Tired of the same old bread recipes? Craving a taste of the tropics? Then look no further! This pineapple quick bread is the perfect solution for a delicious and easy homemade treat. It's bursting with juicy pineapple flavor, wonderfully moist, and incredibly simple to make, even for beginner bakers. This recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals, perfect for a satisfying breakfast, afternoon snack, or even a delightful dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained (reserve ½ cup of the juice)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This simple step ensures your bread bakes evenly and releases easily.
Dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Thoroughly combining the dry ingredients prevents lumps and ensures even baking.
Wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the drained crushed pineapple, oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and reserved pineapple juice. The reserved juice adds extra moisture and intensifies the pineapple flavor.
Combine: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can result in a tough bread, so be gentle! Stir in the nuts (if using).
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents sticking and allows for even cooling.
Tips for the Best Pineapple Quick Bread:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
- Use fresh pineapple: Fresh pineapple offers the best flavor and texture. Canned pineapple works too, but ensure it's well-drained.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet bread, reduce the sugar by ¼ cup.
- Add a glaze: For an extra touch of sweetness, brush the cooled bread with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or pineapple juice.
Variations:
- Coconut Pineapple Bread: Add ½ cup of shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist.
- Spiced Pineapple Bread: Increase the cinnamon and nutmeg, or add a pinch of ginger or cardamom for a warmer, spicier flavor.
- Citrus Pineapple Bread: Add the zest of one orange or lemon for a brighter, citrusy flavor.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Around 250
- Fat: Around 10g
- Carbohydrates: Around 35g
- Sugar: Around 15g
- Protein: Around 4g
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.)
This easy pineapple quick bread recipe is perfect for any occasion. It's a simple yet delicious homemade treat that’s sure to impress your family and friends. So grab your ingredients and get baking! Enjoy this burst of tropical sunshine in every bite. It's a fantastic addition to your repertoire of delicious dishes and best recipes.