Coconut Pineapple Bites are a fun, tropical snack that tastes like a mini vacation! Made with sweet pineapple and crunchy coconut, they’re delightful little treats.
These bites are perfect for summer parties—or anytime you need a quick pick-me-up. I love making them for a quick snack that feels fancy but is super easy to whip up! 🌴🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple is essential for that tangy sweetness. If you can’t find fresh, canned pineapple can work too, just make sure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
Coconut Milk: This adds creaminess and a subtle coconut flavor. For a lighter option, you can use coconut cream, or even almond milk if you want a different taste, though it will change the overall flavor profile.
Shredded Coconut: I prefer using unsweetened shredded coconut to keep it less sugary. If you want extra sweetness, sweetened shredded coconut can be a good swap. Just adjust sugar accordingly!
Sugar: The amount of sugar can be adjusted based on your taste. Honey or maple syrup are good natural substitutes if you’re looking to reduce refined sugar.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a lovely aroma and depth. You can substitute with almond extract for a nuttier flavor or even omit it if you want a pure pineapple taste.
How Do I Ensure the Mixture Thickens Properly?
Getting the right thickness for the coconut-pineapple mixture is key to firm bites. Make sure to cook the mixture over medium heat and stir constantly. This helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes until you see it bubbling and thickening. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash more coconut milk to adjust it.
- Once removed from heat, adding the vanilla and shredded coconut quickly makes everything blend nicely!
How to Make Coconut Pineapple Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh pineapple, finely chopped
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
- ½ cup sugar (or to taste)
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- ½ cup toasted coconut flakes
- ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk (for drizzling, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. Then, you’ll want to let the Coconut Pineapple Bites cool completely, which may take an additional 30 minutes or so. In total, you can expect to spend about 1 hour to enjoy this delicious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it nice and ready. While the oven heats up, take an 8×8 inch square baking dish and grease it lightly with some oil or butter. This will help your Coconut Pineapple Bites come out easily!
2. Cook the Mixture:
Grab a medium saucepan and add the finely chopped pineapple, coconut milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Place it over medium heat and stir constantly. You want this mixture to thicken up, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
3. Add Coconut Goodness:
Once your mixture has thickened, remove it from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and the shredded coconut until everything is well combined. The lovely coconut aroma will fill your kitchen!
4. Baking Time:
Pour the tropical mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is set and has turned a lovely light golden color. The smell will be amazing!
5. Cooling and Cutting:
After baking, let your Coconut Pineapple Bites cool completely in the dish. This might take about 30 minutes as the mixture sets. Once it’s cool, cut it into bite-sized squares. You can make them as big or small as you like!
6. Drizzle and Garnish:
If you want to add a little extra sweetness, drizzle some sweetened condensed milk over the top of the squares. Then, sprinkle the toasted coconut flakes on top for a crunchy finish. Looks great and tastes even better!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Coconut Pineapple Bites are ready to serve! Enjoy them chilled or at room temperature, and share them with family and friends. They’ll love this sweet, tropical treat!
Can I Use Canned Pineapple Instead of Fresh Pineapple?
Absolutely! If you’re using canned pineapple, make sure to drain it well and chop it into small pieces. Keep an eye on the sugar level, as canned pineapple is often sweeter than fresh, so you may want to reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe.
How to Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make Coconut Pineapple Bites completely dairy-free, you can skip the sweetened condensed milk drizzle or use a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or a dairy-free condensed milk available in stores. This will keep your treats delicious and creamy!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you like them extra chilled, you can also freeze them; just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking together!
Can I Add Other Fruits to This Recipe?
Definitely! You can mix in other fruits like mango, banana, or even berries for added flavor and color. Just keep in mind that the additional moisture may affect the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on them while they bake!
