ADVERTISEMENT
#### **Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the Oven**: 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. **Combine Dry Ingredients**: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Set aside.
3. **Mix Wet Ingredients**: In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, melted butter (or oil), and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until smooth and well combined.
4. **Add the Pineapple**: Add the drained pineapple to the wet ingredients. Stir until the pineapple is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this could result in a denser texture.
6. **Add Optional Add-ins**: If you’re adding nuts or shredded coconut, fold them into the batter.
7. **Bake**: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. The top of the bread should be golden brown, and the edges should pull away slightly from the pan.
8. **Cool**: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. **Serve**: Slice and enjoy! This bread can be served warm or at room temperature. It’s delicious on its own, or you can enjoy it with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey.
### **Fun Variations and Customizations**
While the basic recipe for pineapple bread is incredibly delicious, there are several fun variations you can try to tailor it to your tastes or dietary needs:
1. **Vegan Pineapple Bread**: To make the recipe vegan, swap the eggs for flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use coconut oil or vegetable oil instead of butter. Ensure that the sugar is vegan-friendly, as some sugars are processed with bone char.
2. **Pineapple-Coconut Bread**: Add extra coconut to the recipe for an extra tropical touch. This version is a hit with fans of coconut and pineapple, two flavors that are naturally meant to go together.
3. **Gluten-Free Pineapple Bread**: To make a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure that your baking powder and other ingredients are certified gluten-free as well.
4. **Pineapple Banana Bread**: Mix pineapple with ripe bananas for a unique twist. The sweetness and moisture of the bananas pair perfectly with the tropical pineapple for a richer, denser bread.
5. **Chocolate Chip Pineapple Bread**: For a fun treat, stir in some chocolate chips to the batter. The sweet pineapple pairs wonderfully with the melty chocolate chunks.
### **Storing Pineapple Bread**
Pineapple bread is best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to extend its shelf life, you can freeze it. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze it for up to 3 months. Simply thaw it at room temperature or warm it in the oven before serving.
### **Conclusion**
Pineapple bread is an easy-to-make, incredibly moist, and irresistibly sweet treat that you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. Its balance of tangy pineapple and buttery sweetness makes it a universally loved snack, and it pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself to something delightful, this pineapple bread recipe will bring smiles to your table.
