Easy Pineapple Coconut Quick Bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Pineapple Coconut Quick Bread is a dream come true for anyone who loves the tropical combination of pineapple and coconut. It’s simple to make and requires only a few basic ingredients, yet it results in a rich, flavorful bread that is moist and slightly sweet. Whether you're making it for yourself or to share with others, the tempting aroma as it bakes will have everyone in your home eagerly awaiting a slice. The best part is that it’s quick to prepare, and you don’t need any fancy equipment—just a loaf pan and a few bowls.

Ingredients

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature

• 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature

• ⅔ cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• 2 teaspoons coconut extract

• 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, do not drain

• 1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut, divided

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour or line a 9-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Set aside.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a large bowl, beat together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and coconut extract to the butter mixture and beat until smooth.

5. Add the flour mixture and beat until well combined. Then fold in the crushed pineapple and 1 cup of shredded coconut.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the top with the remaining coconut.

7. Tent the pan loosely with foil, leaving room for the bread to rise and preventing the coconut from burning.

8. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

9. Let the bread cool completely before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10-12 slices

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Bake time: 50-60 minutes

• Cooling time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add nuts: Try adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a little crunch and extra flavor.

• Use fresh pineapple: If you prefer fresh over canned, you can substitute it with finely chopped fresh pineapple. Just make sure to drain it to avoid excess moisture.

• Coconut flour: For a gluten-free option, swap the all-purpose flour with coconut flour, but you may need to adjust the liquid since coconut flour absorbs more moisture.

• Coconut glaze: Drizzle a simple coconut glaze (powdered sugar mixed with coconut milk) on top after the bread has cooled for extra sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week.

• Freezing: You can also freeze this bread! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

• Reheating: If you'd like to enjoy it warm, simply slice and reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?

Yes! You can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may change slightly.

2. Can I make this bread without coconut extract?

Yes, you can skip the coconut extract if you prefer, but it will reduce the coconut flavor. You could add a little extra vanilla extract for more flavor.

3. Can I substitute the cream cheese with something else?

You can try substituting the cream cheese with sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, although it will alter the texture a bit.

4. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, just make sure to chop and drain the fresh pineapple well before adding it to the batter.

5. Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips can make a great addition to this recipe for a fun twist.

6. How do I know when the bread is done baking?

Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, the bread is done.

7. How should I store the bread if I want to keep it fresh longer?

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate it for longer freshness.

8. Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the bread ahead of time and store it. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to develop.

9. Can I use unsweetened coconut in this recipe?

While sweetened shredded coconut is recommended for this recipe, you can use unsweetened coconut if you prefer a less sweet bread.

10. How can I make the bread more moist?

The crushed pineapple adds moisture to the bread, but if you feel it's not moist enough, try adding a little more butter or a tablespoon of sour cream.

Conclusion

This Easy Pineapple Coconut Quick Bread is a wonderfully moist and tropical treat that is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. With a combination of sweet pineapple, creamy coconut, and a soft, fluffy texture, it’s the kind of bread that everyone will love. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or as leftovers the next day, this recipe will surely become a staple in your baking repertoire. Happy baking!

Print