Pineapple Quick Bread is a delightful treat that captures the tropical flavors of pineapple in a moist and flavorful loaf. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, this easy-to-make bread is sure to become a favorite in your household. With the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, it’s a wonderful way to enjoy the taste of pineapple any time of the year.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ⅛ tsp salt
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained (reserve liquid)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- ¼ cup pineapple liquid (from crushed pineapple can)
Instructions:
Preparing the Batter:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs:
- Add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture, one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
- Incorporate Pineapple:
- Stir in the crushed pineapple (drained) into the wet mixture until evenly distributed.
- Alternate Mixing:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk and pineapple liquid. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Baking the Bread:
- Transfer to Pan:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake:
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
- Cooling:
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving:
- Slice and Serve:
- Once cooled, slice the Pineapple Quick Bread and serve it on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or cream cheese for extra indulgence.
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Add-Ins: Feel free to add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
- Glaze: Drizzle the cooled bread with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and pineapple juice for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Storage: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned? A: Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but make sure to finely chop it and drain any excess juice before adding it to the batter.
Q: Can I make this bread ahead of time? A: Yes, you can bake the bread ahead of time and store it in an airtight container until ready to serve. It can also be frozen for longer storage.
Q: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? A: Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the texture of the bread may be slightly denser.
Pineapple Quick Bread is a delightful and easy-to-make treat that is perfect for any occasion. With its moist and flavorful crumb and tropical pineapple flavor, it’s sure to brighten up your day. Enjoy a slice of this delicious bread with your morning coffee or as a sweet snack any time of the day
Additional Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Pineapple Upside-Down Variation: For a twist on traditional pineapple bread, try making a pineapple upside-down version. Line the bottom of the loaf pan with brown sugar, arrange pineapple slices on top, and pour the batter over them before baking. Once baked and cooled, invert the bread onto a serving plate for a stunning presentation.
- Coconut Pineapple Bread: Add shredded coconut to the batter for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Mix in about 1/2 cup of sweetened shredded coconut along with the crushed pineapple for a tropical twist.
- Spiced Pineapple Bread: Enhance the flavor profile of the bread by adding warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger. Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of your favorite spice blend to the dry ingredients for a cozy and aromatic touch.
- Gluten-Free Option: To make this bread gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular all-purpose flour. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as baking powder and vanilla extract, are also gluten-free.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use pineapple juice instead of the reserved pineapple liquid? A: Yes, if you don’t have enough reserved pineapple liquid, you can supplement it with additional pineapple juice. Just make sure the total liquid amount remains the same.
Q: Can I use a different type of sweetener instead of granulated sugar? A: Yes, you can substitute granulated sugar with alternative sweeteners such as coconut sugar, honey, or maple syrup. Adjust the amount to taste and keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the bread may vary slightly.
Q: How can I prevent the bread from sticking to the pan? A: To ensure easy removal of the bread from the pan, thoroughly grease and flour the loaf pan or use parchment paper to line it. Additionally, allow the bread to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pineapple Quick Bread offers endless possibilities for customization and adaptation to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re craving a classic pineapple flavor or looking to experiment with new variations, this versatile recipe is sure to delight your senses and become a staple in your baking repertoire. Enjoy the tropical flavors of pineapple in every bite of this delightful bread, and feel free to get creative with your own unique twists and additions!
