Pineapple Quick Bread

by

Indulge in the irresistible sweetness of Pineapple Quick Bread, a delightful treat that combines the tropical flavor of pineapple with the comforting warmth of freshly baked bread. This simple yet scrumptious recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you’re craving something sweet. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this mouthwatering Pineapple Quick Bread that will have your taste buds singing with delight.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 oz. cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 20 oz can crushed pineapple, drained (save 2-3 tablespoons of the juice for the glaze)

For the Glaze:

  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons reserved pineapple juice

Preparation:

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bread pan to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt together. Set aside.
  3. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the egg, granulated sugar, softened cream cheese, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture into the cream cheese mixture and stir until just combined. Add the sour cream and mix until incorporated.
  5. Fold in Pineapple: Gently fold in the drained crushed pineapple until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared bread pan and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Prepare Glaze: While the bread is cooling, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar and reserved pineapple juice until smooth and pourable.
  9. Glaze the Bread: Once the bread has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top of the bread, allowing it to drip down the sides.
  10. Slice and Serve: Slice the Pineapple Quick Bread into thick slices and serve it as a delicious treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Serving and Storage Tips:

  1. Serving Suggestions: Enjoy Pineapple Quick Bread slices on their own as a sweet snack, or pair them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
  2. Toasting Option: For an extra indulgent treat, lightly toast slices of Pineapple Quick Bread and spread them with a layer of cream cheese or butter for added richness.
  3. Storage Instructions: Store leftover Pineapple Quick Bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.
  4. Reheating Tip: To refresh previously baked Pineapple Quick Bread, simply warm slices in the microwave for a few seconds or toast them lightly in a toaster oven until heated through.
  5. Enhanced Flavor: For an extra burst of pineapple flavor, serve Pineapple Quick Bread slices with a side of fresh pineapple chunks or a drizzle of honey.
  6. Gifting Idea: Share the love by gifting a loaf of Pineapple Quick Bread to friends or family. Wrap it in decorative paper or place it in a decorative tin for a thoughtful homemade gift.
  7. Brunch Option: Serve Pineapple Quick Bread as part of a brunch spread alongside other sweet and savory dishes such as scrambled eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, and assorted pastries.
  8. Picnic Essential: Pack slices of Pineapple Quick Bread for a picnic or outdoor gathering. Its portable nature and sweet flavor make it a crowd-pleasing addition to any picnic basket.
  9. Party Platter: Create a dessert platter featuring Pineapple Quick Bread slices along with other sweet treats like cookies, brownies, and fruit skewers for a delightful dessert spread at parties or gatherings.
  10. Customization: Customize serving sizes by cutting Pineapple Quick Bread into smaller squares for bite-sized treats, perfect for serving at parties or events.

Variations:

  1. Nutty Addition: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch and nutty flavor.
  2. Coconut Twist: Sprinkle shredded coconut on top of the glazed bread before baking for a tropical twist.
  3. Citrus Zest: Add a burst of citrus flavor by mixing in some grated lemon or orange zest into the batter.
  4. Spiced Version: Enhance the flavor profile with a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg in the batter for a warm, aromatic touch.
  5. Cream Cheese Swirl: Create a cream cheese swirl by dolloping softened cream cheese onto the batter and swirling it with a knife before baking.
  6. Pineapple Upside-Down: Transform the bread into a Pineapple Upside-Down Cake by layering pineapple rings and maraschino cherries at the bottom of the bread pan before pouring in the batter.
  7. Whole Wheat Option: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture and added fiber.
  8. Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the glazed bread for a decadent chocolatey addition.
  9. Lemon Glaze: Replace the pineapple juice in the glaze with freshly squeezed lemon juice for a tangy twist.
  10. Berry Blend: Mix in fresh or frozen berries such as blueberries, raspberries, or diced strawberries into the batter for bursts of fruity goodness.
  11. Pineapple Coconut Bread: Add shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist. Mix it into the batter before pouring it into the bread pan.
  12. Pineapple Walnut Bread: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and nuttiness. Fold them into the batter along with the crushed pineapple.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
    • Yes, you can use fresh pineapple in this recipe. Simply dice fresh pineapple into small pieces and use them in place of canned pineapple.
  2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
    • Yes, you can substitute gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
  3. How do I prevent the bread from sticking to the pan?
    • Make sure to grease the bread pan generously with butter or cooking spray before adding the batter to prevent sticking.
  4. Can I omit the cream cheese from the recipe?
    • While cream cheese adds richness and moisture to the bread, you can omit it if desired. However, the texture and flavor may be slightly different.
  5. Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream?
    • Yes, you can use plain Greek yogurt as a substitute for sour cream in this recipe.
  6. How long does the glaze take to set?
    • The glaze will set within a few minutes after drizzling it over the cooled bread.
  7. Can I add other fruits to the bread batter?
    • Yes, you can customize the recipe by adding fruits such as bananas, mangoes, or peaches to the batter.
  8. Can I make mini loaves instead of one large loaf?
    • Yes, you can divide the batter into mini loaf pans and adjust the baking time accordingly.
  9. Is it necessary to drain the crushed pineapple?
    • Yes, draining the crushed pineapple helps prevent the bread from becoming too moist.
  10. Can I use the glaze as a dipping sauce instead?
    • Absolutely! The glaze can be used as a dipping sauce for the bread slices for an extra touch of sweetness.

With its moist texture, tropical flavor, and sweet glaze, Pineapple Quick Bread is sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee in the morning or as a dessert after dinner, this irresistible bread is a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Give this recipe a try and treat yourself to a taste of paradise!