Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey to the tropics without leaving your kitchen? Look no further than our delightful Pineapple Quick Bread recipe! Bursting with the sweet, tangy flavor of crushed pineapple and infused with creamy goodness, this moist and tender bread is the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, each bite is sure to transport you to paradise. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to create this tropical delight!
Ingredients:
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 20 oz can crushed pineapple, drained (reserve 2-3 tablespoons of the juice for the glaze)
For the Glaze:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons reserved pineapple juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
3. Beat Cream Cheese and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Wet Ingredients:
- Beat in the vanilla extract and beaten egg until smooth. Stir in the sour cream until fully incorporated.
5. Fold in Pineapple:
- Gently fold the drained crushed pineapple into the wet mixture until evenly distributed.
6. Combine Wet and Dry:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
7. Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Glaze:
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. While the bread is cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and reserved pineapple juice until smooth.
9. Drizzle Glaze:
- Once the bread has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Add Nuts: For added texture and flavor, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts into the batter before baking.
- Enhance with Coconut: For a taste of the tropics, sprinkle shredded coconut on top of the glaze before it sets.
- Make it Zesty: Add a teaspoon of lemon or lime zest to the batter for a citrusy twist that complements the pineapple flavor.
Keto and Low-Carb Version:
To make a keto or low-carb version of this pineapple quick bread, try the following substitutions:
- Almond Flour: Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a combination of almond flour and coconut flour for a gluten-free option.
- Low-Carb Sweetener: Substitute the sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
- Greek Yogurt: Use plain Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a lower-carb alternative with added protein.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned? A: Yes, you can use fresh pineapple if you prefer. Simply chop it into small pieces and drain any excess juice before adding it to the batter.
Q: How should I store the bread? A: Store the cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. It can also be frozen for longer storage.
Q: Can I omit the glaze? A: Yes, if you prefer, you can skip the glaze and enjoy the bread as is. It’s delicious either way!
In conclusion, our Pineapple Quick Bread is a delightful fusion of tropical flavors and comforting homemade goodness. Whether you’re craving a sweet breakfast treat, a delicious dessert, or a delightful snack, this easy-to-make bread is sure to hit the spot. With its moist and tender texture, subtle hints of vanilla, and bursts of juicy pineapple in every bite, it’s a recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your household. So why wait? Whip up a batch today and transport your taste buds to a sunny island getaway with each heavenly slice!