This moist pineapple zucchini bread is a delightful twist on a classic treat! It combines sweet pineapple with fresh zucchini for a yummy and colorful loaf that everyone will love.
Trust me, the combo of pineapple and zucchini makes this bread super tasty—you won’t even taste the veggie! I love enjoying it warm with a little butter spread on top. So good! 🍞🌼
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds moisture and nutrition. If you don’t have it, you can use grated carrots for a different flavor and texture. Just make sure to squeeze out excess moisture!
Pineapple: Crushed pineapple brings sweetness and a tropical twist. If you’re short on pineapple, unsweetened applesauce can be a good alternative, but it will change the flavor a bit.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard here. For a healthier option, you can substitute half with whole wheat flour. It adds nuttiness and makes the bread a bit denser.
Sugars: Both granulated and brown sugars create a nice balance of sweetness. If you’re looking for something less sweet, you can cut back on the sugar or use coconut sugar for a different flavor.
Nuts and Dried Fruit: I love adding walnuts or pecans for crunch. If you prefer, you can leave them out or use sunflower seeds for a nut-free version. Dried cranberries or raisins bring an extra sweetness; feel free to swap based on your preference!
How Do I Get the Moistest Pineapple Zucchini Bread?
Keeping your bread moist is essential for great texture! Here are some tips to ensure you get it just right:
- **Squeeze the Zucchini:** Before measuring, squeeze out excess water from the shredded zucchini. This prevents it from being too watery in the batter.
- **Use Ripe Pineapple:** Opt for well-drained, ripe crushed pineapple for natural sweetness and moisture. Make sure to drain it well to avoid excess liquid.
- **Don’t Overmix:** When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix only until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bread.
- **Bake Just Right:** Keep an eye on the baking time. Check for doneness a few minutes early to avoid overbaking, which can dry out the bread.
- **Cool Properly:** Let the bread cool in the pan for a while before moving it to a rack. This helps it retain moisture and prevents breaking apart.
Follow these simple tips, and you’ll have a moist and delicious pineapple zucchini bread that everyone will love!
Moist Pineapple Zucchini Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
Add-Ins (Optional):
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious loaf takes about 15 minutes to prep and approximately 55-65 minutes to bake. After that, you’ll want to let it cool, so set aside about 1.5 hours from start to finish to enjoy your warm, moist pineapple zucchini bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent the bread from sticking or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This will combine all the dry ingredients and evenly distribute the leavening agents. Set this bowl aside for later.
3. Make the Wet Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract until everything is blended smoothly.
4. Add Zucchini and Pineapple:
Gently fold in the shredded zucchini and drained crushed pineapple into the wet mixture. These ingredients are key for adding moisture and flavor to your bread.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the bowl of dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. It’s important not to overmix, as this could lead to a denser loaf.
6. Stir in Add-Ins:
If you’re using nuts or dried fruit, now’s the time to fold them into the batter. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture for a delightful texture.
7. Pour into Pan:
Carefully pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Bake:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil.
9. Cool Down:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Slice and Serve:
Once fully cooled, slice your moist pineapple zucchini bread. It’s perfect on its own, or you can enjoy it with a spread of butter or cream cheese. Enjoy your delicious creation!
This delightful bread stays moist thanks to the pineapple and zucchini and has a lovely texture from the optional nuts and dried fruit. Enjoy it as a breakfast treat or afternoon snack!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini or Pineapple?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid from both the zucchini and pineapple before using them in the recipe. This will help maintain the right moisture balance in your bread.
How Can I Store Leftover Pineapple Zucchini Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze individual slices. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag!
Can I Make This Bread Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture! Additionally, check that any other ingredients used, like baking powder, are gluten-free.
What Variations Can I Try?
Feel free to get creative! You can add nuts, coconut flakes, or even chocolate chips for a sweet twist. You can replace some of the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile. Just remember that liquid sweeteners may affect the batter consistency, so adjust as necessary!
