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The Ultimate Pineapple Bake
About This Recipe
The Ultimate Pineapple Bake is a warm, tropical dessert that combines tender pineapple, buttery crumble, and a hint of spice for a comforting yet bright finish to any meal. This baked dish is easy to prepare, scales well for groups, and can be served as a dessert, brunch component, or even a show-stopping side for holiday menus.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tropical flavor with juicy pineapple and buttery crumble.
- Simple ingredients with straightforward steps.
- Works as dessert, brunch, or a holiday side dish.
- Flexible and easy to scale for parties.
- Can be made ahead and baked when ready.
Ingredients
Pineapple Filling
- 6 cups fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch chunks (or drained canned pineapple)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp ground ginger (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Crumble Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup macadamia nuts or pecans (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Lime zest
- Toasted shredded coconut
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Macerate pineapple with sugar for 10 minutes.
- Mix cornstarch, lime juice, and vanilla. Add to pineapple with butter, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
- Spread filling in the baking dish.
- Make crumble: mix flour, oats, sugars, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Stir in nuts/coconut.
- Sprinkle topping evenly over pineapple.
- Bake 30–40 minutes until golden and bubbly. Tent with foil if browning too fast.
- Cool for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
- Pair with Greek yogurt for a tropical brunch.
- Divide into ramekins for individual servings.
- Serve as a side dish with grilled meats.
- Enjoy chilled as a light summer dessert.
Variations
- Pineapple & Mango: Replace half the pineapple with mango chunks.
- Rum Glaze: Add 1–2 tbsp dark rum for a boozy flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and oats.
- Low-Sugar: Reduce sugar and enhance flavor with orange juice.
- Coconut Crust: Replace half the oats with shredded coconut.
Make-Ahead & Storage
- Prep ahead: Assemble and refrigerate for 24 hours before baking.
- Leftovers: Store in the fridge up to 4 days; reheat in the oven.
- Freezer-friendly: Freeze unbaked for up to 2 months; thaw and bake.
Nutrition Facts (per serving, 1 of 8)
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Total Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugars: 34 g
- Protein: 3 g
FAQ
Can I use canned pineapple? Yes, but drain well and pat dry to avoid excess liquid.
How do I prevent sogginess? Use cornstarch and avoid overripe pineapple. Let the bake rest before serving.
Can I make single servings? Yes, bake in ramekins for 20–25 minutes.
Is it good for a crowd? Perfect for potlucks! Double the recipe and bake in larger pans.
Final Notes
The Ultimate Pineapple Bake is a tropical twist on the classic fruit crumble. With its juicy pineapple base and buttery golden topping, this dish is perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. Try it warm with ice cream, chilled with yogurt, or customize it with your favorite tropical add-ins.