If you’re looking for a moist, tropical, and crowd-pleasing quick bread, this pineapple bread with sweet pineapple glaze is your perfect choice. This recipe combines the bright, tangy flavor of crushed pineapple with a soft, buttery crumb and a luscious glaze on top, making it as beautiful as it is delicious.
Whether you’re planning a weekend brunch, baking for a party, or simply craving a slice of something sweet to go with your afternoon tea, this pineapple bread delivers every time. Thanks to its tender texture, fruity flavor, and beautiful golden crust, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Let’s dive in to discover why you’ll love this recipe, the best way to make it step by step, and some pro tips for perfect results every time.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Bread
There are so many reasons why this bread stands out. First of all, it’s wonderfully moist and flavorful, thanks to both the crushed pineapple and the reserved pineapple syrup, which infuses the bread with natural sweetness and tropical notes.
In addition, it’s a simple recipe that doesn’t require any special equipment or advanced baking skills — perfect for novice bakers or seasoned pros alike. Even better, this bread is versatile. You can serve it for breakfast, enjoy it as an afternoon snack, or even dress it up as a light dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
The pineapple glaze takes this bread to the next level, adding a glossy finish and a sweet, tangy touch that perfectly complements the bread’s soft crumb.
What Is Pineapple Bread?
Pineapple bread is a quick bread made without yeast, which means there’s no need to wait for it to rise. Instead, it’s leavened with baking powder and baked just like banana bread or zucchini bread. The inclusion of crushed pineapple and its syrup gives the bread a tropical twist, making it a delightful variation on more traditional quick breads.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make this irresistible pineapple bread:
For the Bread:
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ cup pineapple syrup (from canned pineapple)
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained (save the syrup)
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons pineapple syrup (plus more if needed)
All of these ingredients are easy to find and likely already in your pantry or refrigerator. Using canned crushed pineapple is key here, as it provides both the fruit and the syrup necessary for that tropical sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe comes together quickly and easily. Here’s exactly how to make it:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×4-inch loaf pan by greasing it with butter, spraying it with non-stick spray, or lining it with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make it easier to remove the bread later.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar and softened butter until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is important because it incorporates air, which helps the bread rise. Next, beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding the next.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add half of the dry mixture to the wet ingredients along with the pineapple syrup. Stir gently until combined, then add the remaining dry mixture and milk. Mix just until incorporated. Finally, fold in the drained crushed pineapple with a spatula or spoon. Be careful not to overmix at this stage — overmixing can make your bread dense.
Step 3: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place it on the middle rack of your preheated oven and bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
Step 4: Cool
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling helps the bread set and makes it easier to glaze.
Step 5: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and pineapple syrup until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more syrup, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
Once the bread is cool, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top. Let it set for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Pineapple Bread
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Drain the pineapple well, but save the syrup — it’s essential for both the batter and the glaze.
- Don’t overmix the batter. Stir gently just until combined to keep the bread light and fluffy.
- If your loaf pan is dark metal, it may bake faster. Check for doneness at 45 minutes.
- Let the bread cool completely before glazing, or the glaze may melt and soak in too much.
Why Bake with Pineapple?
Pineapple adds more than just flavor — it also adds moisture, natural sweetness, and a boost of vitamin C to baked goods. Its tangy notes brighten the overall taste of the bread, making it a refreshing alternative to richer quick breads like banana or pumpkin.
Serving Suggestions
This pineapple bread is perfect on its own, but here are a few ways to enjoy it even more:
- Serve with fresh fruit for a colorful brunch spread.
- Toast slices lightly and top with butter or cream cheese for breakfast.
- Dress it up as dessert with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.
- Pack slices in lunchboxes as a sweet midday treat.
Delicious Variations to Try
Want to make this recipe your own? Here are a few ideas:
- Add a handful of shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist.
- Mix in chopped nuts, such as pecans or macadamias, for extra texture.
- Sprinkle toasted coconut on top of the glaze for a beautiful finish.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for warm spice notes.
How to Store and Freeze
Store your pineapple bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.
Essential Kitchen Tools
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mixing bowls and whisk
- 8×4-inch loaf pan
- Rubber spatula or spoon
- Wire rack
- Measuring cups and spoons
These basic tools make baking a breeze.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pineapple?
You can, but it won’t have the same syrup. Substitute with pineapple juice for the liquid component.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes — use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is preferred for flavor, but margarine can work in a pinch.
Is the glaze necessary?
Not at all! The bread is delicious on its own, but the glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and shine.
Related Recipes You’ll Love
If you loved this Pineapple Bread, here are more recipes to try:
- Peach Snickerdoodle Cookies
- Blueberry Frozen Yogurt
- Grilled Pineapple Recipe
- Pineapple Whip Soft Serve
Each of these recipes highlights fruity flavors and sweet, comforting notes.
Conclusion: A Tropical Delight You’ll Bake Again and Again
This Irresistible Pineapple Bread with Sweet Pineapple Glaze is a recipe you’ll turn to whenever you want something special yet simple. With its moist crumb, tropical flavor, and beautiful presentation, it’s perfect for any occasion — from casual breakfasts to festive gatherings.
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PrintIrresistible Pineapple Bread with Sweet Pineapple Glaze
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
Description
If you’re looking for a moist, tropical, and crowd-pleasing quick bread, this pineapple bread with sweet pineapple glaze is your perfect choice. A delicious balance of fruity flavor and buttery crumb, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Pineapple Bread with Sweet Pineapple Glaze:
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ cup pineapple syrup (from canned pineapple)
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained (save the syrup)
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons pineapple syrup (plus more if needed)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×4-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or parchment paper.
- Make the Batter: Cream together the sugar and butter. Beat in the eggs, followed by the pineapple syrup. Add the dry ingredients and mix, then fold in the crushed pineapple.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 45–55 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, vanilla, and pineapple syrup until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bread.
Notes
- Drain the pineapple: Be sure to drain the pineapple well, but save the syrup for the glaze.
- Don’t overmix: Stir gently when combining the batter to keep the bread light.
- Cooling time: Let the bread cool completely before glazing for a neat presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Tropical



