Savor the tropical flavor of baked pineapple with this simple yet delightful Pineapple Bake recipe. Key ingredients include crushed pineapple, sugar, eggs, cornstarch, vanilla, butter, and cinnamon, making it an easy-to-prepare side dish perfect for any occasion.
Ever stumbled upon a recipe that becomes not just a meal, but a sweet piece of nostalgia? That's what the Pineapple Bake is for me. It began on one chaotic holiday evening when I needed a quick dish to complete our dinner spread. From a stack of old recipe cards, this golden, fragrant recipe caught my eye. I had everything on hand and whipped it up in a flash. To my surprise, it became an instant hit! The warm, bubbly pineapple filling our home with its sweet aroma brought smiles and seconds. Since then, it’s not just a dish; it’s a cherished tradition, reminding us of impromptu success and the simple joy of sharing good food.
Why You'll Love This Pineapple Bake
The Pineapple Bake stands out for its remarkable simplicity and exceptional flavor.
With a prep time of just five minutes and ingredients that are usually stocked in the pantry, it's the epitome of "easy yet impressive." The dish uniquely transforms everyday ingredients into a lusciously sweet and comforting dessert or side dish.
It’s versatile enough for a casual family dinner yet elegant enough for the holiday table.
The addition of cinnamon adds a warm spice that perfectly complements the tropical sweetness of the pineapple, ensuring this dish is a delightful palate pleaser.
Ingredients Notes
The ingredients in the Pineapple Bake recipe are simple yet effective in creating a dish that’s both comforting and delicious. Here’s what you’ll need and why each component is important:
- Crushed pineapple with juice: The base of the dish, providing moisture and natural sweetness.
- Sugar: Enhances the sweetness of the pineapple.
- Eggs: Bind the mixture together, giving the bake structure and richness.
- Cornstarch: Acts as a thickener, ensuring the filling is lusciously smooth.
- Vanilla: Adds depth and aromatic flavor.
- Butter: Introduces a hint of richness and helps the top caramelize beautifully.
- Cinnamon: Offers a warm, spicy note that complements the sweet pineapple.
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How To Make The Pineapple Bake
Ready to enjoy a tropical treat with minimal fuss? Here’s how to prepare the Pineapple Bake, broken down into simple steps:
- Prepare Your Pan and Oven: Begin by greasing a 9x9 inch baking pan and preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures nothing sticks and your oven is ready to go.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the crushed pineapple (with its juice), sugar, eggs, cornstarch, and vanilla. Stir these together until everything is well incorporated and smooth. This mixture forms the flavorful base of your bake.
- Add to Pan and Top: Pour the pineapple mixture into your greased pan. Then, distribute pats of butter evenly on top and sprinkle with cinnamon. This will add lovely spots of richness and a hint of spice as it bakes.
- Bake: Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until you see the edges turn a delightful golden color. This is when the flavors meld and the top gets a deliciously caramelized texture.
Storage Options
Once cooled, the Pineapple Bake can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it a fantastic make-ahead dish for busy weeks. If you need to keep it longer, it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to maintain freshness. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to serve for a warm, comforting treat.
Variations and Substitutions
This Pineapple Bake recipe is wonderfully adaptable to various tastes and dietary needs with a few simple swaps:
- Reduced Sugar: For a less sweet version, you can reduce the sugar or use a sugar substitute that withstands baking.
- Gluten-Free: Swap the cornstarch for any gluten-free thickener of your choice to cater to gluten-sensitive guests.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter for a dairy-free version.
- Add-ins: Feel free to stir in nuts, raisins, or even shredded coconut to the pineapple mixture before baking for added texture and flavor.
These variations ensure that you can customize the Pineapple Bake to suit different dietary preferences while keeping the preparation straightforward and enjoyable!
Pineapple Bake
Ingredients
- One 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple including juice
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ tablespoons butter divided into small pats
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Commence by preheating your oven to a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius). Concurrently, apply a light coating of grease to a 9x9 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a substantial mixing bowl, amalgamate the crushed pineapple (with its juice), granulated sugar, eggs, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Stir these components vigorously until the mixture is homogeneous and smooth.
- Assemble in Pan: Transfer the pineapple mixture into the previously greased baking pan. Evenly distribute the small pats of butter across the surface of the mixture, then sprinkle with ground cinnamon to enhance flavor.
- Baking: Place the prepared pan in the preheated oven. Allow to bake for 45 minutes, or until the perimeter of the mixture begins to exhibit a golden hue, indicating that it is thoroughly cooked and caramelized.
