If you are looking for a deliciously moist and tropical twist on your usual breakfast loaf, this Toasted Coconut Bread [Gluten-Free] Recipe is exactly what you need. The rich flavors of toasted shredded coconut combined with the subtle sweetness and slight coconut creaminess make every slice a little bite of paradise. Perfectly gluten-free, this bread manages to be both decadent and wholesome, making it a crowd-pleaser whether you enjoy it first thing in the morning or as a sweet afternoon snack. Trust me, once you taste this toasted coconut bread, it will quickly become a cherished staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A wooden divided bowl is shown on a white marbled surface, filled with light beige granular sugar on the left side and three smooth, light brown eggs on the right side. Around the bowl, there are other ingredients placed on the white marbled surface: a white bowl of flour in the top left corner, a small wooden bowl of white powdered ingredient just above the main bowl, and a small white bowl full of white flakes at the bottom left. The textures contrast nicely with the smooth eggs, fine sugar grains, fluffy flour, powder, and crisp flakes, all under soft natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These simple yet essential ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma that make this Toasted Coconut Bread [Gluten-Free] Recipe so unforgettable. Each component is carefully chosen to elevate the bread from good to absolutely amazing.

Gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour, organic (2 ½ cups): Provides the perfect base for a tender, gluten-free crumb that holds its shape beautifully.
Unsalted butter, softened (½ cup): Adds moisture and richness, though coconut or vegetable oil can be swapped in if you prefer.
Baking powder (2 tsps): Essential for giving the bread its light and fluffy rise.
Coconut extract (1 tsp): Boosts the coconut flavor for that irresistible tropical vibe.
Sea salt (¼ tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Ground cinnamon (pinch): Adds a subtle warmth that complements the coconut wonderfully.
Organic cane sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens naturally and helps create a golden crust.
Large eggs, room temperature (3): Provide structure and richness to the batter.
Full-fat coconut milk or cream (½-3/4 cup): Delivers extra creaminess and intensifies the coconut essence.
Sweetened shredded coconut (1 ½ cups): Divided between folding in and topping, it adds delightful texture and flavor.
Organic powdered sugar, sifted (1 cup): Used for the luscious coconut glaze that finishes the bread beautifully.
Unsalted butter, melted and cooled (1 tbsp): Adds sheen and richness to the glaze.

How to Make Toasted Coconut Bread [Gluten-Free] Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Coconut

Start by giving your shredded coconut a toasty makeover. In a medium non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, stir the coconut flakes constantly for about 3 to 4 minutes until they turn golden brown and fragrant. This process awakens the natural oils in the coconut and infuses the bread with irresistible aroma and crunch. Once toasted, set them aside to cool completely before adding them to the batter.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a standard loaf pan with butter or coconut oil. Line it with parchment paper, making sure there’s some overhang for easy removal later. In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and sea salt until just combined. In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and cane sugar on high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Next, add the eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition, followed by the coconut extract and coconut milk or cream.

Step 3: Combine and Fold

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into your wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until the batter is smooth with a thick yet slightly runny consistency. Then gently fold in one cup of the cooled toasted shredded coconut. This step ensures every bite bursts with coconut flavor without weighing down the batter.

Step 4: Bake the Bread

Pour your luscious batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick or knife into the center—if it comes out clean, you’re good to go! To make sure the middle cooks through perfectly, poke small holes all over the top halfway through baking to allow even heat penetration. When done, let the bread cool for 25 to 30 minutes within the pan before gently lifting it out to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 5: Create the Coconut Glaze and Finish

While your bread cools, whisk together sifted powdered sugar, melted butter, and full-fat coconut milk or cream in a bowl. Adjust the consistency by adding a little more milk if it’s too thick or more powdered sugar if it’s too thin. Once your bread has cooled, drizzle this smooth, creamy coconut glaze generously over the top, then sprinkle with the remaining toasted shredded coconut. This extra touch brings sweetness and texture that’s simply irresistible.

How to Serve Toasted Coconut Bread [Gluten-Free] Recipe

The image shows a loaf cake with a thick white icing layer on top, sprinkled with large white coconut flakes. Two slices are cut and placed on two separate white plates, each slice showing a moist, crumbly texture with visible bits of coconut inside. Each slice has two dark blackberries on the side. One plate has a silver fork with a wooden handle beside the slice. The whole cake sits on a wire cooling rack on a white marbled surface with scattered coconut flakes and a green leaf decoration nearby. A glass of milk is visible at the top. A red cloth is placed near the cake at the bottom right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top your loaf slices with a dollop of coconut yogurt or a smear of honey butter to add a luscious contrast of creamy and sweet elements. Fresh tropical fruits like pineapple or mango alongside really highlight the coconut flavor and make presentation truly inviting.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or tea, making it an excellent choice for breakfast or afternoon snacks. You can also serve it with a light salad or roasted nuts to create a balanced brunch spread filled with textures and flavors that complement each other perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleasing setup, slice the toasted coconut bread and arrange it on a rustic wooden board with bowls of assorted spreads—think passion fruit jam, vanilla cream cheese, or tropical fruit salsa. You can even toast individual slices lightly and serve them as an elegant base for sweet or savory toppings, elevating your presentation and delighting guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep leftover toasted coconut bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its moist texture and keeps the coconut flavors fresh and vibrant.

Freezing

To extend the life of your toasted coconut bread, slice it and freeze the pieces individually wrapped in parchment and sealed in a freezer bag. It freezes beautifully for up to 2 months, making it easy to grab a slice whenever a coconut craving strikes.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy frozen slices, simply pop them in a toaster oven or warm them briefly in a conventional oven until heated through. This method refreshes the texture and revives that irresistible toasted coconut aroma that makes this bread so delightful.

FAQs

Is this bread suitable for those with gluten intolerance?

Absolutely! This Toasted Coconut Bread [Gluten-Free] Recipe uses gluten-free flour, making it perfect for people avoiding gluten without sacrificing taste or texture.

Can I substitute the butter with a non-dairy alternative?

Yes, you can use coconut oil or vegetable oil instead of butter to make this bread dairy-free. Just keep in mind that coconut oil adds a bit more coconut flavor, which can be a tasty bonus!

How should I toast the shredded coconut?

The best way is to toast it gently in a dry skillet over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until the flakes turn golden and fragrant. This enhances both flavor and texture in the bread.

Can I use unsweetened shredded coconut instead of sweetened?

You can, but keep in mind the bread may be less sweet, so you might want to increase the sugar slightly or adjust the glaze sweetness to compensate.

Will the bread keep well for more than a few days?

The bread is best enjoyed within a few days fresh. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet—just thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy its full flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Toasted Coconut Bread [Gluten-Free] Recipe is truly a celebration of tropical flavors and comforting textures that anyone can enjoy. It’s simple to make but feels special enough for any occasion, from casual breakfasts to brunch with friends. I encourage you to try it soon and share it with the people you love—because some recipes are just too good to keep to yourself!

Toasted Coconut Bread [Gluten-Free] Recipe