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The finished coconut sweet bread on a wire rack.
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Coconut Sweet Bread

This moist coconut bread is packed with shredded coconut and topped with a dreamy coconut glaze. Easy to make, beautifully tender, and perfect for brunch or dessert.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time50 minutes
Cooling Time2 hours
Total Time3 hours 5 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: coconut, sweet bread
Servings: 8 people
Author: Jillian Wade

Equipment

  • 9x5-inch loaf pan
  • mixing bowls
  • whisk
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • Wire rack

Ingredients

For the Coconut Bread:

  • 1 ¾ cups 210g all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup 150g granulated sugar
  • ½ cup 100g light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • ½ cup 120ml coconut milk (full-fat, canned, well shaken)
  • ½ cup 120ml full-fat Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup 120ml vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp coconut extract
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

For the Coconut Glaze:

  • 1 cup 120g powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2-3 Tbsp milk
  • ¼ tsp coconut extract
  • Toasted coconut flakes for garnish (optional but highly recommended)

Instructions

Preheat & Prep:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9x5-inch loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Whisk Wet Ingredients and Sugars:

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, coconut milk, sour cream, oil, vanilla extract, and coconut extract until smooth and well combined.

Combine:

  • Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk until just combined. Do not overmix. Fold in the shredded coconut.

Bake:

  • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the top is browning too quickly, tent it loosely with foil in the last 15 minutes.

Cool:

  • Let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before removing it and transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Glaze:

  • Once the bread is thoroughly cooled, which takes about 2 hours, whisk together the powdered sugar, coconut milk, and coconut extract to create a smooth glaze.
  • Drizzle it over the top of the bread, letting it drip down the sides. Immediately sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes if using.

Set & Serve:

  • Let the glaze set for 15–20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Here are some storage, freezing, and make-ahead tips for this coconut bread recipe. 
To store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For extended storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days (bring to room temperature before serving).
To freeze: Wrap the cooled, unglazed loaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
To make ahead: Bake the loaf a day in advance and glaze before serving. You can also toast the coconut flakes ahead and keep them in an airtight jar.

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice | Calories: 516kcal | Carbohydrates: 75g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 325mg | Potassium: 158mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 52g | Vitamin A: 67IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 74mg | Iron: 2mg