Pineapple Crisp Recipe
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s equal parts vibrant, cozy, and effortlessly delicious, look no further than this Pineapple Crisp. Imagine bubbly, sweet-tart pineapple under a golden, buttery oat crumble — every bite is a celebration of tropical sunshine with comforting, old-fashioned roots. This recipe brings together the punchy brightness of pineapple and the warmth of cinnamon, all topped with a toasty, nutty crunch. It’s outrageously easy to throw together, making it perfect for weeknights or special occasions alike. Trust me, once you’ve tried this Pineapple Crisp, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Pineapple Crisp is in its simplicity — every ingredient plays a starring role in flavor, texture, or color. With just a handful of pantry staples and a can of pineapple, you’ll have everything you need for a dessert that truly shines.
- Crushed pineapple (1 can, 20 ounces): The hero of the dish, bringing juicy sweetness and irresistible tropical flavor.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Thickens the pineapple mixture so the filling is luscious, not runny.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds a bright, tangy kick that balances the sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): A whisper of spice that melds beautifully with the pineapple.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup for filling): Deepens the flavor and ensures a perfectly sweet base.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses warmth and rounds out the flavors.
- Old-fashioned oats (3/4 cup): Give the crisp topping its hearty, chewy texture.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Helps the topping hold together and bake up golden.
- Brown sugar (1/3 cup for topping): Caramelizes in the oven for extra crunch and sweetness.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (1/4 cup, optional): For a nutty crunch that makes each bite extra special.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Highlights all the flavors, keeping the sweetness in check.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Binds the topping and gives it that irresistible richness.
How to Make Pineapple Crisp
Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and giving your 8×8-inch baking dish a light greasing — this ensures nothing sticks and makes for easy cleanup. In a medium bowl, blend together the drained crushed pineapple, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is beautifully combined and the pineapple is evenly coated with that cinnamon-scented mixture.
Step 2: Assemble in the Baking Dish
Pour the pineapple filling into your prepared baking dish and spread it out into an even layer. This creates the juicy, golden base that’s the heart of every great Pineapple Crisp. Try to distribute the filling evenly so every scoop later on gets a balance of fruit and topping.
Step 3: Make the Crisp Topping
In a separate bowl, stir together the oats, flour, 1/3 cup brown sugar, salt, and the nuts if you’re using them. Once those dry ingredients are mixed, pour in the melted butter. Stir until you have a crumbly mixture — some clumps are perfect, as they’ll turn into those coveted crispy bits!
Step 4: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the pineapple filling, covering every bit for maximum crispness. Slide the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown top and bubbling pineapple at the edges. The aroma will make it nearly impossible to wait!
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let your Pineapple Crisp cool for a few minutes. This helps the filling set up and makes scooping easier. Serve it warm for the ultimate comfort, or let it cool to room temperature if you want cleaner slices. Either way, get ready for rave reviews!
How to Serve Pineapple Crisp
Garnishes
The finishing touch can make all the difference! I love to crown each serving of Pineapple Crisp with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream — the creamy cold against the warm, spiced pineapple is pure magic. Whipped cream is another dreamy choice, or sprinkle a few extra toasted nuts for a bit more crunch and visual flair.
Side Dishes
Pineapple Crisp is a standout on its own, but if you’re serving it as part of a bigger spread, consider pairing it with fresh berries or a platter of sliced tropical fruits. For brunch, it’s gorgeous alongside Greek yogurt, or serve with a pot of strong coffee for a lovely afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Individual ramekins make Pineapple Crisp feel extra special at dinner parties — everyone gets their own golden-topped dessert. For a fun twist, try layering it in parfait glasses with yogurt and granola for a breakfast or brunch take. Or, pack it into jars for a picnic-ready treat that travels beautifully!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have leftovers? Lucky you! Cover the cooled Pineapple Crisp tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. The crisp topping may soften slightly, but the flavors stay fabulous.
Freezing
If you want to freeze Pineapple Crisp, let it cool completely first. Wrap the dish well in a layer of plastic wrap and then foil, or portion into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To recapture that freshly-baked taste, reheat Pineapple Crisp in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through and the topping crisps up again. Individual servings can be microwaved for a quick treat, but the oven gives the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just chop fresh pineapple into small pieces and cook it briefly with the sugar and cornstarch to soften it up before adding to the baking dish. You’ll love the bright, tangy punch it brings.
Is Pineapple Crisp gluten free?
As written, the recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten free. However, you can easily swap in a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats to make it safe for everyone.
What nuts work best in the topping?
Pecans and walnuts are both fantastic in Pineapple Crisp for their buttery textures and flavor. If you prefer, you can leave the nuts out entirely or substitute with chopped almonds or even coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
Can I prepare Pineapple Crisp ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the crisp up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed — you may need to add a few extra minutes since it’ll be cold from the fridge.
How do I know when the crisp is done baking?
Look for a golden, crunchy topping and bubbling fruit around the edges. The aroma will be irresistible, and a spoon inserted into the center should find a thick, juicy filling.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the mood for a dessert that’s both easy and guaranteed to wow, give this Pineapple Crisp a try. It’s a delicious way to bring a burst of sunshine to your table, no matter the season. I hope it becomes a new favorite in your kitchen, just like it has in mine!
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Pineapple Crisp Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A deliciously warm and tangy Pineapple Crisp featuring a sweet pineapple filling topped with a crunchy oat and nut crumble. Perfect as a tropical-inspired dessert that’s easy to prepare and bake to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple (drained slightly)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish to prevent sticking during baking.
- Mix Pineapple Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed pineapple, cornstarch, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Assemble Filling: Pour the pineapple mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly for consistent baking.
- Prepare Topping: In another bowl, stir together oats, all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup brown sugar, salt, and nuts if using. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the mixture forms a crumbly texture.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the crumbly topping evenly over the pineapple filling, covering it completely.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let the crisp cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- You may substitute fresh pineapple chunks or tidbits for canned pineapple; cook them briefly with sugar and cornstarch to soften before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
