Introduction
Ever wondered how to turn simple ingredients into a taste of the tropics? This Pineapple Crunch recipe is your answer! It’s a ridiculously easy dessert that’s bursting with juicy pineapple and a buttery, crunchy topping. Get ready for a flavor explosion that’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy night in!
Why This Works
This recipe works because it’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. The juicy pineapple contrasts beautifully with the crisp, buttery oat topping. Plus, it’s super easy to make – even the littlest helpers can get involved! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, no matter the occasion.
Key Ingredients
🍍 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
🥣 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
🍪 1/2 cup rolled oats
🧈 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
🍯 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
🥛 1/4 cup milk
🥚 1 large egg
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
2️⃣ Pineapple Prep: Drain the crushed pineapple really well. You want to get rid of as much excess juice as possible.
3️⃣ Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour and rolled oats.
4️⃣ Make the Crumble Topping: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, milk, and egg until well combined.
5️⃣ Combine Wet & Dry: Add the dry ingredients (flour and oats) to the wet ingredients (butter mixture) and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix!
6️⃣ Assemble: Pour the drained pineapple into the prepared baking dish. Evenly spread the crumble topping over the pineapple.
7️⃣ Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the pineapple is bubbly.
8️⃣ Cool & Serve: Let the Pineapple Crunch cool completely before cutting and serving. Enjoy!
Handy Tips
- Use a good quality butter for the best flavor in your crumble topping!
- Don’t press down too hard on the topping when you spread it; you want it to be slightly fluffy.
- If you want a more intense pineapple flavor, add a teaspoon of pineapple extract to the crumble topping.
Heat Control
Baking at 350°F (175°C) ensures the pineapple cooks through and the topping gets perfectly golden brown and crispy without burning. If your oven runs hot, keep a close eye on it and reduce the temperature slightly if needed. Overbaking will dry out the pineapple and make the topping too hard.
Crunch Factor
The crunch comes from the rolled oats and the buttery, slightly browned crumble topping. The contrast with the soft, juicy pineapple makes for a delightful textural experience. For an extra crunchy topping, you can add 1/4 cup chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) to the crumble mixture.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For a quicker cleanup, line your baking dish with parchment paper before adding the pineapple and crumble topping.
- To make this recipe even easier, use pre-made crumble topping from a store. But homemade is always best!
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the crumble topping for a warm spice note.
Storage Tips
Store leftover Pineapple Crunch in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It’s best served at room temperature, but you can also enjoy it slightly chilled.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This Pineapple Crunch is perfect for gifting! Cut it into squares and package them in pretty cellophane bags tied with ribbon. You could also bake it in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Coconut Crunch: Add 1/2 cup shredded coconut to the crumble topping.
🌟 Spiced Pineapple: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg to the crumble topping.
🌟 Ginger Zing: Add 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger to the crumble topping.
🌟 Citrus Burst: Zest of one lime or lemon added to the crumble topping.
Troubleshooting
- Topping is too dry: Add a tablespoon or two of milk to the crumble mixture.
- Pineapple is too watery: Drain the pineapple even more thoroughly. You might even consider gently pressing the pineapple with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Topping is burning too quickly: Reduce the oven temperature by 25°F (14°C) and check frequently, covering the corners with foil if they brown too quickly.
FAQ
- Can I use fresh pineapple? Yes, but you may need to adjust the baking time slightly. Fresh pineapple contains more juice, so it may cook faster. Ensure it’s well-drained.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can bake the Pineapple Crunch a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Can I freeze this? It’s not recommended to freeze this particular dessert. The texture will change upon thawing.
Conclusion
This Pineapple Crunch recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and we hope you enjoy it as much as we do! Let us know what you think of your version – share your photos and comments on the Ratemyrecipes site. Happy baking!
Tropical Pineapple Crunch: Easy Family Dessert
A delightful and refreshing dessert that brings the taste of the tropics to your table with layers of pineapple, crunchy topping, and a hint of coconut.
Ingredients
- 2 cups crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup granola
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180u00b0C (350u00b0F).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed pineapple, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Stir well and spread evenly in the bottom of a greased baking dish.
- In another bowl, mix the granola, shredded coconut, brown sugar, melted butter, and salt until well combined.
- Sprinkle the granola mixture evenly over the pineapple layer in the baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips
- For an extra crunch, add chopped nuts to the granola mixture.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast.