Juicy crushed pineapple, sweet sugar, warm cinnamon, and creamy butter baked to golden perfection. This Pineapple Bake is pure comfort food at its finest.
Let me take you back to a lazy Sunday afternoon—not a cloud in the sky, kids playing in the backyard, and me, in the kitchen, realizing I forgot to make a dessert. Yep, classic me. So, I did what any resourceful home cook would do—I raided the pantry.
There it was. A lonely can of crushed pineapple, practically calling out, “Pick me!” I didn’t have time for anything fancy, so I threw together some basics—sugar, eggs, butter, a sprinkle of cinnamon—and popped it in the oven, crossing my fingers.
Fast forward 45 minutes and… wow. The kitchen smelled like a tropical bakery. The top was golden and bubbling, the edges perfectly caramelized. I scooped a spoonful straight from the pan—because patience is overrated—and it was everything I didn’t know I needed. Tangy, sweet, warm, with that cinnamon spice. Total comfort food.
Since then? It’s been a family favorite. And yes, I now keep at least two cans of pineapple on hand. You know, just in case.
Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Bake Recipe?
- It’s Ridiculously Easy: No fancy mixers. No complicated steps. It’s a mix, dump, bake kind of situation.
- The Sweet + Tangy Combo: Pineapple’s zing, warm cinnamon, and melty butter? Yes, please.
- It’s Dessert… or a Side Dish (No Judgement): Serve it with ham at dinner or top it with whipped cream for dessert. It plays both roles flawlessly.
- Pantry Staples: Most of these ingredients? You probably already have them sitting in your kitchen.
- Crowd-Pleaser: I dare you to bring this to a potluck and not leave with an empty dish.
Ingredient Notes:
Here’s what makes the magic happen:
- Crushed Pineapple (20 oz can): The star. Don’t drain it—you want all that juicy goodness.
- Sugar (¾ cup): Balances the pineapple’s tartness and creates that caramelized edge.
- Eggs (2): They bind everything together and add a custardy vibe.
- Cornstarch (2 tbsp): Thickens the mix so it’s soft but not soupy.
- Vanilla (2 tsp): Because vanilla makes everything taste like home.
- Butter (1 ½ tbsp, sliced): Those buttery pockets on top? That’s where the magic happens.
- Cinnamon (1 tsp): Adds warmth and that comforting “baked goods” smell.
Optional Add-Ins:
- Chopped pecans for crunch.
- Shredded coconut for tropical flair.
- Raisins or cranberries for chewy little surprises.
How To Make Pineapple Bake?
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set it to 350°F (175°C). You want it hot and ready when your mixture’s good to go.
Step 2: Grease That Pan
Grab a 9×9-inch baking dish and give it a light coat of nonstick spray or a swipe of butter. Nothing worse than dessert sticking to the pan.
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Step 3: Mix It All Together
In a large bowl, toss in the crushed pineapple (juice and all), sugar, eggs, cornstarch, and vanilla. Stir until everything’s combined—no fancy mixer needed.
Step 4: Pour & Top
Pour the pineapple mix into your prepared dish. Smooth it out so it’s even. Now, scatter those butter slices on top and finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon. It’s going to smell amazing when it bakes.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Pop it into the oven for 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are golden brown, the top is bubbling, and your kitchen smells like pure heaven.
Step 6: Cool, Serve, & Devour
Let it cool for 10-15 minutes before diving in—unless you like it piping hot (which, honestly, I do). Serve it as is, or go wild with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Storage Options:
- Fridge: Pop leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Want to save some for later? Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: A quick zap in the microwave does the trick for single servings. Or reheat the whole pan in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.
Variations and Substitutions:
- Go Tropical: Add shredded coconut and a dash of nutmeg.
- Nutty Twist: Top with chopped pecans or walnuts before baking for extra crunch.
- Healthier Swap: Use coconut sugar instead of white sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
- Vegan Option: Sub eggs for flax eggs and use plant-based butter.
- Gluten-Free Friendly: Good news—it already is!
What to Serve with Pineapple Bake?
- Brunch Vibes: Pair with eggs, bacon, and mimosas. Trust me.
- Summer BBQs: It’s sweet, it’s tangy, it’s perfect alongside grilled chicken or pork.
- Holiday Tables: A unique alternative to the usual pies. Plus, it’s easier.
- As Dessert: Warm with vanilla ice cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use fresh pineapple?
Absolutely! Just make sure to finely chop it and include some juice for moisture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Totally. Bake it the night before, refrigerate, and reheat when you’re ready to serve.
Is this a dessert or a side dish?
Both! It’s sweet enough for dessert but plays nicely as a side—especially at BBQs and brunches.
The Sweet Comfort You Didn’t Know You Needed
There’s something about Pineapple Bake that just feels like home. It’s simple, sweet, and a little old-school in the best way. The kind of dish that shows up at potlucks and family gatherings—and disappears in minutes.
So next time you’re craving something cozy, tropical, and downright delicious, give this Pineapple Bake a whirl. And if you end up sneaking bites straight from the fridge? Hey, I’m right there with you.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Golden Pineapple Sweet Bake
Ingredients
- 1 20 ounces can crushed pineapple with juice
- ¾ c sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 1 ½ tbsp butter sliced into pats
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Turn it on to 350°F (175°C) so it's hot and ready.
- Prepare the Pan: Take a 9x9 inch baking pan and lightly grease it. This stops the bake from sticking.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss in the crushed pineapple (juice and all), sugar, eggs, cornstarch, and vanilla. Stir everything together until it's nicely mixed.
- Add to Pan: Pour this mixture into your greased pan. Spread it out evenly.
- Top with Butter and Cinnamon: Scatter slices of butter over the mix and sprinkle with cinnamon. This will give you a lovely, flavorful top layer.
- Bake: Slide the pan into the oven and bake for about 45 minutes. You're looking for the edges to get a bit golden—that's when you know it's done.
- Cool and Serve: Let it cool a bit before slicing. Enjoy your tropical treat!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
