Pineapple Crisp Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with a tropical twist on a classic comfort dessert! Pineapple Crisp brings together juicy pineapple chunks baked beneath a buttery oat topping that’s gloriously golden and crisp. Every bite is a celebration of sweet, tangy fruit and cozy, crunchy goodness—it’s a dessert that tastes like sunshine on a spoon. Whether you serve it warm with cold ice cream or sneak spoonfuls straight from the pan, Pineapple Crisp is guaranteed to become your new go-to treat when you crave something delightfully easy and utterly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Pineapple Crisp recipe shines thanks to its simple, no-fuss ingredients. Each one plays its part, whether it’s for flavor, texture, or bringing the whole dessert together. Here’s what makes this fruity crumble truly special:
- Pineapple: Use fresh pineapple for that authentic tropical punch, or convenient canned chunks (just make sure to drain them well to avoid a watery crisp).
- Cornstarch: An unsung hero, it thickens the filling just enough so you get luscious fruit with every bite—never soupy.
- Brown Sugar: Provides a molasses-rich sweetness that deepens both the filling and the crumb topping.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds aromatic warmth that pairs beautifully with pineapple’s natural tanginess.
- Lemon Juice: Brings a gentle zing, making the fruit flavor shine even brighter.
- Old-fashioned Oats: The star of the topping, these oats toast up perfectly for that satisfying crunch.
- All-purpose Flour: Helps the topping hold together and bake up tender instead of sandy.
- Cinnamon: Just a hint transforms the topping with cozy, familiar spice.
- Salt: A pinch of salt in the topping balances all the sweet flavors for pure dessert harmony.
- Unsalted Butter: Cold and cubed, it brings richness and creates those irresistible crispy oatmeal clusters.
How to Make Pineapple Crisp
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing an 8×8-inch baking dish. Having your equipment ready makes the whole Pineapple Crisp experience smooth and stress-free. The crisp bakes evenly when the oven is hot and your dish is prepared.
Step 2: Toss Together the Pineapple Filling
In a large mixing bowl, add your diced fresh pineapple (or well-drained canned chunks). Sprinkle on the cornstarch, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until the fruit is evenly coated. The cornstarch will help the juices thicken into a gorgeous pineapple sauce as it bakes, while the vanilla and lemon juice make the flavors sing.
Step 3: Layer the Pineapple in the Baking Dish
Once your pineapple mixture is glossy and combined, scoop it into the greased baking dish. Spread it out in an even layer so every bit will bubble and caramelize beneath the topping.
Step 4: Make the Oat Crisp Topping
In a separate bowl, stir together the old-fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a fork, your fingertips, or a pastry cutter to blend the butter into the dry mixture until you see pea-sized crumbs. This is where the real magic happens—the cold butter will melt as it bakes, creating those golden, irresistible clusters.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the pineapple layer. Don’t worry if it looks a little rustic—it’s part of the charm! Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. The aroma of baking Pineapple Crisp might just lure the whole household into the kitchen.
Step 6: Cool Briefly and Serve
Remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes. This little rest lets the juices thicken further and makes serving neat squares so much easier. Get ready for the moment when crackling crisp meets sweet, syrupy pineapple!
How to Serve Pineapple Crisp
Garnishes
The magic of Pineapple Crisp is that a few simple garnishes can truly make it shine. A generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a billow of whipped cream adds cool, creamy contrast to the warm, juicy fruit and crumbly topping. Sprinkle on some toasted coconut flakes, fresh mint leaves, or a dusting of cinnamon for a fun, tropical vibe.
Side Dishes
While Pineapple Crisp is quite the star on its own, it loves to share the table with friends. Try serving alongside a platter of fresh berries or juicy mango slices to highlight its sunny flavors. If you’re feeling brunchy, balance out the sweetness with a tangy fruit salad or a spoonful of Greek yogurt.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not have a little fun? You can bake individual Pineapple Crisp portions in ramekins or small Mason jars for parties and picnics—they look adorable and guests love having their own mini dessert. Or layer warm crisp and ice cream in glasses for a tropical parfait. These small twists turn a classic dessert into something unforgettable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover the baking dish with foil or transfer the Pineapple Crisp into an airtight container. It will stay delicious in the fridge for up to three days, though the topping is crispiest the day it’s baked.
Freezing
You can freeze baked or unbaked Pineapple Crisp! Wrap it tightly or store in a freezer-safe container. For baked crisp, let it cool completely before freezing; it will keep well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
To restore that just-baked crispness, warm leftovers in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes, uncovered. The oats will re-crisp beautifully. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave works, but expect a softer topping.
FAQs
Can I use frozen pineapple instead of fresh or canned?
Absolutely! Frozen pineapple works great—just be sure to thaw it completely and drain off any excess liquid before using. This keeps the filling from turning out watery while ensuring the same bright, delicious flavor.
How can I make Pineapple Crisp gluten-free?
Simply substitute the all-purpose flour in the topping with your favorite gluten-free all-purpose blend, and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy!
Can I add other fruits to my Pineapple Crisp?
Of course! Pair pineapple with mango, strawberries, or even chopped apples for a personalized spin. These fruits complement pineapple and add lovely color and variety—you might just start a new tradition!
What’s the best way to cut fresh pineapple for this dish?
First, trim off the top and bottom, then slice off the tough outer skin. Cut the pineapple into quarters lengthwise, remove the core from each quarter, and finally dice the flesh into bite-sized chunks. You want pieces small enough to cook through and create a juicy filling.
Can I make the topping ahead of time?
Yes! Combine your oats, flour, sugar, cinnamon, salt, and cubed butter, then store the mixture in the fridge for up to two days. When you’re ready to bake, assemble and proceed as usual for a truly fuss-free Pineapple Crisp experience.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a dessert that’s bursting with bold flavor, effortless charm, and a big dose of sunny comfort, this Pineapple Crisp is one to try. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for guests—so go ahead, bake up a batch and see just how quickly it disappears!
Print
Pineapple Crisp Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the tropical flavors of this Pineapple Crisp, a delightful dessert that combines juicy pineapple with a sweet and crunchy oat topping. Perfect for any gathering or weeknight treat!
Ingredients
Filling:
- 4 cups fresh pineapple (diced) or 2 cans (20 oz) pineapple chunks (drained)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Topping:
- ¾ cup old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine pineapple, cornstarch, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Toss to coat evenly and pour into the prepared dish.
- Make the topping: In another bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over the pineapple.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the filling bubbles. Let cool before serving.
Notes
- This dessert pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Canned, fresh, or frozen pineapple can be used; just ensure excess juice is drained.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
