• Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease sides of an 8 x 4 inch loaf pan and line long sides and bottom with a piece of parchment paper (this makes removing the loaf easy).
• Combine dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
• Using a smaller bowl, mix all the wet ingredients together.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined and no flour lumps remain.
• Spread batter into prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick in the center comes out with just a few crumbs.
• Cool 20 minutes in the pan and then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

For Optional Glaze:

• Whisk all ingredients in a microwave safe bowl (or a small saucepan).
• Heat 45 seconds to 1 minute, stirring at the halfway mark, until thickened a bit (if using saucepan, heat to simmering and cook until just slightly thickened.
• Cool a few minutes (it will thicken as it cools as well) before pouring over the loaf.
• While glaze is still wet, sprinkle with coconut and press in lightly to help it stick.