Unleash a captivating blend of autumn coziness and exotic tropical notes with this exceptional Pumpkin Coconut Bread. This recipe delivers a wonderfully moist and flavorful quick bread, where the richness of pumpkin perfectly intertwines with the sweet allure of coconut, thanks to both shredded coconut and a special “secret” ingredient. It’s an unexpected yet harmonious fusion that promises to delight your taste buds and become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.

If you’re a fan of comforting pumpkin baked goods, you’re in for a treat! Before diving into this unique creation, be sure to explore more of our beloved pumpkin recipes, like these Pumpkin Muffins with Chocolate Chips or these delightful Pumpkin Snickerdoodles.

Irresistible Pumpkin Coconut Bread: Your Ultimate Fall & Tropical Fusion Recipe

They say you should never judge a book by its cover, and that wisdom holds especially true for this humble, yet extraordinarily flavorful quick bread. While its appearance might suggest a simple bake, one bite will reveal a complex and utterly delicious experience far from ordinary. As the autumn leaves begin to turn and the scent of cinnamon fills the air, pumpkin recipes flood our feeds. But this year, we’re inviting you to elevate your fall baking game with something truly special: our Pumpkin Coconut Bread. It’s a game-changer that brings an unexpected twist to traditional fall flavors, making it perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy weekend treat.

My culinary journey has always been filled with a deep appreciation for both the comforting flavors of pumpkin and the exotic sweetness of coconut. Individually, they are stars. Pumpkin bread holds a special place in my heart, and I find coconut to be an incredibly versatile and delightful ingredient in many desserts. Yet, I had never considered combining them until I stumbled upon this gem in an old family cookbook. The moment I tried this recipe, I knew it was meant to be shared. The pumpkin and coconut don’t compete; instead, they dance together in perfect harmony, each flavor complementing the other without overpowering it. The result is a bread that is incredibly moist, fragrant, and perfectly balanced, embodying the best of both worlds. So, whether you’re already wrapped in the crisp embrace of fall or still yearning for a touch of summer, this bread is sure to transport your senses and get you in the mood for something truly exceptional.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Coconut Bread

This recipe isn’t just another quick bread; it’s an experience. Here’s why it’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen:

• Unique Flavor Profile: It masterfully blends the earthy warmth of pumpkin with the sweet, nutty essence of coconut, creating a taste sensation unlike any other.
• Unbelievably Moist: Thanks to the pumpkin puree and a secret ingredient – cook-and-serve coconut pudding mix – this bread boasts an incredibly tender and moist crumb that stays fresh for days.
• Simple to Make: Despite its gourmet taste, the preparation is straightforward and requires minimal effort, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Enjoy it as a comforting breakfast, a delightful afternoon snack, or a unique dessert. It’s also an ideal candidate for holiday brunches and potlucks.
• Great for Gifting: Baked in mini loaves, this bread makes a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift for friends, family, and neighbors during the holiday season.
• Aromatic Delight: The combination of pumpkin, coconut, cinnamon, and nutmeg will fill your home with an inviting aroma that embodies the spirit of fall.

Essential Ingredients for Your Pumpkin Coconut Bread

Crafting this flavorful bread requires a selection of common baking ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving its perfect texture and taste. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why:

