This Pineapple Quick Bread is like a slice of tropical sunshine. Moist, tender, and bursting with juicy crushed pineapple, it’s the perfect way to bring island vibes into your kitchen no matter the season. Enhanced with cream cheese and sour cream, the loaf achieves a rich, creamy texture while balancing the natural sweetness of pineapple. Finished with a simple pineapple glaze, this quick bread is ideal for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a light dessert. Whether you’re reminiscing about beachside mornings or just craving something fresh and fruity, this bread delivers a delicious escape in every bite.
Full Recipe:
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 juice for the glaze)
For the Glaze:
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons reserved pineapple juice
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard bread pan and set it aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth and creamy.
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
Fold in the sour cream, followed by the drained crushed pineapple.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 55–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with the reserved pineapple juice until smooth and pourable. Adjust the juice to reach desired consistency.
Drizzle glaze over the fully cooled bread. Slice and enjoy!
Nutrients (Approximate per slice, based on 12 servings)
Calories: ~310
Fat: ~10g
Saturated Fat: ~6g
Carbohydrates: ~50g
Sugar: ~32g
Protein: ~3g
Sodium: ~300mg
Fiber: ~1g
Vitamin C: ~6mg
Calcium: ~40mg
The Magic of Pineapple in Baking
Pineapple is a fruit that brings not only brightness and sweetness but also moisture and depth of flavor to baked goods. In this quick bread, crushed pineapple acts as a central ingredient, lending natural sweetness and juiciness without overwhelming the loaf. It blends harmoniously with the other ingredients to create a tender, flavorful crumb that stays moist for days.
The use of canned crushed pineapple makes this recipe accessible year-round. Unlike fresh pineapple, which can be fibrous and inconsistent in flavor, canned pineapple ensures uniform texture and sweetness. The juice from the can is reserved and repurposed into a glaze, ensuring that no part of the fruit goes to waste.
Pineapple’s natural acidity also complements the richness of cream cheese and sour cream, creating a pleasant contrast that keeps the loaf from feeling too heavy. Every bite delivers a tropical tang that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
Cream Cheese and Sour Cream: The Moisture Duo
This recipe stands out among quick breads thanks to its use of both cream cheese and sour cream in the batter. These two ingredients add luxurious creaminess and contribute to the bread’s moist, dense-yet-tender structure. Cream cheese offers a subtle tang and richness, while sour cream keeps the bread incredibly soft and prevents it from drying out—even after a couple of days at room temperature.
Together, they create a texture that feels almost like a cross between a loaf cake and a pound cake—soft enough to melt in your mouth, yet firm enough to hold its shape when sliced. These ingredients also tone down the sweetness, creating a more sophisticated flavor that works just as well with coffee or tea as it does on its own.
The Glorious Pineapple Glaze
A drizzle of glaze can elevate a humble quick bread into a stunning centerpiece, and this pineapple glaze does exactly that. It’s made simply by combining powdered sugar with a few tablespoons of reserved pineapple juice, creating a pourable topping that adds a light sheen and a hint of tangy sweetness.
The glaze sets with a delicate crust, adding a touch of texture without overpowering the moist loaf beneath. It’s not overly sweet—just enough to enhance the fruity flavors and deliver a final tropical kiss to each slice. It also serves a practical purpose by sealing in moisture, helping the bread stay fresh and tender for longer.
You can drizzle it lightly for a clean look or pour generously for a glossy, eye-catching finish. Either way, it makes the loaf feel complete and irresistible.
Perfect for Every Occasion
Pineapple Quick Bread is the kind of versatile recipe that fits seamlessly into many different occasions. For breakfast, a warm slice pairs beautifully with a cup of black coffee or spiced chai. As a brunch addition, it complements fruit salads, yogurt parfaits, or savory egg dishes. It’s also a fantastic lunchbox addition or afternoon snack, especially for kids who love sweet, fruity flavors.
During holidays or summer gatherings, the tropical flair makes it an unexpected yet welcome addition to the dessert table. It feels lighter than traditional cakes, yet it’s just as satisfying. You can even dress it up with a sprinkle of toasted coconut, chopped macadamia nuts, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an added festive touch.
If you’re gifting baked goods to friends or neighbors, this bread is an excellent choice. Wrapped in parchment and tied with a ribbon, it becomes a homemade treat that’s both heartfelt and delicious.
Nutritional Benefits and Substitutions
At approximately 310 calories per slice, this quick bread offers indulgence without being overly rich. Thanks to the pineapple and minimal use of oil, it feels lighter than other quick breads like banana or zucchini. It provides around 3 grams of protein and modest amounts of fiber, Vitamin C, and calcium.
If you’re looking to make healthier adaptations, several substitutions can help tailor the loaf to your dietary needs. You can replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend or whole wheat flour for added fiber. Swap sugar for coconut sugar or a reduced-calorie sweetener to lower the overall glycemic impact.
For a dairy-free version, plant-based sour cream and vegan cream cheese alternatives work well. Just ensure they are full-fat versions to maintain the bread’s creamy texture. You can even reduce the amount of glaze or skip it altogether if you prefer a less sweet finish.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Pineapple Quick Bread turns out perfectly every time, follow these tips:
Use room-temperature ingredients. This ensures a smoother batter and more even baking.
Drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly, reserving just a few tablespoons of juice for the glaze. Excess liquid in the batter can lead to a soggy loaf.
Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added. Overmixing can develop the gluten and lead to a denser texture.
Allow the bread to cool completely before glazing. If you glaze it while warm, the icing may melt and slide off.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for longer freshness. It also freezes well if wrapped tightly.
Conclusion
Pineapple Quick Bread is a delightful way to bring a bit of tropical sunshine into your kitchen. From the moist, creamy interior to the golden pineapple glaze, every element of this loaf is designed to please both the eye and the palate. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and suitable for every meal or celebration.
Whether you’re dreaming of island breezes or simply want to elevate your baking routine with something fruity and refreshing, this recipe delivers comfort and joy in every bite. With its cheerful flavor and soft, rich texture, Pineapple Quick Bread is bound to become a staple in your recipe collection—one you’ll return to again and again.
