Here’s a delicious and easy recipe for The Best Pineapple Bake! It’s sweet, comforting, and full of tropical flavor. This dessert can be enjoyed as a side dish or as a stand-alone treat.
Ingredients:
For the Pineapple Mixture:
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple (drained, juice reserved)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (optional, depending on the sweetness of the pineapple)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional, for added texture and flavor)
For Garnish (optional):
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
- Maraschino cherries (for a decorative touch)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pineapple Mixture:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch baking dish (or a similar-sized dish) with butter or non-stick spray.
- Drain the pineapple: Open the can of crushed pineapple and drain it well, reserving the juice for later. You should have about 1/2 cup of juice.
- Combine ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the drained pineapple, granulated sugar (if using), vanilla extract, and cinnamon (if using). Stir everything together and set it aside.
2. Make the Topping:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
- Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, and egg until smooth.
- Combine: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The batter should be thick but pourable. If you’d like to add shredded coconut, fold it into the batter.
3. Assemble the Pineapple Bake:
- Layer the pineapple mixture: Spread the pineapple mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Top with batter: Spoon or spread the batter evenly over the pineapple mixture. Don’t worry if it doesn’t cover the entire surface—it will spread out as it bakes.
4. Bake the Pineapple Bake:
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges will be slightly crisp, and the pineapple will be bubbling around the edges.
5. Serve and Garnish:
- Cool slightly: Let the pineapple bake cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish (optional): Serve warm with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a maraschino cherry on top for extra sweetness and decoration.
Tips:
- For extra flavor: You can add a pinch of nutmeg or a little bit of ginger to the pineapple mixture for added depth of flavor.
- Tropical twist: Feel free to add other tropical fruits like coconut flakes, chopped mango, or chopped bananas for more complexity.
- Make it ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated. The flavors will actually improve after resting for a day.
This Pineapple Bake is sweet, comforting, and wonderfully moist with the perfect balance of flavors. It’s sure to become a new favorite dessert for your family and friends! Enjoy! Let me know if you need any variations or further suggestions.
