Easy & Delicious Pineapple Bread Recipe: Moist & Glazed Perfection
Prepare to be completely captivated by the tropical flavor of this incredible Pineapple Bread. From the very first bite, you’ll be enchanted by its delightful sweetness and moist texture, loaded with tender crushed pineapple and finished with a luscious, bright pineapple glaze. This sweet bread isn’t just delicious; it’s an experience that transports your taste buds straight to a sun-drenched paradise, making it an instant family favorite.

This quick bread recipe is a shining star among Easy Pineapple Dessert Recipes, offering a simple yet profoundly satisfying way to enjoy the vibrant taste of pineapple. It’s incredibly straightforward to prepare, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. My family adores this moist loaf just as much as other beloved pineapple treats like Easy Upside Down Pineapple Cupcakes, the creamy Pineapple Dream Dessert Recipe, and the ever-popular Easy Pineapple Poke Cake Recipe. The secret to its charm lies in the generous amount of pineapple baked into every single slice, ensuring an explosion of fruity flavor in each bite!
For years, I’ve also been perfecting other pineapple-infused delights such as Pineapple Bread Pudding, delightful Pineapple Cookies, and the effortlessly delicious Pineapple Dump Cake. This pineapple quick bread holds a special place, however, for its ease, versatility, and sheer deliciousness as a standalone treat or a crowd-pleasing dessert.
Table of contents
- Why This Pineapple Bread Recipe Works
- Simple Ingredients for Pineapple Bread
- Delicious Variations and Substitutions
- Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Pineapple Bread
- Proper Storage for Freshness
- Essential Tips for Baking Success
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- More Irresistible Quick Bread Recipes
Why This Pineapple Bread Recipe Works
This pineapple bread isn’t just another quick bread; it’s a culinary triumph for several reasons. The primary secret to its unparalleled moistness lies in the generous amount of crushed pineapple folded into the batter. Pineapple, with its high water content and natural acidity, not only imparts a fantastic tropical flavor but also keeps the bread incredibly tender and prevents it from drying out, even days after baking. Unlike yeast breads that require time-consuming proofing and kneading, this quick bread is remarkably simple to make, perfect for busy schedules.
Furthermore, the simple three-ingredient glaze elevates this bread from good to extraordinary. Made with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and reserved pineapple juice, it adds an extra layer of pineapple flavor and a beautiful sheen, making it an irresistible dessert or a delightful breakfast treat. The combination of easy preparation, moist texture, and vibrant taste makes this recipe a true winner that you’ll want to bake again and again. For even more tropical indulgence, consider trying our Pineapple Bread Pudding.
Simple Ingredients for Pineapple Bread
One of the beauties of this pineapple bread recipe is its reliance on readily available, everyday ingredients. You likely have most of these staples in your pantry right now! Using quality ingredients is key to achieving the best flavor and texture. For the main bread loaf, you’ll need a combination of dry and wet ingredients that come together effortlessly to create a rich, flavorful batter.

For the Bread:
- All Purpose Flour: The foundation of our quick bread, providing structure.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bread and helps with browning and moistness.
- Unsalted Butter (softened at room temperature): Adds richness and tenderizes the crumb. Ensure it’s properly softened for best creaming results.
- Large Eggs: Bind the ingredients together, add moisture, and contribute to the bread’s structure and richness.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors, adding a warm, comforting note.
- Crushed Pineapple with Juice (drained and reserve the juice): The star ingredient, providing moisture, texture, and that irresistible tropical flavor. Draining is crucial, but don’t discard that precious juice for the glaze!
For the Glaze:
- Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet glaze that sets beautifully.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch more vanilla complements the pineapple perfectly.
- Pineapple Juice (from the can of crushed pineapple): The secret to a truly pineapple-flavored glaze that ties everything together.
You can find the complete ingredient list with precise measurements conveniently located in the recipe card at the bottom of this page. These simple components combine to create a truly spectacular pineapple quick bread that everyone will adore!

