ready and the bread is fully cooled, carefully pour or drizzle the glaze over the top of the loaf. You can use a spoon or a spatula to spread the glaze evenly across the surface. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing the bread. This step enhances the overall flavor of the bread by adding a sweet, tangy topping that complements the pineapple flavor. For a more decorative presentation, consider adding some pineapple chunks or toasted coconut flakes on top after glazing. More ideas on garnishes can be found here.

Variations and Add-ins :

One of the great things about pineapple quick bread is its versatility. You can easily customize the recipe to suit your taste or dietary preferences by adding or substituting different ingredients. Here are a few ideas to personalize your loaf:

Nuts: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a crunchy texture. Nuts complement the sweetness of the pineapple and add a satisfying bite.
Coconut Flakes: Mix in ½ cup of sweetened coconut flakes for a tropical twist that pairs beautifully with the pineapple. This addition will give your bread a more island-inspired flavor. Coconut is a natural partner to pineapple, as seen in many tropical recipes like piña colada.
Spices: Enhance the flavor with a dash of cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg. These warm spices create a richer depth of flavor, perfect for fall or holiday variations of the bread.
Vegan Version: Replace the eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed egg substitute and use a plant-based butter alternative. Additionally, you can swap out the milk for almond milk or coconut milk to make the recipe vegan.

These customizations can help you make this quick bread truly your own. For more inspiration, browse these tropical bread recipes.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Pineapple Quick Bread :

Creating the perfect pineapple quick bread is easy with a few tips and tricks. Here are some key points to keep in mind for the best results:

Avoid Sogginess: Ensure that your crushed pineapple is well-drained before adding it to the batter. Excess moisture can lead to soggy bread.
Don’t Overmix: When incorporating the dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing activates the gluten in the flour, which can result in a tough, dense loaf.
Check for Doneness: Ovens vary, so check your bread with a toothpick or skewer around the 50-minute mark. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready. If not, let it bake for a few more minutes and check again.
Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Pineapple quick bread freezes well, so you can enjoy it later.

Following these tips will help ensure that your bread turns out moist, flavorful, and perfectly baked.