Pineapple Cinnamon Bread

Pineapple Cinnamon Bread

Introduction

Pineapple Cinnamon Bread is a delightful baked treat that combines the tropical flavor of pineapple with the cozy, warm spice of cinnamon. With its tender crumb, golden-brown crust, and sweet glaze, this bread is a crowd-pleaser for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. It’s a perfect balance of fruitiness, spice, and sweetness.

Ingredients

For the Bread Batter:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup crushed pineapple (with juice)

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

For the Vanilla Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk (more if needed)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Batter:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
• In another bowl, beat eggs, oil, vanilla, and crushed pineapple (including the juice).
• Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring just until mixed.

2. Create the Cinnamon Swirl:

• In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter.
• Pour half the batter into the loaf pan.
• Drizzle half of the cinnamon swirl over the batter and lightly swirl with a knife.
• Pour the remaining batter on top and repeat the swirl process with the rest of the cinnamon mixture.

3. Bake:

• Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Add the Glaze:

• Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Drizzle over cooled bread.

Method Overview

1. Mixing dry and wet ingredients separately.
2. Combining with minimal stirring to avoid overmixing.
3. Swirling in cinnamon-sugar for flavor pockets.
4. Baking until golden and fragrant.
5. Glazing for a sweet finish.

History

Quick breads like this one emerged in the 19th century after the invention of baking powder and baking soda. Pineapple as a baking ingredient gained popularity in the mid-20th century with the rise of canned fruits. This specific variation with cinnamon swirl and glaze is a more modern fusion of traditional coffee cake and tropical bread.

Health Benefits

• Pineapple: Rich in Vitamin C and bromelain, an enzyme that aids digestion.
• Cinnamon: May help regulate blood sugar and has antioxidant properties.
• Moderate Sweetness: This bread can be made healthier by adjusting sugar content or substituting with honey or maple syrup.

Formation

The layered swirl creates pockets of cinnamon throughout the loaf. The glaze settles into the ridges of the bread, enhancing both appearance and flavor. The loaf shape makes it easy to slice and serve.

Conclusion

Pineapple Cinnamon Bread is a comforting, flavorful dessert or snack that’s easy to make and hard to resist. Its blend of warm spice and tropical brightness creates a balanced treat that’s perfect any time of day.

Lovers of This Bread

• Brunch enthusiasts: Ideal alongside coffee or tea.
• Baking hobbyists: A simple yet rewarding bake.
• Sweet tooths: The glaze and cinnamon swirl offer a perfect hit of sweetness.
• Tropical fruit fans: A great way to enjoy pineapple in baked goods.

Nutrition (approx. per slice, based on 12 slices)

• Calories: 280
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Sugars: 22g
• Fat: 12g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Vitamin C: 4% DV
• Calcium: 3% DV

Final Conclusion

Whether served warm or chilled, Pineapple Cinnamon Bread is a joy for the senses. Moist, sweet, and spiced, it’s loved by many for its comforting flavor and beautiful presentation. Easy to adapt and perfect for gatherings, it’s a staple recipe that belongs in every baker’s repertoire.