Pineapple Quick Bread

Let me tell you about the first time I made pineapple quick bread. It was a rainy Sunday morning, and I was craving something sweet but not too heavy. I spotted a can of pineapple in my pantry and thought, “Why not?” That little experiment turned into my go-to recipe for impromptu brunches, lazy afternoons with tea, and “oops, I forgot to bring dessert” emergencies. The tropical aroma that fills your kitchen while this bakes? Absolute magic.

What makes this pineapple quick bread so special is how ridiculously easy it is, while tasting like you spent hours in the kitchen. The pineapple chunks stay juicy, creating these little bursts of tangy sweetness in every bite. And that simple glaze made with the reserved pineapple juice? It soaks in just enough to make the bread extra moist without being soggy. After twenty years of baking everything from sourdough to soufflés, I can tell you this is one of those foolproof recipes that always works.

Whether you’re new to baking or just want a no-fuss treat, this pineapple quick bread is your answer. It comes together in about 15 minutes of active time, bakes up golden in an hour, and disappears even faster. My neighbors have started calling it “the bread that makes friends” because I can’t resist sharing slices whenever I make it. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll understand why it’s become my most requested recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Quick Bread

Let me count the ways this bread will become your new favorite:

• Quick as a wink: From mixing bowl to oven in just 15 minutes, perfect for last-minute cravings or surprise guests
• Moist like a tropical morning: The pineapple chunks and sour cream team up to keep every slice tender for days
• Tropical vacation in every bite: That sweet-tangy pineapple flavor transports you somewhere sunny, no plane ticket needed
• Easy enough for weeknights: No fancy techniques here, just straightforward mixing and baking
• Versatile superstar: Equally at home at breakfast buffets, afternoon tea, or dessert plates

Seriously, I’ve lost count of how many times this recipe has saved my bacon when I needed something impressive fast. The compliments will make you blush!

Ingredients for Pineapple Quick Bread

Gather these simple ingredients, I bet you have most in your pantry already! The magic happens when they all come together:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Spoon and level it, don’t scoop! That little trick keeps the bread light
• 1 can pineapple chunks (20 oz), drained, but save 2 tablespoons of that golden juice, we’ll use it later
• 1/2 cup sour cream: Full fat works best here for that dreamy texture
• 1 cup sugar: Plain white sugar lets the pineapple flavor shine
• 3 oz cream cheese:, softened, leave it out for 30 minutes first
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: The lift that makes this quick bread so airy
• 1 teaspoon salt: Just enough to balance all that sweetness
• 3 teaspoons vanilla extract: My secret for extra warmth
• 1 large egg, beaten, room temp blends smoother
• 1 1/3 cups powdered sugar: For that luscious glaze

See? Nothing fancy, just good ingredients prepped right. Now let’s make some magic!

How to Make Pineapple Quick Bread

Okay, friends, let’s get baking! This pineapple quick bread comes together so easily, you’ll be amazed at how professional it tastes. I’ve made this dozens of times (often in my pajamas with half-awake eyes), and these foolproof steps never let me down. Grab your mixing bowls, and let’s create some tropical magic!

Preparing the Batter

First things first, preheat that oven to 350°F. While it heats up, let’s make the batter. Start by beating the softened cream cheese and sugar together in a big bowl. You’ll want to mix them until they’re completely smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes with a hand mixer. This step is crucial because it creates tiny air pockets that make our bread light and tender.

Now add in your beaten egg, vanilla extract, and sour cream. Mix just until everything is combined, don’t go crazy here! Overmixing can make the bread tough, and we want it to be melt-in-your-mouth soft. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring gently after each addition. The batter will be thick, but don’t worry, that’s perfect!

Here comes the fun part, folding in those juicy pineapple chunks! I like to give them a quick chop if they’re too big, so every bite gets some pineapple love. Gently stir them in until just distributed. See those golden specks peeking through? That’s what makes this bread so special!

Baking and Glazing

Pour your beautiful batter into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it in the oven and set your timer for 60 minutes. The hardest part? Waiting while that incredible tropical aroma fills your kitchen!

After about 45 minutes, peek at your bread. If the top is browning too quickly, just tent it loosely with foil. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. No wet batter! Once it’s golden and perfect, take it out and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes; this keeps it from breaking when you remove it.

