If you’re craving a tropical twist on a classic dessert, this Fresh Pineapple Crisp Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine juicy, sweet pineapple chunks baked under a golden, buttery oat crumble that’s perfectly crunchy and melts in your mouth with every bite. This dessert is a delightful balance of fresh fruitiness with a comforting, homey topping that’s sure to impress both your family and guests. It’s wonderfully fresh, beautifully textured, and comes together with simple ingredients you probably already have. Let me take you through making this irresistible Fresh Pineapple Crisp Recipe step by step.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Fresh Pineapple Crisp Recipe uses a handful of straightforward ingredients, each bringing a unique role that builds the vibrant flavors and textures. From the succulent pineapple to the crumbly buttery topping, every element is essential.
- Fresh pineapple chunks (3 cups): The star of the dish, ripe pineapple offers juicy sweetness with a mild tang.
- Cornflour/corn starch (1 tbsp): Helps thicken the pineapple juices so your crisp isn’t soggy.
- Brown sugar (3 tbsp + 1/3 cup): Adds deep caramel notes to both the fruit mixture and the topping.
- All-purpose/plain flour (1/3 cup): Builds structure in the crumble, ensuring a careful balance of crispness.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (3/4 cup): Provide a rustic texture and nutty flavor to the topping.
- Unsalted butter, cold and cubed (1/2 cup): The key to that melt-in-your-mouth crumble; cold butter creates perfect flakiness.
How to Make Fresh Pineapple Crisp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pineapple
Start by carefully removing the top and bottom of your pineapple, then stand it up to peel off the skin, making sure to leave most of the juicy flesh intact. Next, remove the “eyes” or brown spots with a small knife or spoon. Cut the pineapple into quarters lengthwise, and remove the tough core from each section. Finish by chopping the quarters into bite-sized chunks that will bake evenly and meld perfectly with the crumble.
Step 2: Mix the Fruit Filling
In a mixing bowl, toss the pineapple chunks with cornflour and 3 tablespoons of brown sugar. The cornflour works magic by thickening the natural pineapple juices as it bakes, while the brown sugar adds a touch of caramel sweetness that complements the tropical flavor beautifully.
Step 3: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Grease a ceramic or glass baking dish (about 2.3 litres or 2.4 quarts) with butter. This not only prevents sticking but also adds an extra touch of richness to the edges of your crisp, ensuring every bit is delicious and easy to serve.
Step 4: Assemble the Crisp
Pour your pineapple mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining brown sugar, flour, and oats. Add the cold cubed butter and start mixing it in — first stir, then rub the butter between your fingers, working it into the dry ingredients until you create a crumbly mixture. This tactile step is key to getting the perfect crisp texture. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the pineapple base.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your baking dish in the oven preheated to 175 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit). Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the crumble topping is a beautiful golden brown and you see bubbles around the edges. The aroma filling your kitchen will be proof that you’re on the right track.
Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve
Let the crisp cool down for a bit before diving in — this allows the juices to thicken properly and flavors to deepen. The slight warmth when serving makes it irresistible.
How to Serve Fresh Pineapple Crisp Recipe
Garnishes
A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream takes this pineapple crisp to heavenly levels. You can also drizzle lightly with honey or sprinkle a little toasted coconut on top for an extra tropical flair.
Side Dishes
This crisp pairs perfectly with a cup of strong coffee or a refreshing herbal tea, providing a delightful balance of sweetness and warmth. For a brunch, serve it alongside Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a bright, lively meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in small ramekins for a charming, personalized touch. You can also layer the pineapple crisp in clear glasses with alternating layers of whipped cream or mascarpone, turning it into a stunning parfait that’s as appealing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Fresh Pineapple Crisp Recipe (though it’s hard not to finish it!), store it tightly covered in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days — simply cover the dish with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers.
Freezing
You can freeze this crisp before baking or after cooking. For unbaked, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and it will keep well for 2 to 3 months. When freezing after baking, portion it out and freeze in airtight containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or place the entire dish in a preheated oven at 175 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit) until warmed through. The topping will regain some crunch if reheated in the oven.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh for this recipe?