• All-Purpose Flour: This forms the structural backbone of our bread, providing the necessary gluten to hold everything together. For best results, use unbleached all-purpose flour.
• Granulated Sugar: Not just for sweetness, sugar also contributes to the bread’s moistness and helps create that desirable golden-brown crust.
• Sweetened Shredded Coconut: This ingredient infuses the bread with its delightful tropical flavor and adds a pleasant chewiness. While sweetened is recommended for optimal flavor balance, unsweetened shredded coconut can be used if you prefer to reduce the overall sweetness.
• Cook and Serve Coconut Pudding Mix (The Secret Ingredient!): This is truly the magic touch that sets this recipe apart. Derived from an old family cookbook, the cook-and-serve pudding mix (not instant!) is key to achieving an unparalleled level of moisture and an extra boost of coconut flavor. While instant pudding is more common, this recipe has only been tested successfully with the cook-and-serve variety. Its unique composition helps retain moisture throughout the baking process, resulting in a bread that remains incredibly tender.
• Spices (Cinnamon & Nutmeg): These classic fall spices perfectly complement the pumpkin, adding warmth and depth to the flavor profile. You can also substitute these with 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice for a convenient alternative.
• Baking Soda: A crucial leavening agent, baking soda reacts with acidic ingredients (like pumpkin) to produce carbon dioxide, giving the bread its wonderful lift and airy texture.
• Salt: A pinch of salt is essential to balance the sweetness and enhance all the other flavors in the bread, preventing it from tasting flat.
• Neutral Oil (Vegetable Oil): Using a neutral-flavored oil, such as vegetable oil, ensures that the bread remains moist and tender without imparting any unwanted flavors. Canola oil or grapeseed oil are also good alternatives.
• Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, adding richness, structure, and moisture to the bread. Lightly whisking them before adding to the batter helps ensure they incorporate smoothly and prevents overmixing, which can lead to a tough texture.
• Canned Pumpkin Puree: The star ingredient for that quintessential fall flavor. Canned pumpkin puree offers consistent moisture and flavor. If you opt for homemade pumpkin puree, make sure to drain it thoroughly to prevent a watery batter.

How to Master Your Pumpkin Coconut Bread: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this delicious quick bread is a simple and rewarding process. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a perfectly baked loaf every time:

1. Prepare Your Pans: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking from the start. Thoroughly grease two 9×5-inch loaf pans. For effortless removal and cleanup, I highly recommend lining the greased pans with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the longer sides. This creates “handles” to lift the baked loaves out easily.
2. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: flour, granulated sugar, sweetened shredded coconut, both packages of cook-and-serve coconut pudding mix, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together until they are well combined. This step ensures that all the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Next, create a well (a small depression) in the center of your dry ingredients. Pour in the wet ingredients: vegetable oil, lightly beaten eggs, and canned pumpkin puree.
3. Mix Just Until Combined: Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently mix the wet and dry ingredients. The key here is to mix just until everything is combined and no dry streaks of flour remain. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in a tough, dense bread. A few lumps are perfectly acceptable and often indicate you haven’t overmixed.
4. Bake to Perfection: Divide the batter evenly between your two prepared loaf pans. Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so it’s essential to check for doneness. Insert a toothpick or a thin skewer into the center of a loaf; it should come out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it) when the bread is fully baked.
5. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool in their pans for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the bread to set and makes it easier to remove. After this initial cooling, use the parchment paper overhangs (if used) or carefully invert the pans to turn the loaves out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Slicing the bread while it’s still warm is tempting, but allowing it to cool fully will improve its texture and prevent it from crumbling.

Pro Baking Tips and Variations for Your Pumpkin Coconut Bread

Elevate your baking experience and adapt this versatile recipe to your preferences with these handy tips and creative variations:

• Mini Loaves for Sharing: This recipe is fantastic for making mini loaves, perfect for gifting or serving at a brunch. From one batch, you can yield approximately 16 mini loaves, depending on the size of your mini loaf pan. Adjust baking time accordingly; mini loaves will bake faster, usually between 25-35 minutes.
• Ensuring Perfect Doneness: The secret to a perfect quick bread is preventing both overbaking and underbaking. Overbaking leads to a dry, crumbly texture, while underbaking can cause the center to sink and remain raw. Always rely on the toothpick test: insert it into the deepest part of the loaf. If it comes out clean, your bread is done.
• Storage for Freshness: Once completely cooled, store your Pumpkin Coconut Bread at room temperature. For optimal freshness, place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This will keep it moist and delicious for 3-4 days.
• Freezing for Later: This bread freezes beautifully! Wrap whole loaves or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil. Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm slices in a toaster oven.
• Glaze Options: For an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal, consider adding a simple glaze. A cream cheese glaze or a basic powdered sugar glaze (mixed with a little milk or coconut milk and vanilla) would complement the flavors wonderfully. For an extra tropical kick, try a lime glaze!
• Add-Ins: Feel free to customize your bread with additional ingredients. Chocolate chips (dark or white!), chopped pecans or walnuts, or even dried cranberries would be delicious additions. Fold them into the batter just before pouring into the pans.
• Spice Adjustments: If you love a stronger spice presence, feel free to increase the amounts of cinnamon and nutmeg, or add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for a more complex fall flavor.

