Delicious Coconut Bread Recipe – Easy, Moist, and Full of Flavor

This Easy Coconut Bread is topped with a luscious coconut glaze and finished with a sprinkle of toasted coconut—pure paradise for coconut lovers!

There are few flavors I adore more than coconut, so it’s no surprise that this bread is one of my all-time favorites. Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it’s also wonderfully moist, rich, and absolutely delicious.

Enjoy it with your morning coffee for a delightful start to the day, or serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream for a heavenly dessert. However you have it, one thing’s for sure—you’re going to love every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Customizable flavors: Easily tweak the ingredients to create new variations of this delicious bread.
• Pantry-friendly ingredients: Made with simple staples you likely already have at home.
• Quick & easy: With minimal effort, you’ll have a warm, flavorful loaf ready in just over an hour!

Are you a fan of quick bread? I didn’t even realize what it was called until a few years ago! Growing up, my grandmother would bake this recipe and others like it, filling the house with the most amazing aromas—I just thought of it as a special treat, not knowing it had a name.

I always loved when she made her quick breads. They felt like an early dessert, and you’d never hear me complain about that!

This particular recipe is one of my favorites, and it also makes a thoughtful homemade gift. Every holiday season, I bake several loaves and send the kids out to deliver them to the neighbors. It’s a simple way to spread a little joy—one delicious slice at a time!

Ready to bake your way to coconut bliss? Let’s dive in!

Essential Ingredients for Coconut Bread

Key Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon butter, softened (for greasing the pan)
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups white sugar
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup low-fat milk
• ¼ cup water
• ¼ cup canola oil
• 1 ¼ teaspoons coconut extract (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Internal Tip: You can check out the healthy baking ideas for creative dairy-free and gluten-free swaps.

How to Make Coconut Bread Step-by-Step

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with softened butter.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, shredded coconut, baking powder, and salt. Stir a couple of times with a wooden spoon to mix.
3. Add the eggs, milk, water, oil, coconut extract (if using), vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Stir until the batter is well combined.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
5. Bake for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

For more on baking fundamentals, you can explore essential bread-baking tips to refine your technique.

How to Serve Coconut Bread

Although this is called “bread,” it’s more like a moist, sweet loaf—so toasting isn’t the best option, especially since the glaze can melt and get sticky. Instead, gently warm a slice in the microwave for about 15 seconds to bring out its softness without overcooking it.

Enjoy this coconut bread as-is, or try these delicious serving ideas:

• Spread with butter for extra richness.
• Pair with fresh fruit like blueberries, strawberries, mango, or pineapple for a tropical twist.
• Top with whipped cream or a drizzle of heavy cream for a more indulgent, dessert-like treat.

No matter how you serve it, this coconut bread is sure to be a hit!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Fresh Coconut Instead of Shredded?

Yes, you can! Fresh coconut can add even more natural sweetness and moisture to your coconut bread recipe. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Fresh coconut should be finely grated for even distribution in the batter. Also, since fresh coconut has a higher water content, you may need to reduce the amount of liquid (like coconut milk) slightly to avoid a soggy loaf.

If you’re short on time, using store-bought shredded coconut is a convenient alternative. Toasting fresh coconut before adding it to the batter can also enhance the nutty flavor.

What’s the Difference Between Coconut Bread and Banana Bread?

Both coconut and banana bread fall under the category of quick breads, but they have key differences. Coconut bread gets its signature tropical taste from shredded coconut, coconut milk, or coconut extract. Banana bread, on the other hand, relies on ripe bananas for its sweetness and moisture.

If you’re a fan of both, why not experiment? Try combining mashed bananas and shredded coconut in your next loaf for a hybrid tropical treat!

Can I Add Fruits or Nuts to the Recipe?

Absolutely! Many coconut bread recipes taste amazing with additions like chopped almonds, pecans, or dried pineapple. Just be sure to gently fold these ingredients in to avoid overmixing the batter.

Tips & Notes

• Flour substitution: You can swap some all-purpose flour with coconut flour, but only ¼ cup—and you’ll need to increase the number of eggs. Since coconut flour absorbs more liquid, it’s best to use tested coconut flour recipes to avoid wasting ingredients.
• Where to buy coconut flour: Find it at health food stores or purchase organic coconut flour online in bulk, as it can be pricey.
• Toasting coconut flakes: Keep a close eye on them while browning, as they burn quickly. You can toast them ahead of time to save effort later.
• Cooling before glazing: Always let the bread cool completely before adding glaze or storing it to prevent sogginess.
• Nutritional information: Keep in mind that nutrition estimates can vary based on ingredient brands and measurements.

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