While fresh pineapple is ideal for its texture and flavor, canned pineapple can work in a pinch. Just make sure to drain it well and possibly reduce added sugar in the crumble since canned fruit can be sweeter and more watery.
What can I substitute for cornflour in this recipe?
If you don’t have cornflour, you can use arrowroot powder, tapioca starch, or even a little all-purpose flour to thicken the pineapple juices with slightly different texture results.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Substitute unsalted butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil to keep that rich crumble texture without any animal products. The rest of the ingredients are plant-based.
How ripe should the pineapple be for the best flavor?
Choose pineapple that has a sweet fragrance and gives slightly when pressed. A ripe pineapple ensures maximum sweetness and juiciness, making this Fresh Pineapple Crisp Recipe truly shine.
Can I prepare the crumble topping ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the crumble topping in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a day. This saves time on the day you bake, allowing you to focus on preparing the fruit and assembling the crisp.
Final Thoughts
This Fresh Pineapple Crisp Recipe is a sunny slice of paradise that’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Its marriage of tangy pineapple and buttery, oatty crumble is pure comfort food with a tropical twist. Whether for a family dinner or a special gathering, it’s simple to craft, full of flavor, and so satisfying to serve. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own!
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Fresh Pineapple Crisp Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Fresh Pineapple Crisp is a delightful dessert featuring juicy, fresh pineapple chunks baked under a golden, crumbly oat topping. Balanced between tart and sweet flavors, it offers a comforting, homey treat perfect for any occasion. Served warm with cream, ice cream, or custard, this crisp is easy to prepare and highlights the tropical freshness of pineapple in a classic baked crumble.
Ingredients
Fruit Base
- 3 cups fresh pineapple chunks (approx. 1 pineapple)
- 1 tbsp cornflour/corn starch
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
Crumble Topping
- 1/3 cup (50 g) all-purpose/plain flour
- 3/4 cup (60 g) old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/3 cup (70 g) brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (125 g) unsalted butter, cold, cut into cubes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 175°C (350°F) to prepare it for baking the crisp.
- Prepare the baking dish: Lightly grease a ceramic or glass baking dish with butter, ensuring it’s approximately 2.3 litres (2.4 quarts) in capacity.
- Prepare the pineapple: Lay the fresh pineapple on its side and slice off the top and bottom. Stand it upright and carefully remove the skin, avoiding excessive flesh removal. Remove the brown ‘eyes’ spots with a small knife or spoon. Cut the pineapple into quarters, remove the tough central core from each, then chop the flesh into bite-sized chunks.
- Combine pineapple base: In a mixing bowl, toss the fresh pineapple chunks with 1 tablespoon cornflour and 3 tablespoons brown sugar. Spread this mixture evenly into the greased baking dish.
- Make the crumble topping: In another bowl, combine the remaining 1/3 cup flour, 3/4 cup oats, 1/3 cup brown sugar, and cold cubed butter. Mix well, starting with stirring then rubbing the butter between your fingers until the mixture achieves a crumbly texture.
- Assemble the crisp: Evenly spread the crumble mixture over the pineapple base in the baking dish, covering it completely.
- Bake the crisp: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping turns lightly golden brown and the pineapple mixture is bubbling around the edges.
- Cool and serve: Let the pineapple crisp cool slightly before serving, as this allows flavors to develop fully. Serve warm, accompanied by cream, ice cream, or custard for added indulgence.
Notes
- Use fresh pineapple for the best flavor and texture; a ripe but firm pineapple works best.
- Cornflour (corn starch) helps to thicken the pineapple juices, preventing a soggy topping.
- All-purpose/plain flour is used for the crumble topping to create structure and texture.
- Cold unsalted butter is essential for creating a crumbly, flaky topping when rubbed into the flour and oats.
- You can substitute rolled oats with quick oats if needed, but the texture may vary slightly.
- Allow the crisp to rest after baking so it sets properly and flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
