🍍🥥 Pina Colada Quick Bread

Pina Colada Quick Bread brings the tropical flavors of pineapple and coconut together in a moist, sweet loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert — no mixer required!

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🍍🥥 Pina Colada Quick Bread

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 50–60 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8–10 slices

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📝 Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
• 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, undrained
• ½ cup coconut milk (or regular milk)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon rum extract (optional for pina colada flavor)
• ½ cup shredded sweetened coconut
• Optional: ¼ cup chopped maraschino cherries

For the glaze (optional):

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons pineapple juice or milk
• Sprinkle of toasted coconut (optional)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
3. In another bowl, mix eggs, oil, crushed pineapple, coconut milk, vanilla, and rum extract.
4. Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Fold in shredded coconut (and cherries, if using).
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
7. If using glaze, whisk ingredients and drizzle over cooled bread. Top with toasted coconut if desired.

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✅ Tips:

• For extra coconut flavor, use coconut extract in place of vanilla.
• Store in an airtight container at room temp for 2–3 days, or refrigerate up to 5 days.
• Freezes beautifully — wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

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✅ What Makes a Quick Bread Soft and Fluffy?

1. Proper leavening: Using the right amount of baking powder or baking soda creates the bubbles that make the bread rise and stay light.
2. Don’t overmix: Overmixing the batter develops too much gluten, making the bread dense. Stir until just combined.
3. Moisture balance: Ingredients like oil, yogurt, buttermilk, or fruit (like bananas or pineapple) add softness.
4. Room temperature ingredients: Using eggs and dairy at room temp helps them blend better, giving a more even, fluffy texture.
5. Fresh leaveners: Old baking powder or soda won’t rise well — make sure yours isn’t expired!

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🧊 Do You Have to Refrigerate Quick Bread?

• Not usually. Most quick breads (banana, zucchini, pumpkin, etc.) are fine at room temperature for 2–3 days, especially if wrapped tightly.
• Refrigerate only if it contains perishable ingredients like cream cheese or fresh fruit toppings.
• For longer storage (4–5 days), refrigeration is fine — just keep it sealed to avoid drying out.
• Freeze for 2–3 months by wrapping slices or loaves in plastic wrap and storing in a freezer bag.