If you love the tropical flavor of coconut and the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread, then coconut bread is the perfect treat for you. This moist, sweet bread is easy to make and can be enjoyed as a breakfast snack, dessert, or anytime indulgence. In this article, I’ll walk you through a straightforward recipe for making coconut bread from scratch, plus some tips to get it just right.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a list of the basic ingredients to make a delicious coconut bread loaf:
For the Bread
– 1½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1½ teaspoons baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ cup softened butter
– ⅔ cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs (room temperature)
– 1 teaspoon coconut extract (optional but recommended for extra coconut flavor)
– ½ cup full-fat coconut milk
– 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
For the Glaze (Optional but delicious)
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons full-fat coconut milk
– 1 tablespoon melted butter
– Additional shredded coconut for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside for later.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step helps create a tender crumb in your bread.
4. Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the coconut extract and coconut milk. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Be careful not to overmix; stir just until the flour disappears.
6. Fold in the Coconut
Gently fold in the shredded sweetened coconut. This adds texture and that signature coconut flavor throughout the bread.
7. Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for about 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the bread starts to brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
8. Cool and Glaze
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, mix the powdered sugar, coconut milk, and melted butter to make the glaze. Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the bread and sprinkle with extra shredded coconut.
Tips for Perfect Coconut Bread
– Use full-fat coconut milk for the best flavor and moist texture.
– Don’t overmix the batter to keep your bread light and fluffy.
– Test for doneness with a toothpick to avoid underbaking or drying out the bread.
– Add coconut extract if you want a more intense coconut aroma.
– Try toasting the shredded coconut before folding it in or sprinkling on top for a nuttier flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Coconut Bread
Coconut bread is wonderfully versatile. It’s sweet but not overly sugary, with a rich coconut flavor that’s both exotic and comforting. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea and makes a delightful snack or breakfast option. Plus, it’s simple enough to whip up any day of the week.
Give this recipe a try and enjoy a slice of tropical goodness right from your oven!
Enjoy your baking adventure!