This Pineapple Bake is a sweet, juicy, old-fashioned dessert with a soft custard-like center and beautifully caramelized golden edges. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it’s an easy dessert for family dinners, holidays, potlucks, or whenever you have a can of pineapple waiting in the pantry.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Resting Time: 5–10 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour
- Servings: 6–8
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cooking Method: Baking
Ingredients
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, undrained
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1½ tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced into thin pats
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Equipment
- 9×9-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2 – Make the Pineapple Mixture
Add the crushed pineapple along with all of its juice to a large mixing bowl.
Add the granulated sugar, lightly beaten eggs, cornstarch, and vanilla extract.
Whisk everything together thoroughly until the cornstarch has completely dissolved and there are no visible lumps.
Step 3 – Transfer to the Baking Dish
Pour the pineapple mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer.
Step 4 – Add Butter & Cinnamon
Arrange the thin slices of butter evenly across the top.
Sprinkle the ground cinnamon over the entire surface.
As the dessert bakes, the butter melts into the pineapple while the top develops those delicious caramelized golden spots.
Step 5 – Bake
Place the dish on the center rack of the oven.
Bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until:
- The center is set
- The edges are bubbling
- The top has developed golden-brown caramelized patches
Step 6 – Rest & Serve
Remove the Pineapple Bake from the oven and allow it to rest for 5–10 minutes.
Serve warm on its own or add your favorite topping.
Delicious Serving Ideas
Try serving it with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, toasted coconut, chopped pecans, fresh berries, or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
For an extra-indulgent dessert, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—the contrast between the warm pineapple and cold ice cream is especially good.
Storage
Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container or covering the baking dish tightly.
Refrigerator: Store for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds, or reheat the covered baking dish in a low oven until warmed through.
Tips for the Best Pineapple Bake
- Don’t drain the pineapple. The juice provides essential moisture and pineapple flavor.
- Whisk the cornstarch thoroughly so the finished dessert thickens evenly.
- Let the bake rest before serving; the center continues setting as it cools.
- Watch the top during the final few minutes since the sugar and butter can caramelize quickly.
- For additional texture, sprinkle chopped pecans or shredded coconut over the top before baking.
Nutrition – Approximate Per Serving
Based on 8 servings:
- Calories: 190
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 4g
- Sugar: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pineapple chunks instead of crushed pineapple?
Yes, but finely chop them first. Crushed pineapple produces the best soft, cohesive texture.
Should I drain the canned pineapple?
No. Keep all of the pineapple juice because it’s part of the liquid needed for the recipe.
How do I know when it’s finished baking?
The edges should be bubbling and golden while the center looks set rather than watery. It will firm up a little more during the resting period.
Can I make Pineapple Bake ahead of time?
Yes. Bake it ahead, refrigerate once cooled, and gently reheat before serving.
Can it be served cold?
Absolutely. It can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or chilled, although warm is especially comforting.
Final Thoughts
This Pineapple Bake proves that an easy dessert doesn’t need a long ingredient list. Sweet pineapple, vanilla, cinnamon, and buttery caramelized edges create a warm, nostalgic dessert using just 7 simple ingredients. It’s especially convenient for holidays and potlucks because preparation takes only a few minutes before the oven does the rest.
