This Pineapple Quick Bread is a tropical, sweet, and incredibly moist loaf that comes together in one bowl with no mixer required. The crushed pineapple adds bright, juicy flavor and keeps every slice tender for days, while a hint of cinnamon and optional coconut or macadamia nuts take it to the next level. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, snacking, or dessert, this easy quick bread is a reliable crowd-pleaser that travels beautifully and freezes well.
½cupunsalted butter113g; melted and slightly cooled
2large eggsroom temperature
1teaspoonvanilla extract5ml
1cancrushed pineapple8 oz / 227g; undrained, juice included
½cupsour cream120g; full-fat recommended
½cupshredded coconutoptional; 40g
½cupchopped macadamia nutsoptional; 60g
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan generously and line the bottom with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until evenly distributed.
In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla, crushed pineapple with juice, and sour cream until smooth.
Pour dry ingredients into wet and fold gently with a spatula using a figure-eight motion just until no dry flour streaks remain. Fold in coconut or nuts if using.
Pour batter into prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool in pan for 15 minutes, run a knife around edges, then turn out onto a cooling rack. Cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Do not drain the crushed pineapple—the juice adds essential moisture and tropical flavor to the bread.
Use room temperature eggs for smoother incorporation and a better final texture.
Measure flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling off; scooping directly can add too much flour and dry out the loaf.
Start checking for doneness at 50 minutes since oven temperatures vary; the top should be golden and spring back lightly when touched.
Let the bread cool completely before slicing for clean cuts; slicing warm bread can make it seem gummy.
Full-fat sour cream gives the richest, most tender crumb. Greek yogurt can be substituted in equal measure.
For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil and sour cream with dairy-free yogurt or coconut cream.
Add ½ cup shredded coconut and ½ cup chopped macadamia nuts for a tropical variation.
Make a simple glaze with 1 cup powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons pineapple juice and drizzle over cooled bread.
Store airtight at room temperature up to 4 days, refrigerate up to 1 week, or freeze tightly wrapped up to 3 months.