More Delicious Pumpkin Recipes to Explore

If you can’t get enough of pumpkin, be sure to check out these other fantastic recipes from our collection:

• Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes
• Classic Pumpkin Pie
• Decadent Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
• Elegant Pumpkin Roll
• Irresistible Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin Coconut Bread

★★★★★

5 from 1 vote

Author:
Deborah Harroun

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
1 hour

Total Time:
1 hour 10 minutes

Servings:
20 servings, 2 loaves

Course:
Bread

Cuisine:
American

Print Recipe
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This Pumpkin Coconut Bread is the perfect mixture of fall and the tropics. A delicious, moist pumpkin bread is filled with coconut flavor from sweetened coconut as well as a secret coconut ingredient.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 2 (3 oz) packages cook and serve coconut pudding mix (not instant)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/3 cups vegetable oil
• 5 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9×5-inch loaf pans thoroughly. For easier removal, you may line them with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, coconut, pudding mixes, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Whisk to blend. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the vegetable oil, beaten eggs, and pumpkin puree. Mix gently just until all ingredients are combined and no dry streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix.
3. Divide the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pans. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a loaf comes out clean. Let the loaves cool in the pans for 5-10 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1 slice, Calories: 239 kcal (12%), Carbohydrates: 37g (12%), Protein: 2g (4%), Fat: 10g (15%), Saturated Fat: 2g (13%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 47mg (16%), Sodium: 212mg (9%), Fiber: 2g (8%), Sugar: 27g (30%)

Keywords:
fall baking, pumpkin bread, pumpkin coconut bread, quick bread, tropical flavors

Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Coconut Bread

Can I use unsweetened coconut in this recipe?

Yes, you can use unsweetened shredded coconut if you prefer to reduce the overall sweetness of the bread. Keep in mind that the flavor profile might be slightly less pronounced, but it will still be delicious.

Is it possible to substitute instant pudding mix for cook-and-serve?

This recipe specifically calls for cook-and-serve coconut pudding mix because it contributes to the bread’s unique moisture and texture in a way that instant pudding might not. While we haven’t tested it with instant pudding, results may vary, and we recommend sticking to cook-and-serve for the best outcome.

How do I know if my bread is fully baked?

The most reliable method is the toothpick test. Insert a wooden toothpick or thin skewer into the very center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached, your bread is done. If it comes out wet with batter, continue baking for another 5-10 minutes and re-test.

My bread sunk in the middle. What happened?

A sunken middle can be caused by several factors: underbaking (not enough time in the oven), overmixing the batter (developing too much gluten), or opening the oven door too frequently during the early stages of baking, which causes a sudden drop in temperature.

Can I turn this recipe into muffins?

Absolutely! This recipe can easily be adapted for muffins. Fill greased muffin tins about two-thirds full and bake at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Keep an eye on them, as muffin baking times are significantly shorter.

What’s the best way to store leftover slices?

For maximum freshness, store cooled slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, slices can be individually wrapped and frozen for up to 3 months.

This Pumpkin Coconut Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to savor the unexpected. Its perfect balance of comforting fall spices and sweet tropical coconut makes it truly unforgettable. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, sharing with loved ones, or simply treating yourself, this moist and flavorful bread is sure to become a cherished addition to your culinary collection. Don’t wait—gather your ingredients and experience the magic of this delightful fusion today!