Delicious Variations and Substitutions
While this pineapple bread recipe is perfect as is, it’s also incredibly versatile, allowing for fun variations to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe truly your own!
- Shredded Coconut: For an even more intense tropical experience, try substituting half of the crushed pineapple with an equal amount of shredded coconut. This adds a wonderful texture and a complementary flavor that pairs beautifully with the pineapple.
- Nuts: Adding chopped nuts to the batter introduces a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Good options include chopped pecans, macadamia nuts (which pair exceptionally well with tropical fruits), or walnuts. Fold them in at the same stage as the pineapple for even distribution.
- Spices: A pinch of warm spices can elevate the flavor profile. Try adding a half teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a quarter teaspoon of nutmeg along with the dry ingredients. Ginger or cardamom could also provide an interesting twist.
- Dried Fruits: Mix in a handful of dried cranberries, raisins, or even chopped dried apricots for additional texture and a different layer of sweetness.
- Citrus Zest: Grating the zest of an orange or lime into the batter can brighten the flavors and add a fragrant aroma.
- Pineapple Chunks or Tidbits: If you only have canned pineapple chunks or tidbits, simply place them in a blender or food processor and pulse until they reach the consistency of crushed pineapple. Remember to drain and reserve the juice!
- Glaze Variations: Beyond the classic pineapple glaze, you could make a simple vanilla glaze (powdered sugar, milk, vanilla), or for a richer topping, a cream cheese frosting would be absolutely divine.
These simple adjustments can lead to exciting new flavors and textures, ensuring this quick bread never gets boring!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Pineapple Bread
Baking this moist and flavorful pineapple bread is a straightforward process, even for beginner bakers. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a perfectly baked loaf every time.
- Step 1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when your batter is ready, promoting even baking. Generously spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with a non-stick cooking spray, or grease and flour it thoroughly, to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the baked bread.

Step 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all your dry ingredients: the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together thoroughly for about 30 seconds to ensure they are well distributed. This step is crucial for the leavening agents to work properly and create a light, airy texture.

Step 3. In a separate, medium-sized bowl, use an electric mixer (either a handheld or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment) to beat together the granulated sugar and softened unsalted butter. Cream these two ingredients together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, typically taking 2-3 minutes. This process incorporates air, which contributes to the bread’s tender crumb.

Step 4. Once the butter and sugar are creamed, add the large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Follow with the vanilla extract and mix until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed.

Step 5. Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet butter mixture, stirring on low speed with your electric mixer. Mix only until the dry ingredients are *just* combined with the wet ingredients. It’s crucial not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense and tough bread rather than a light and fluffy one.

Step 6. Now, add the drained crushed pineapple to the batter. Gently fold in the crushed pineapple by hand using a wooden spoon or a rubber spatula until it is evenly distributed throughout the batter. Overmixing here can also develop gluten, so be gentle and mix only until just combined.

Step 7. Carefully pour the prepared batter into your greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. For an even top and to release any trapped air bubbles, I like to gently tap the pan on the countertop a few times. This helps to settle the batter and ensures a beautiful, smooth crust.

Step 8. Place the loaf pan into the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes. The bread is done when a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you notice the top browning too quickly, loosely tent the loaf with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning while the inside continues to cook.

Step 9. Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the loaf pan for 10-15 minutes. This allows the bread to set and prevents it from breaking when removed. After this initial cooling, carefully invert the pan to remove the bread and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling completely is essential before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.

Step 10. While your pineapple bread is cooling, prepare the delicious glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and the reserved pineapple juice until smooth and lump-free. Add more juice a tiny bit at a time if you prefer a thinner glaze, or more powdered sugar for a thicker consistency.

Step 11. Once the bread has completely cooled to room temperature, generously pour the prepared glaze evenly over the top of the loaf. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This ensures the glaze hardens slightly, giving it a beautiful finish and preventing it from being too sticky.

