Pineapple Quick Bread Recipe
Pineapple Quick Bread is a moist, sweet, and tropical twist on traditional banana bread. Made with crushed pineapple, this quick bread is easy to prepare and bakes up beautifully with a perfect balance of sweetness and flavor. It’s ideal for breakfast, snack time, or dessert!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce (or vegetable oil for a richer texture)
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained well (reserve the juice for later use)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent the bread from sticking. Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set this bowl aside.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until smooth and combined.
- Add the applesauce (or vegetable oil) and vanilla extract. Mix until well incorporated.
4. Add the Pineapple:
- Stir in the crushed pineapple, making sure to drain it well before adding it to the batter. The pineapple adds moisture and sweetness, so be sure to remove any excess juice.
5. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula or spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
6. Fold in Nuts (Optional):
- If you’re adding nuts, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
7. Bake the Bread:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. Baking times may vary depending on your oven, so check it around 50 minutes to avoid overbaking.
8. Cool and Serve:
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve once fully cooled, or enjoy it warm with a pat of butter.
Why You’ll Love Pineapple Quick Bread:
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Moist and Flavorful: The crushed pineapple adds natural sweetness and moisture, making each bite incredibly soft and tender. Potsticker Soup with Mushrooms Bok Choy
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Quick and Easy: Unlike yeast bread, this quick bread doesn’t require any rising time. Simply mix and bake for a speedy treat!
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Tropical Twist: The sweet, tangy flavor of pineapple gives this bread a tropical flair, making it a perfect snack or breakfast option for warm days or anytime you crave a taste of the tropics.
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Versatile: Enjoy it on its own, or add your favorite mix-ins like walnuts, coconut, or raisins for added texture and flavor.
Tips for the Best Pineapple Quick Bread:
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Drain the Pineapple: Be sure to drain the crushed pineapple well to avoid making the bread too wet. You can reserve the juice and add it to smoothies, cocktails, or other recipes.
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Use Fresh or Canned Pineapple: If using fresh pineapple, be sure to chop it finely or pulse it in a food processor for the right texture.
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Customize with Add-ins: Try adding coconut flakes, dried cranberries, or a teaspoon of orange zest to elevate the flavor.
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Check for Doneness: Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so check the bread with a toothpick around the 50-minute mark to avoid overbaking. The toothpick should come out clean when done.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use other fruits instead of pineapple?
- Yes! You can substitute the pineapple with other fruits like mashed bananas, applesauce, or shredded zucchini for a different flavor. Billion Dollar Buttery Biscuits
Q: Can I freeze the pineapple quick bread?
- Absolutely! This quick bread freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in an airtight container. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Q: Can I make mini loaves or muffins?
- Yes! You can pour the batter into mini loaf pans or muffin tins. Adjust the baking time to 20-25 minutes for muffins and 30-40 minutes for mini loaves.
Q: How can I make this recipe healthier?
- For a healthier option, you can reduce the sugar slightly, use whole wheat flour, or substitute the applesauce for unsweetened Greek yogurt. You can also add flaxseed or chia seeds for extra nutrients.