There’s something absolutely magical about the way tangy pineapple and creamy richness come together in Pineapple Quick Bread. Every bite is bursting with sweet tropical flavor, tender crumb, and a sunshiny glaze that begs you to sneak an extra slice. Whether you’re baking for a brunch, sharing with your favorite neighbor, or just craving a warm homemade treat, Pineapple Quick Bread is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again — it never disappoints.

Pineapple Quick Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The charm of this recipe is in its simplicity. Every ingredient in Pineapple Quick Bread plays a role, from providing structure and lift to infusing those lush tropical notes, creamy texture, and a gorgeous finish — no fancy tools required, just smart pantry staples coming together for something extraordinary.

All-purpose flour: This forms the backbone of the bread, giving it structure and a tender crumb.
Baking soda: Just the right amount helps the bread rise, keeping it fluffy and light.
Salt: A little salt balances the sweetness and sharpens the pineapple’s flavor.
Cream cheese (softened): Adds extra moisture and a subtle tang, making every bite extra creamy.
Sugar: For the perfect amount of sweetness that pairs so well with pineapple.
Vanilla extract: Gives the bread lovely warmth and rounds out the tropical notes.
Large egg (beaten): Binds everything together for a cohesive loaf that holds its shape.
Sour cream: Makes the crumb super moist and a bit rich, while complementing the pineapple’s zing.
Crushed pineapple (canned, drained, reserve some juice): The star of Pineapple Quick Bread, contributing juicy bursts and big flavor. That reserved juice becomes the finishing touch in the glaze.
Powdered sugar: Used in the glaze, it produces that perfectly smooth, sweet finish on top.
Reserved pineapple juice (from the can): For the glaze, adding that extra tangy kick and beautiful sheen.

How to Make Pineapple Quick Bread

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s nice and steady when your batter is ready. A well-greased standard bread pan is a must here — a quick swipe with butter, oil, or nonstick spray makes it a breeze to pop out your loaf later. This simple step sets you up for a golden, easy release and helps form that gorgeous crust we love on Pineapple Quick Bread.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking not only evenly distributes the leavening for a uniform rise, but also breaks up any pesky lumps in the flour, so your quick bread batter is smooth and light. This dry blend forms the reliable base for all those tropical flavors to shine.

Step 3: Prepare Wet Ingredients

In a larger mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and beaten egg until the mixture is creamy and luscious. Cream cheese is the secret weapon here, making the batter rich without heaviness, while the sugar and vanilla coax out a gentle sweetness that pairs with the pineapple like a tropical dream.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Gently add the dry ingredients to the wet, stirring just until the last streak of flour disappears. It’s important not to overmix; this keeps the bread tender. Fold in the sour cream, followed by the drained crushed pineapple, and admire how the bright fruit swirls through the creamy batter — you’ll notice the batter gets slightly looser and almost silky, a sure sign you’re headed for moist, flavorful Pineapple Quick Bread.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

Pour that luscious batter into your prepared bread pan, smoothing the top. Pop it in the oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes. The aroma alone will have your kitchen smelling like an island getaway! You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 to 20 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. This resting time keeps the crumb intact and prevents sticking — patience pays off.

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

Once your bread is cooled, it’s time for the final flourish. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar with the reserved pineapple juice until you have a velvety glaze. Add the juice little-by-little for the ideal drizzle-able consistency — thick enough to hold shape, thin enough to flow over the top and sneak into every crevice.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

Drizzle the glaze all over the bread once it’s completely cool. Watch as it glistens and sets into the perfect finish. Now just slice, serve, and savor every moist, sunny bite of your homemade Pineapple Quick Bread. This moment is what baking memories are made of!

How to Serve Pineapple Quick Bread

Pineapple Quick Bread Garnishes

For an extra spark, top your Pineapple Quick Bread with a scattering of toasted coconut flakes, a pinch of lemon zest, or a handful of finely chopped candied ginger. Even a few fresh pineapple tidbits can add both a beautiful look and a pop of flavor — it’s all about making this loaf irresistible on the eyes and the palate.

Side Dishes

Pair your Pineapple Quick Bread with a bowl of vanilla yogurt and fresh berries for a morning treat, or serve it alongside a hot cup of coffee or an iced herbal tea in the afternoon. It also makes a lovely companion to a fruit salad or a dollop of whipped cream for a simple dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice your loaf and arrange the pieces on a wooden board with wedges of fresh tropical fruit for a fun brunch display. For a playful twist, toast a thick slice and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy, elegant dessert. Turning small pieces into mini sandwiches with cream cheese filling is another festive way to highlight the spirit of Pineapple Quick Bread at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Pineapple Quick Bread tightly in plastic wrap or stash it in an airtight container. It will stay wonderfully moist and flavorful for up to three days at room temperature, though refrigeration may extend its freshness even further if your kitchen runs warm.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully! Once glazed, wrap individual slices or the whole loaf snugly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to three months. To enjoy, just thaw at room temperature, and your Pineapple Quick Bread will taste as heavenly as the day it was baked.

Reheating

If you’d like to serve it warm, simply microwave slices for 10–15 seconds (no need to overdo it), or pop them in a toaster oven until just heated through. This little touch brings back the bread’s just-baked aroma and softens the glaze to a gentle sheen.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Absolutely, fresh pineapple works beautifully! Just finely chop and drain well to prevent excess moisture. You’ll want to have extra juice on hand for the glaze, or you can substitute a splash of orange juice for a bright citrusy twist.

What size bread pan works best?

A standard 9×5-inch loaf pan is ideal for this Pineapple Quick Bread, ensuring even baking and a lovely domed top. If you use a different size, keep an eye on the bake time — smaller pans may require a bit more time, while mini loaves will bake faster.

Can I make Pineapple Quick Bread gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Most blends work well here, though you may need to monitor the consistency and add another tablespoon of sour cream if the batter seems too thick.

Is it possible to make this bread dairy-free?

With the right swaps, yes: use a dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based sour cream, and a non-dairy yogurt for extra moisture if needed. The bread may be slightly less rich, but the tropical pineapple flavor will shine right through.

Why does my bread sometimes sink in the middle?

A sunken center generally means the bread is underbaked or the batter was overmixed. Make sure to test with a toothpick and mix dry and wet ingredients just until combined — your Pineapple Quick Bread will come out perfectly every time!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried Pineapple Quick Bread, now’s the perfect time to bake up a loaf and let your kitchen fill with the scent of tropical sweetness. Every slice is a celebration of sunshine, simplicity, and a little baking magic. Give it a try, share it with someone special, and enjoy every moist, fruity bite!