Proper Storage for Freshness
To keep your delicious pineapple bread fresh and moist for as long as possible, proper storage is key. Any leftover bread should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. It will remain wonderfully fresh for up to 5 days. If you’re stacking slices, I recommend placing small pieces of parchment paper between them to prevent sticking, especially if the glaze is still slightly tacky. For longer storage, this quick bread freezes beautifully. Ensure it’s completely cooled and the glaze is fully set, then wrap the entire loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil or a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen bread in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature, then enjoy!
Essential Tips for Baking Success
Achieving the perfect pineapple bread is simple when you follow a few key tips:
- Cover the Bread: If you notice the top of your bread browning too quickly during baking, don’t panic! Simply loosely tent the loaf pan with aluminum foil for the remainder of the cooking time. This will prevent the top from burning while allowing the interior to bake through completely.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for any quick bread. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough, dense bread instead of the light, fluffy texture we’re aiming for. Mix only until the wet and dry ingredients are just combined; a few small lumps in the batter are perfectly fine.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you begin. Softened butter creams better with sugar, incorporating more air, and room temperature eggs emulsify more easily, leading to a smoother, more uniform batter.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Always spoon your flour into the measuring cup and then level it off with the back of a knife. Scooping directly from the bag can compact the flour, leading to too much flour and a dry, dense bread.
- Cool Completely Before Glazing: While it’s tempting to glaze warm bread, resist! Applying glaze to a hot loaf will cause it to melt and run off, resulting in a soggy exterior rather than a beautiful, set glaze. Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about making this delicious pineapple bread:
No problem at all! If you only have canned pineapple slices or chunks, you can easily turn them into crushed pineapple. Just place the slices or chunks in a blender or food processor and pulse them a few times until they reach the same texture as crushed pineapple. Remember to drain the pineapple well and reserve the juice for the glaze, just as you would with canned crushed pineapple.
Yes, pineapple quick bread freezes exceptionally well! You can choose to freeze the entire loaf or divide it into individual slices for convenient grab-and-go portions. Before freezing, ensure the bread is completely cool and the glaze has fully set. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature.
While canned crushed pineapple is recommended for its consistent moisture and convenience, you can use fresh pineapple. You’ll need to finely dice or grate about 1.5-2 cups of fresh pineapple to achieve a similar texture. Keep in mind that fresh pineapple can sometimes be more acidic or release more liquid, so ensure it’s well-drained. You’ll also need to use store-bought pineapple juice for the glaze if you’re not using canned.
Absolutely! This recipe can easily be adapted for muffins. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well. Fill each cup about two-thirds full with batter. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The glaze works wonderfully on muffins too!

More Irresistible Quick Bread Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with the simplicity and deliciousness of quick breads, you’re in for a treat! These easy-to-make loaves are perfect for any occasion, from breakfast to dessert. Explore some of our other fantastic quick bread recipes:
- Cranberry Bread Recipe
- Pumpkin Bread Recipe
- Snickerdoodle Bread
- Libby’s Pumpkin Bread Recipe
- Hummingbird Bread
- Unicorn Bread
Each offers a unique flavor profile and the same satisfying ease of preparation. They’re all perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of coffee or tea.
We truly hope you’ll take the opportunity to try this delicious and incredibly moist pineapple bread recipe. Its tropical notes and sweet glaze are sure to bring a smile to your face. Once you’ve baked it, please take a moment to leave a comment and a star rating below. We absolutely love hearing from our readers and seeing how much you enjoy our recipes!
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Pineapple Bread
Ingredients
- For the Bread:
- 2 cups All Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter softened
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 can Crushed Pineapple with Juice drained and reserve the juice
- For the Glaze:
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 2 Tablespoons Pineapple Juice from the can of crushed pineapple
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9X5 loaf pan with a non-stick cooking spray.
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In a mixing bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
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In a separate bowl, beat together the sugar with the butter with an electric mixer (hand held or stand up mixer) until the mixer is light and fluffy.
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Add in the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
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Then slowly add the flour mixture into the butter mixture and stir together on low speed. Mix until the batter is just combined.
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Then hand stir in the drained crushed pineapple with a wooden spoon or spatula until the pineapple is mixed into the batter.
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Gently tap the pan on the countertop to even out the batter and remove any air bubble from the batter.
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Bake for 55-60 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. Watch the bread closely while it cooks and the bread starts to brown too much on the top of the bread, loosely cover it with foil for the remaining of the cooking time.
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Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then carefully remove the bread from the pan and place on a wire rack to cool completely.
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While the bread is cooling, mix together the glaze ingredients in a medium bowl.
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Once the bread has cooled, pour the glaze on top and let the glaze set.
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Then the bread is ready to slice, serve and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
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