If you’re craving a dessert that sings tropical sunshine with every bite, this Pineapple Crisp Recipe is here to brighten your day. Juicy, tender pineapple chunks mingle with a lightly sweetened, zesty filling, all topped by a crunchy, golden oat and coconut crust that adds delightful texture. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy with a bit of crunch, making it one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again for family gatherings or a special weeknight treat. Once you try this recipe, it just might become your new favorite way to enjoy pineapple in dessert form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Pineapple Crisp Recipe uses a handful of straightforward and wholesome ingredients, each chosen for its role in creating a luscious and textured dessert. From the natural sweetness of the coconut sugar to the nuttiness of almond flour and the tropical touch of shredded coconut, every component brings its own magic to the dish.
- 1 large pineapple, peeled, cored, and diced: Fresh pineapple is the star of the show, giving this crisp juicy sweetness and vibrant flavor.
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar: A natural low-glycemic sugar substitute that adds warm, caramel-like sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Enhances the pineapple’s brightness and balances the sweetness with a touch of acidity.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the pineapple juices as it bakes, giving a perfect jammy filling.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a comforting aromatic note to elevate the filling.
- 1 cup rolled oats: Creates a hearty, crispy topping with wonderful texture.
- 1/2 cup almond flour: Offers nuttiness and richness while keeping the topping tender.
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut: Adds chewy, tropical flavor that pairs beautifully with pineapple.
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar: Sweetens the topping with a touch of caramel complexity.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Provides warmth and subtle spice to complement the fruit.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances all the flavors perfectly.
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted: Binds the topping ingredients and lends a delicious richness with a hint of coconut flavor.
How to Make Pineapple Crisp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s at the perfect temperature the moment your crisp is ready for baking. Lightly grease a 9×9 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and help with easy cleanup later.
Step 2: Mix the Pineapple Filling
In a large bowl, combine the diced pineapple with coconut sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. This mixture is key because the coconut sugar sweetens the pineapple without overpowering it, lemon juice keeps it fresh and bright, cornstarch thickens the fruit juices during baking, and vanilla brings everything together with a smooth aroma. Once fully mixed, transfer this to your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly for an even bake.
Step 3: Combine the Crisp Topping
Grab another bowl and mix rolled oats, almond flour, shredded coconut, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and salt. These dry ingredients create the base of your topping, balancing texture and flavor with chewy coconut and warm spices. Then stir in the melted coconut oil until the mixture turns crumbly—this fat link is what will help the topping crisp up beautifully in the oven.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Evenly spread the oat and coconut topping over your pineapple filling in the baking dish. This generous layer forms that iconic crunchy crust you expect from a great crisp. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the pineapple filling is bubbly and fragrant.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, let your pineapple crisp cool for a few minutes before serving. This resting time allows the filling to set up nicely, so spooning it won’t be a messy affair, but rather a delightful, scrumptious experience!
How to Serve Pineapple Crisp Recipe
Garnishes
This Pineapple Crisp Recipe is delightful on its own but topping it with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream can take it to the next level. Fresh mint leaves sprinkled on top add a burst of color and a refreshing contrast to the warm sweetness. For an extra tropical touch, try a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes.
Side Dishes
When serving this crisp as part of a meal, think light and fresh sides that won’t overshadow the dessert’s lively flavors. A simple green salad with citrus vinaigrette or a plate of grilled chicken with pineapple salsa complements the tropical vibe without competing for attention.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, consider serving the Pineapple Crisp Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming presentation. Layer it with vanilla yogurt or mascarpone in clear glasses for a beautiful parfait twist. You might also try adding a splash of rum or ginger syrup to the filling for an adult-friendly version with extra zing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pineapple crisp leftovers keep wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions to airtight containers to preserve the crispness of the topping and freshness of the fruit inside.
Freezing
You can freeze this Pineapple Crisp Recipe either before or after baking. Wrap the baking dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back the fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth, reheat your crisp in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes. This method refreshes the crunch on top while heating the pineapple filling evenly. Microwaving is quicker but may result in a softer topping.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
While fresh pineapple offers the best texture and flavor for this recipe, you can use canned pineapple in a pinch. Be sure to drain it well to avoid extra moisture, which can make the crisp soggy.
Is there a substitute for coconut oil?
If you don’t have coconut oil, unsalted butter or a neutral vegetable oil can work as alternatives. Each will affect the flavor slightly, but the crisp topping will still be delicious.
Can I make this pineapple crisp gluten-free?
Yes! Since this recipe already uses almond flour and oats, just be sure to use certified gluten-free oats if gluten sensitivity is a concern, and your pineapple crisp will be safe to enjoy.
How do I make the topping extra crunchy?
To get an even crunchier topping, try broiling the crisp for the last 2-3 minutes of baking while keeping a close eye so it doesn’t burn. Adding chopped nuts like pecans or macadamias also adds texture.
Can I add other fruits to this recipe?
Absolutely, pineapple pairs well with mango, blueberries, or even shredded apple. Just adjust the sugar accordingly since some fruits are sweeter than others.
Final Thoughts
This Pineapple Crisp Recipe is one of those gems that’s effortlessly impressive and heartwarming. It brings a bright tropical flair that can comfort you during any season. Easy to make with wholesome ingredients, every bite offers a combination of juicy pineapple and a crispy, fragrant topping that’s simply irresistible. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a cherished part of your dessert rotation!
Print
Pineapple Crisp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pineapple Crisp is a delightful tropical dessert featuring juicy pineapple chunks baked under a crunchy oat and almond flour topping, sweetened naturally with coconut sugar and enhanced with warm cinnamon and coconut flavors. Perfect for a wholesome treat with a hint of vanilla and lemon zest.
Ingredients
Fruit Mixture
- 1 large pineapple, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Crisp Topping
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Mix Pineapple Base: In a large bowl, combine the diced pineapple, coconut sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Stir well until the pineapple is evenly coated. Transfer this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Crisp Topping: In another bowl, mix together rolled oats, almond flour, shredded coconut, coconut sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted coconut oil and stir until the mixture becomes crumbly and well combined.
- Assemble the Crisp: Evenly spread the oat and almond flour topping over the pineapple mixture in the baking dish, creating a uniform layer.
- Bake the Crisp: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Bake until the topping turns golden brown and the pineapple mixture is bubbly around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the crisp from the oven and allow it to cool for several minutes before serving. This resting time helps the filling thicken and the flavors meld beautifully.
Notes
- You can substitute almond flour with oat flour for a different texture and flavor.
- For an extra crunch, add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the topping.
- If coconut oil is not available, melted butter or another neutral oil works as well.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent touch.
