If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping a pina colada on a warm beach, this bread is your ticket there—no passport required. Pina Colada Quick Bread is soft, moist, and bursting with pineapple and coconut flavor, making it the ultimate tropical treat you can bake at home. It’s the kind of recipe that works for breakfast, brunch, snacks, or dessert—and the best part? It comes together in under an hour with simple pantry ingredients.
Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply craving a slice of sunshine, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
🍍 Why You’ll Love This Pina Colada Quick Bread
- Moist & Flavorful: Pineapple keeps the loaf soft and juicy.
- Tropical Twist: Coconut flakes + pineapple = vacation in every bite.
- Easy to Make: No mixer required—just one bowl and a whisk.
- Customizable: Vegan, gluten-free, or boozy versions are easy to adapt.
- Freezer-Friendly: Bake now, enjoy later.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
(with pro tips & substitutions)
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour → You can swap with gluten-free blend.
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar → Honey or coconut sugar works too.
- ½ cup brown sugar → Adds caramel notes & moisture.
- 2 large eggs → For structure; use flax eggs for vegan.
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil for extra flavor)
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream → Ensures tenderness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp coconut extract (optional, but highly recommended)
- 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, well-drained
- ½ cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened, your choice)
- Optional: 1 tbsp rum or rum extract for a boozy twist
👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Whisk dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt) in a large bowl.
- Mix wet ingredients (eggs, oil, yogurt, vanilla, extracts) in a separate bowl until smooth.
- Combine wet + dry: Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Do not overmix.
- Add pineapple & coconut: Fold them in carefully for even distribution.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
🌟 Pro Tips for Success
- Avoid soggy bread: Drain pineapple very well before adding.
- Don’t overmix: This keeps the crumb soft and fluffy.
- Add a glaze: Mix powdered sugar, coconut milk, and lime zest for a tropical drizzle.
- Boost texture: Toast coconut flakes before folding them in for extra flavor.
🍰 Variations & Customizations
- Vegan Version: Replace eggs with flax eggs, yogurt with coconut yogurt.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
- Mini Loaves or Muffins: Reduce baking time to 20–25 minutes.
- Boozy Bread: Add 1 tbsp white rum to mimic the classic cocktail.
🥥 Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with butter or cream cheese.
- Top with coconut glaze for a dessert-style loaf.
- Pair with coffee, tea, or a tropical smoothie.
- Decorate with toasted coconut for a party presentation.
❄️ Storage & Freezing Guide
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container up to 3–4 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for 5–6 days.
- Freezer: Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, store up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp or reheat gently.
đź“Š Nutrition Information (per slice, approx.)
- Calories: 250
- Carbs: 32g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 12g
- Sugar: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
(Values may vary based on ingredients used.)
âť“ FAQs about Pina Colada Quick Bread
Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, just chop it finely and press out excess juice to avoid soggy bread.
Q: Can I make this bread without coconut?
You can, but it won’t have the true pina colada flavor. Substitute with chopped nuts if desired.
Q: How do I prevent fruit from sinking to the bottom?
Toss pineapple in a tablespoon of flour before folding into the batter.
Q: Can this recipe be doubled?
Absolutely! Bake in two pans or a 9×13-inch dish (adjust time).
Q: Is pina colada quick bread healthy?
It’s more of a treat, but you can make it lighter by reducing sugar, using whole wheat flour, or swapping oil for applesauce.
🌴 Final Thoughts
This Pina Colada Quick Bread is the ultimate tropical-inspired comfort food—moist, flavorful, and unbelievably easy to bake. Whether you enjoy it plain, glazed, or with a splash of rum, it’s guaranteed to bring a slice of sunshine to your table.
👉 Try it once, and it just might become your go-to loaf for summer gatherings, potlucks, or even cozy weekends at home.
