Pineapple Quick Bread – A Moist, Tropical Loaf That’s Ready in Minutes

If you love soft, moist, fruity quick breads, this Pineapple Quick Bread is about to earn a permanent spot in your baking rotation. Bursting with real pineapple flavor, this simple loaf brings warm tropical vibes to your kitchen any time of year. It’s tender, buttery, lightly sweet, and unbelievably fragrant—everything a great quick bread should be. Best of all, it comes together in under 10 minutes with basic pantry ingredients.

Unlike banana bread or zucchini bread, pineapple bread has a bright, sunny flavor that stands out on its own. The pineapple adds natural sweetness and moisture, keeps the crumb incredibly soft, and ensures the bread stays fresh for days. A touch of vanilla enhances the fruitiness, and a hint of cinnamon adds warmth without overpowering the tropical notes. Whether you serve it for breakfast, as a snack, or as a simple dessert, this loaf always hits the spot.

This recipe is a lifesaver for busy bakers because it requires zero mixers—just stir, pour, and bake. The result? A golden, buttery loaf studded with juicy pineapple pieces in every bite.


Why You’ll Love Pineapple Quick Bread

1. Ultra Moist Crumb

Crushed pineapple adds moisture that keeps the bread soft even days later.

2. One-Bowl, No-Mixer Recipe

Fast, simple, and beginner-friendly.

3. Naturally Sweet & Flavor-Packed

Pineapple + vanilla = pure tropical comfort.

4. Perfect for Any Occasion

Serve it at:

  • brunch
  • potlucks
  • Easter gatherings
  • picnics
  • summer desserts
  • after-school snacks

5. Customizable

Stir in coconut, nuts, or white chocolate to make countless variations.


What Makes Pineapple Bread So Good?

Pineapple is an underrated baking ingredient. It brings natural sugars, mild acidity, and moisture—much like banana. When folded into quick bread batter, it performs beautifully:

  • Keeps the texture tender
  • Adds a bright fruity sweetness
  • Distributes tiny juicy bits throughout the loaf
  • Balances perfectly with vanilla and warm spices

The condensed moisture from canned crushed pineapple makes this recipe especially easy and consistent.


Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon (optional but recommended)

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup melted butter (or neutral oil)
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, undrained

Optional Add-Ins

  • ½ cup shredded coconut
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • ½ cup white chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven.
    Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment.
  2. Combine dry ingredients.
    In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. Mix wet ingredients.
    In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and the entire can of crushed pineapple (with juice).
  4. Combine the two.
    Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir gently until just mixed. Do not overmix.
  5. Add mix-ins (optional).
    Fold in coconut, nuts, or chocolate if using.
  6. Bake.
    Pour batter into loaf pan. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool completely.
    Allow bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  8. Slice and serve.
    Enjoy warm, room temperature, or toasted with butter.

Tips for Perfect Pineapple Quick Bread

Use crushed pineapple, not chunks.
Crushed distributes moisture evenly; chunks can sink.

Don’t drain the pineapple!
The juice is essential for moisture and flavor.

Mix gently.
Overmixing creates dense bread.

Tent with foil if needed.
If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last 20 minutes.

Let it cool before slicing.
Warm bread slices more cleanly once the crumb sets.


Delicious Variations

Pineapple Coconut Bread (Pina Colada Style)

Add ½ cup coconut + 1 tsp coconut extract.

Pineapple Banana Bread

Replace one egg with ½ cup mashed banana.

Pineapple Carrot Bread

Fold in ¾ cup grated carrots for a tropical carrot bread twist.

Pineapple Upside-Down Bread

Add pineapple rings and cherries to the bottom of the pan.


Serving Suggestions

Your pineapple loaf tastes amazing:

  • warmed with butter
  • topped with cream cheese spread
  • served with vanilla ice cream
  • alongside tea or iced coffee
  • with a drizzle of honey

For brunch boards, slice and pair with berries, whipped cream, and tropical fruit.


Storage & Freezing

Room temperature: 3–4 days
Refrigerator: up to 1 week
Freezer: up to 3 months

To freeze, wrap the loaf or slices tightly and place in a freezer bag.

Reheat slices for 10–15 seconds to restore moisture.

Pineapple Quick Bread

A moist, buttery, tropical quick bread loaded with crushed pineapple and warm vanilla flavor—easy to make and perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 260

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon optional
Wet Ingredients
  • 2 eggs
  • 0.5 cup melted butter or oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 20 oz crushed pineapple undrained
Optional Add-Ins
  • 0.5 cup shredded coconut optional
  • 0.5 cup chopped walnuts optional

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
  2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. Mix eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and undrained crushed pineapple in another bowl.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
  5. Fold in coconut or nuts if using.
  6. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 55–65 minutes.
  7. Cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Do not drain the pineapple; the juice keeps the bread moist.

Fun Fact

Quick breads rose to popularity in the 1930s when baking soda and baking powder became widely available. Pineapple versions appeared shortly after canned pineapple became a household staple, inspiring sweet tropical loaves like this one!