Pineapple Quick Bread Recipe

If you have a craving for something sweet, moist, and bursting with tropical flavor, you’re going to adore this Pineapple Quick Bread Recipe. It’s a delightful treat that comes together with simple ingredients, delivering a tender crumb that’s gently perfumed with cinnamon and rich with the natural sweetness of crushed pineapple. Every bite feels like a little vacation in loaf form, perfect for morning toast, midday snacking, or a thoughtful homemade gift. This recipe is such a joy to make and share, and once you try it, I bet it will become one of your go-to quick breads too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun because each one brings something special to this Pineapple Quick Bread Recipe. From the soft butter that gives richness to the tangy pineapple that keeps the bread moist and vibrant, these essentials come together to create a deliciously balanced loaf.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the bread, making it tender and sturdy enough to slice.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise beautifully, giving it a light, fluffy texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Works alongside the baking soda to give that perfect lift and softness.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional): Adds a warm, comforting spice that pairs wonderfully with pineapple.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Gives the bread a rich flavor and moist crumb.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens without overpowering the natural pineapple tang.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a lovely subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained: The star ingredient that keeps the bread moist and tropical.
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk): Adds tender moisture and a slight tang that brightens the bread.
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For an added crunch and nutty contrast, if you like a bit of texture.

How to Make Pineapple Quick Bread Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing and flouring your loaf pan or lining it with parchment paper sets the stage for a bread that comes out effortlessly after baking. This little prep step ensures your beautiful bread isn’t stuck to the pan.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if you’re using it) in a medium bowl. This step is the magic behind the perfect texture and subtle spice, giving your bread structure and a gentle aromatic hint.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aeration is key because it helps your bread rise and creates that tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. This step layers in moisture and flavor so the bread becomes rich and flavorful.

Step 5: Mix in Pineapple and Buttermilk

Gently fold in the drained crushed pineapple along with the buttermilk. These ingredients bring moisture and a lovely tropical tang that makes this recipe stand out from your usual quick bread.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture light—overworking the batter can make the bread tough.

Step 7: Fold in Nuts (Optional)

If you’re going for a bit of crunch and nutty flavor, gently fold in your choice of chopped walnuts or pecans. It adds an irresistible contrast to the soft, pineapple-infused bread.

Step 8: Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 to 70 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, and the top has a lovely golden glow.

Step 9: Cool and Slice

Allow your pineapple bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time lets the flavors settle and the texture firm up, making it easier to slice without crumbling.

Step 10: Enjoy!

Slice it thick or thin—either way, each piece is a little slice of tropical joy. Whether for breakfast, a snack, or a dessert, this Pineapple Quick Bread Recipe is sure to brighten your day.

How to Serve Pineapple Quick Bread Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance your slices with a smear of softened butter, a drizzle of honey, or even a dollop of cream cheese. A sprinkling of toasted coconut or extra chopped nuts on top can also take this bread to the next level of deliciousness.

Side Dishes

This Pineapple Quick Bread is fantastic alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy treat. Pair it with fresh fruit or a tangy yogurt for a refreshing contrast that balances the sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch spread or special occasion, consider serving thick slices with a tropical fruit salsa or pineapple glaze. You can also cut it into cubes for easy sharing as part of a dessert board or alongside cheese and charcuterie for an unexpected sweet element.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover pineapple bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps keep the bread moist and soft without drying out.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully! Slice it first, then separate slices with parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep well for up to 3 months, making it easy to enjoy a slice anytime you want.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy a slice from the fridge or freezer, pop it in the toaster oven or microwave until warm. A quick heat-up brings back that freshly baked taste and soft texture in no time.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned crushed pineapple?

Absolutely! Just make sure to finely chop the fresh pineapple and drain it well to avoid adding too much moisture, which can affect the texture of the bread.

Is it necessary to include nuts in this Pineapple Quick Bread Recipe?

Not at all. Nuts add a nice crunch and flavor contrast, but the bread is delicious on its own. Feel free to leave them out if you prefer or have nut allergies.

Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk?

Yes, regular milk works fine. To mimic buttermilk’s tang, you can add a teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to the milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Use a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready to come out of the oven.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

You can substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but check that it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder. Baking times might vary slightly, so keep an eye on your loaf as it bakes.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the comforting scent of something fresh from the oven, especially when it’s a Pineapple Quick Bread Recipe that’s both simple and bursting with tropical flavor. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is an easy way to brighten up your day or delight friends and family. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how wonderfully versatile and irresistible this bread is!

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