Pineapple Bake — A Sweet and Savory Tropical Delight
Pineapple Bake is a classic comfort dish that beautifully balances the sweetness of pineapple with a buttery, slightly crispy topping. It’s a versatile recipe that can be served as a side dish for ham or roasted meats, or even as a dessert when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This tropical casserole-style bake brings sunshine to your table with its golden color, caramelized edges, and delicious aroma. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to making the perfect Pineapple Bake from scratch.
🍍 Ingredients You’ll Need
For 6 to 8 servings:
- 1 large can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple (in juice, not syrup)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar (for deeper caramel flavor)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded coconut (optional for tropical texture)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 to 1½ cups crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs (like Ritz or graham crackers)
🧈 Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a medium-sized baking dish (around 8×8 inches or similar) with butter or non-stick spray. This helps the pineapple mixture bake evenly and prevents sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Pineapple Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed pineapple (including its juice), granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir everything together until well blended.
If you want to add a tropical flair, mix in the shredded coconut — it gives the bake extra chewiness and a lovely toasted flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Crumb Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter and crushed crackers (or breadcrumbs). Mix until the crumbs are fully coated with butter. This topping will bake into a golden, crisp layer that complements the soft pineapple base perfectly.
Step 4: Assemble the Bake
Pour the pineapple mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the buttery crumb mixture on top, covering the surface completely. For extra texture, you can add a light dusting of cinnamon or brown sugar on top before baking.
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