This Baked caramelized pineapple dessert recipe is the perfect weeknight dessert. Made with fresh pineapple and a handful of other simple ingredients this easy dessert is sure to be a hit when topped with vanilla ice cream. If you want to add extra flavor to other dishes that use pineapple, this baked pineapple also works great being used in recipes too!
Easy Baked Caramelized Pineapple Dessert Recipe
If you are looking for a simple dessert then you are going to love this baked pineapple recipe. Tender fresh pineapple, that is baked in the oven with butter, brown sugar, nutmeg and cinnamon gives an amazing tasting treat. While still warm topped with vanilla ice cream this is one of my go to easy desserts that my kids love.
This recipe is so easy to make and uses only a handful of ingredients, many of which you probably already have in your kitchen.
While in our house we almost always enjoy this caramelized pineapple as a dessert there are many other ways to enjoy this recipe as well.
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What is Caramelized Pineapple?
Caramelized pineapple is a dish made by cooking pineapple slices or chunks in a mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and butter and then baked in the oven until they become golden brown and tender. It can be served as a dessert on its own, as a topping for ice cream or other desserts including cheesecake, cake, or as a side dish for savory meals like grilled meats.
Tips for Making this recipe
Use fresh pineapple. You do not want to use canned pineapple for this recipe. It is a must to use fresh pineapple.
Choose Ripe Pineapples. Select ripe pineapples for the best flavor. Look for fruits that have golden-yellow skin and give slightly when pressed. A ripe pineapple will also have a sweet aroma at the base.
Use real butter. Margarine or any of the other butter substitutes will not work with this recipe, you need to use real butter.
Cutting the pineapple. If you are going to enjoy this recipe as a dessert then I suggest cutting it into slices. When using it as a topping for a dessert like cheesecake, cutting it into chunks is the best way to go. If you are going to use it as a topping for burgers then I suggest cutting the pineapple into rings.
Watch Closely when baking. Keep an eye on the pineapple as it bakes to prevent it from burning. The sugars can caramelize quickly, so check it frequently and adjust the baking time as needed.
Serve Warm. Baked brown sugar pineapple is best served warm, straight from the oven. The caramelized sugar will be gooey and delicious, making it a delightful treat on its own or as part of a dessert.
How to tell when Baked Pineapple is done
You will know that the pineapple is done cooking when the sugar that has melted and started to caramelize and the edges of the pineapple has started to brown slightly. Depending on your oven it will take 20-35 minutes, I suggest the first time you make it that you check it at the 20 minute mark and then keep checking every few minutes until it is done. Then anytime after that you know how long your oven will take to bake it.
How to Serve Baked Caramelized Pineapple
As a Dessert. In our house, we make this as a dessert. While it is still warm we top it with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel syrup or caramel sauce. This is the main way we enjoy baked pineapple but there are many other ways to enjoy it as well.
Topping for other desserts. Caramelized pineapple works great as a topping for desserts including cheesecake. It tastes amazing when used as a topping on New York Style Cheesecake and no bake cheesecake.
With Breakfast. Incorporate baked caramelized pineapple into your breakfast routine. Serve it alongside pancakes, waffles, or French toast. Baked cinnamon sugar pineapple is also a great topping for yogurt, add some pineapple along with granola to make a tasty breakfast yogurt parfait.
As a Side Dish. Serve baked caramelized pineapple as a side dish with savory meals. It pairs well with grilled meats such as grilled chicken, grilled steak kabobs, grilled steak, pork, or grilled tuna steaks. The sweetness of the pineapple complements the savory flavors of the main dish.
In Sandwiches or Wraps. Incorporate baked caramelized pineapple into sandwiches or wraps for a sweet and savory combination. Pair it with grilled chicken, ham, or pork along with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite condiments.
Fruit Salad. When making a fruit salad add this flavorful caramelised pineapple along with melon, berries, and bananas for a tasty and easy fruit salad.
Burger topping. My recipe for Hawaiian burgers includes pineapple and to change things up you can make caramelized pineapple for added flavor.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow the baked pineapple to cool completely at room temperature.
Transfer the pineapple to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.
Place the container or bag in the refrigerator. Baked pineapple can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftover baked pineapple, you can reheat it gently in the microwave or in a preheated oven until warmed through, or you can enjoy it cold straight from the refrigerator.
Can I freeze Baked Pineapple?
If you want to store it longer, you can freeze the baked pineapple. Place the cooled pineapple in a freezer-safe container or bag, remove excess air, and seal tightly. Frozen baked pineapple can last for several months.
Easy Baked Pineapple Dessert Ingredients
- fresh pineapple cut into chunks, slices or rings
- brown sugar (dark or light)
- melted butter
- cinnamon
- Nutmeg
Easy Baked Pineapple Dessert Directions
Preheat oven to 375 F.
Spray a 9×13 pan with cooking spray or grease with butter.
Cut the pineapple into chunks, slices or rings depending on your preference and what you are making.
Place pineapple chunks or rings in the bottom of the baking dish in a single layer and sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg.
Melt the butter in the microwave in a microwave safe bowl.
Pour the melted butter over top of the pineapple.
Bake in the oven uncovered for 20-35 minutes. Cook time will vary depending on how thick you cut your pineapple, so keep an eye on it if you have made thick slices.
You will notice it is done with the sugar that has melted and started to caramelize and the edges of the pineapple have started to brown slightly.
Take the baking dish out of the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
Top with vanilla ice cream if desired.
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Baked caramelized pineapple dessert recipe
Ingredients
- 1 whole fresh pineapple cut into chucks or rings
- 1 cup brown sugar dark or light
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 dash Nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 F.
- Spray a 9×13 pan with cooking spray or grease with butter.
- Cut the pineapple into chunks or rings depending on your preference.
- Place pineapple chunks or rings in the bottom of the pan and sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Melt the butter in the microwave in a microwave safe bowl.
- Pour the melted butter over top of the pineapple.
- Bake in the oven uncovered for 20-35 minutes. Cook time will vary depending on how thick you cut your pineapple, so keep an eye on it if you have made thick slices.
- You will know it is done with the sugar that has melted and started to caramelize and the edges of the pineapple have started to brown slightly.
- Take the baking dish out of the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Top with vanilla ice cream if desired and serving as a dessert or use as needed in a recipe.
Video
5 Weight Watchers Smart Points per serving on the Freestyle Program.
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