These Coconut Pineapple Bites are like tiny tropical vacations on a plate! Sweet pineapple chunks are coated in gooey coconut, making each bite taste like a little piece of paradise.
Honestly, they’re so easy to make, you’ll feel like a kitchen magician. I love serving these at parties, and believe me, they disappear faster than you can say “aloha!” 🥥🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: Freshly chopped pineapple brings a bright flavor and juicy texture. If fresh pineapple isn’t available, you can use canned pineapple in its own juice. Just be sure to drain it well!
Coconut Milk: This adds creaminess to the bites. If you’re avoiding dairy, coconut milk is great, but you could swap it for almond milk or oat milk, keeping in mind that the flavor and texture will slightly change.
Sugar: The sugar helps to sweeten the mixture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using honey or maple syrup, but keep the ratio in mind as they’re sweeter than regular sugar.
Shredded Coconut: Sweetened shredded coconut adds texture and more coconut flavor. For a less sweet option, use unsweetened shredded coconut. You can also replace it with crushed nuts for a nutty twist!
Cornstarch: This thickens the mixture and gives it a chewy bite. You can use arrowroot starch or tapioca flour as alternatives if needed.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Texture While Cooking the Mixture?
The key to getting a nice, thick texture is the cornstarch slurry. Make sure to stir it into the warmed coconut and pineapple mixture evenly to avoid clumps. Cook this mixture for about 5-7 minutes while stirring frequently. You’ll notice it thickens up nicely!
- Start with medium heat to dissolve the sugar properly.
- Make sure to whisk the cornstarch slurry thoroughly before adding it to the pot.
- Don’t rush this step – cooking it slowly enhances the flavors!
How to Make Coconut Pineapple Bites?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Bites:
- 2 cups fresh pineapple, finely chopped
- 1 cup coconut milk
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For Drizzling and Garnishing:
- ¼ cup coconut cream (for drizzling)
- Toasted coconut flakes (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful treat will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 30 minutes to bake and 2 hours to chill in the refrigerator. So, you’ll need roughly 2 hours and 45 minutes from start to finish, but most of that time is just waiting for it to cool!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, take a 9×9 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper so your bites don’t stick.
2. Mix the Base:
In a medium pot, put in the chopped pineapple, coconut milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Heat the pot on medium heat until everything is warmed up and the sugar has dissolved. You want it warm but not boiling!
3. Create the Thickener:
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little cold water until you have a smooth slurry. Gradually stir this slurry into your warm pineapple mixture. This will help thicken everything up.
4. Cook Until Thickened:
Continue cooking the mixture while stirring often, for about 5 to 7 minutes, until it becomes thick and gooey. You got this—just keep an eye on it!
5. Add Coconut:
Remove the pot from heat and sprinkle in the shredded coconut. Stir until it’s well combined and evenly distributed.
6. Pour and Spread:
Pour the pineapple-coconut mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly across the dish.
7. Bake It:
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for golden edges and a set center—trust your kitchen aroma to guide you!
8. Cool and Chill:
Once baked, allow the mixture to cool completely in the baking dish. After it cools to room temperature, cover it and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours to firm up.
9. Cut Into Bites:
Once chilled, take it out of the fridge and cut it into bite-sized squares. They should hold their shape nicely!
10. Drizzle and Garnish:
Just before serving, drizzle some coconut cream over the top of each bite and sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes. Now they’re ready to enjoy!
Enjoy your delicious Coconut Pineapple Bites!
Can I Use Canned Pineapple Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Canned pineapple works well, just make sure to drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture that could affect the texture. You can use the same amount (2 cups) and proceed with the recipe as directed.
What If I Don’t Have Coconut Milk?
No worries! You can substitute with regular milk or any non-dairy milk like almond, soy, or oat milk. Keep in mind that using a non-coconut milk option will slightly alter the flavor, but it will still be tasty!
How Do I Store Leftover Coconut Pineapple Bites?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before enjoying!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! This recipe is vegan as written, since it doesn’t contain any animal products. Just double-check that your sugar is vegan-friendly (some sugars are filtered using bone char). Enjoy your plant-based treat!
