🍍 Pineapple Quick Bread: A Tropical Twist on Classic Comfort

There’s something magical about biting into a slice of bread that’s moist, flavorful, and infused with tropical sunshine. This Pineapple Quick Bread delivers all of that and more — with minimal effort and everyday ingredients. Bursting with the natural sweetness of crushed pineapple and topped with a light glaze, it’s ideal for breakfast, tea time, or a sweet afternoon snack.

If you’ve never tried baking with pineapple, this is your moment. The fruit adds more than just flavor — it brings moisture, richness, and a delightful contrast to the buttery base. Once topped with a drizzle of glaze made from the reserved pineapple liquid, you’ve got a loaf that’s soft, bright, and unforgettable.

👨‍🍳 Why Pineapple Quick Bread Works

Chef Maria Lawson, a pastry chef known for her work with tropical and fruit-forward recipes, explains why pineapple is such a powerful ingredient in baking:

“Pineapple’s high moisture and natural sugars make it a dream for quick breads. It keeps the crumb soft and adds a beautiful brightness that balances the richness of butter. Plus, it’s versatile — you can go sweet or even slightly savory.”

This loaf is essentially a cross between a cake and a bread — not overly sweet, yet indulgent enough to serve as dessert. And the best part? No yeast, no proofing, and no stress.

🥄 Ingredients for Pineapple Quick Bread

For the Bread

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ⅛ tsp salt
• ½ cup butter, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained (reserve liquid)
• ¼ cup reserved pineapple liquid
• 2 tbsp milk

For the Glaze

• 1 cup confectioners sugar
• 2 tbsp reserved pineapple liquid
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

🍰 Nutritional Table & Functional Benefits

Ingredient	Amount	Calories	Functional Benefits
All-purpose flour	1½ cups	684 kcal	Provides structure and bulk
Butter	½ cup	810 kcal	Adds richness and moisture
Crushed pineapple	1 cup	132 kcal	Natural sweetness, moisture
Granulated sugar	¼ cup	200 kcal	Enhances flavor and tenderness
Eggs	2 large	140 kcal	Binding and structure
Confectioners sugar (glaze)	1 cup	480 kcal	Sweet topping and visual appeal

🧁 How to Make Pineapple Quick Bread

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard loaf pan or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, beat softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy using a hand or stand mixer.

Step 4: Add Eggs

Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Alternately

Alternate adding the flour mixture and pineapple liquid to the butter mixture. Stir gently to keep the batter airy.

Step 6: Fold in Pineapple and Milk

Add crushed pineapple and milk, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender crumb.

Step 7: Bake

Pour the batter into your loaf pan. Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

Cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Mix glaze ingredients and drizzle over the cooled bread.

🍍 Homemade vs Store-Bought Pineapple Bakes

• Flavor: Homemade offers a brighter, fresher pineapple taste, without artificial additives.
• Texture: Store-bought breads can be overly dense or dry. This recipe guarantees a moist, tender loaf.
• Cost: Much cheaper to make at home using pantry staples and canned pineapple.
• Customization: Easily adapt with add-ins like coconut, nuts, or citrus zest — unlike pre-made options.

❌ Common Baking Mistakes to Avoid

• Using undrained pineapple: Makes the batter too wet, affecting bake time and texture.
• Overmixing: Leads to a tough loaf. Stir just until combined.
• Skipping the glaze: The bread is good without it, but the glaze adds a tropical punch.
• Underbaking: Always test the center with a skewer — ovens vary.
• Using cold ingredients: Butter and eggs should be room temperature for best results.

💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, finely chop and press out excess juice. Replace the reserved liquid with juice or milk if needed.

2. Can I skip the glaze?

Definitely. The loaf is sweet and moist on its own, but the glaze enhances presentation and flavor.

3. How should I store the bread?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

4. Can I freeze pineapple quick bread?

Yes. Wrap slices individually and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp before serving.

5. What can I add for extra texture?

Try ½ cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or shredded coconut.

6. Can I make this gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Results may vary slightly in texture.

7. Does this bread rise much?

Yes, thanks to baking powder. Fill the pan no more than ¾ full to prevent overflow.

8. Is this recipe very sweet?

No — it has a balanced sweetness. You can increase sugar slightly for a more dessert-style loaf.

9. Can I use brown sugar instead of white?

Yes! Brown sugar adds a caramel flavor and a slightly denser texture.

10. What’s the best pan to use?

A standard 9×5 inch loaf pan works best. Avoid dark-colored pans that brown too quickly.

🥥 Creative Variations & Serving Ideas

• Coconut Twist: Add ½ cup shredded coconut to the batter.
• Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for texture.
• Citrus Kick: Stir in 1 tsp lemon or orange zest.
• Dessert Style: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

🧊 Storage & Shelf Life

• Room Temperature: Store in a container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze sliced, wrapped well for up to 2 months.

⏱️ Time & Equipment

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices)

Recommended Tools

• Mixing bowls
• Electric hand or stand mixer
• Standard loaf pan (9×5 inch)
• Cooling rack
• Whisk (for glaze)

🌞 Final Thoughts: A Slice of the Tropics

This Pineapple Quick Bread is your ticket to a sun-kissed treat that fits effortlessly into your week. With a few simple steps, you’ll have a loaf that’s soft, golden, and brimming with tropical flavor. Whether served with coffee, tea, or a scoop of ice cream, it’s bound to brighten your day — and your table.

Love pineapple in your baking? Don’t miss the Pineapple Layer Cake with Glaze or the reader-favorite Pineapple Juice Cake for more fruit-forward indulgence.