While it’s cooling, make the simple glaze. Just whisk together the powdered sugar and those 2 tablespoons of reserved pineapple juice until smooth. The juice gives it such a lovely tang! When the bread has cooled slightly, drizzle that glaze all over the top. It will seep into the bread just enough to make every bite extra moist and delicious. Let it set for a few minutes before slicing, if you can wait that long!

Tips for the Best Pineapple Quick Bread

After making this pineapple quick bread more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that take it from good to “oh my goodness, can I have the recipe?” Here are my can’t-live-without tips:

• Chop those chunks: If your pineapple pieces are bigger than pea-sized, give them a quick chop. Smaller bits distribute better, so every slice gets that tropical pop.
• Foil is your friend: Around the 45-minute mark, check if your bread is browning too fast. A loose foil tent protects the top while the center finishes baking.
• Patience with the glaze: Let the glaze set for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This keeps your slices neat and lets the flavors meld perfectly.
• Room temp ingredients matter: Take the cream cheese, egg, and sour cream out 30 minutes early. They blend smoothly and create a better texture.
• Don’t overmix: Stir just until ingredients combine. Overworking the batter makes the bread tough instead of tender.

Follow these simple tricks, and you’ll have pineapple quick bread worthy of a bakery window every single time!

Pineapple Quick Bread Variations

Oh, the fun part! This pineapple quick bread recipe is like your favorite little black dress, perfect as is, but so easy to dress up differently each time. Here are my favorite ways to play with it:

• Island vibes: Toss in 1/2 cup shredded coconut with the pineapple for an extra tropical twist. Toasted coconut on top of the glaze? Even better.
• Crunch time: Fold in 1/3 cup chopped macadamia nuts or pecans for texture. The nuttiness pairs amazingly with the pineapple.
• Busy baker shortcut: Use crushed pineapple instead of chunks (no chopping needed!), just reduce slightly since it’s more liquid.
• Spice it up: Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or ginger to the dry ingredients for warmth that complements the fruit.

Honestly? I’ve never met a variation of this bread that wasn’t delicious. The pineapple just plays so nicely with other flavors!

Storing and Reheating Pineapple Quick Bread

This pineapple quick bread stays delicious for days if you store it right! Here’s how I keep mine tasting fresh:

First, let the bread cool completely before storing. I wrap mine tightly in plastic wrap and pop it in an airtight container. It stays moist at room temperature for about 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, slice it first and freeze individual portions wrapped in plastic with foil over that. Frozen slices last up to 3 months this way.

When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw slices at room temperature or zap them in the microwave for 15-second bursts until just warm. For that fresh-from-the-oven feel, pop a slice in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. The glaze might get a bit sticky when reheated, but the flavor is just as amazing!

Nutritional Information

Just so you know, these numbers are estimates based on standard ingredients. Your actual nutrition facts might vary depending on brands and exact measurements. Each delicious slice of this pineapple quick bread contains about:

• 280 calories
• 25g sugar (mostly from that sweet pineapple!)
• 4g protein
• 6g fat
• 50g carbs

Remember, enjoying food is about balance, and this bread is totally worth every bite! The pineapple gives you vitamin C, and the sour cream adds calcium. Not bad for something that tastes this good, right?

Pineapple Quick Bread FAQs

More Tropical & Fruity Baked Goods to Try

If you loved Pineapple Quick Bread, delight in these other sweet, fruity, and moist baked treats perfect for breakfast or snack time.

• Mango Matcha Latte: A refreshing tropical and energizing latte blend.
• Carrot Cake Zucchini Muffins: Moist, spiced muffins packed with veggies and sweetness.
• Pumpkin Roll Cake: Fluffy pumpkin sponge rolled with rich cream cheese filling.
• Banana Bread Overnight Oats: Quick and easy no-bake breakfast with banana bread flavors.

Explore these variety-packed recipes for a tasty breakfast rotation that keeps your mornings exciting!

Enjoy Your Pineapple Quick Bread!

Now go enjoy that golden loaf of tropical goodness! I can’t wait to hear how your pineapple quick bread turns out. Snap a photo of your masterpiece and share it with me. I love seeing your baking wins! Whether it’s for breakfast, a snack, or just because, every slice is pure happiness. Happy baking, friends!

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