PINEAPPLE CRUNCHES

Pineapple Crunches are a delicious, tropical dessert that combines the sweet and tangy flavor of pineapple with a buttery, crunchy topping. This dessert is easy to make and perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a light, fruity treat with a bit of texture. It’s a fun take on traditional fruit-based desserts, offering a balance between the smoothness of the pineapple and the crispiness of the topping. Pineapple crunches are an ideal dessert for any occasion—whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday meal, or a simple weeknight treat.

---

Ingredients (Serves 8)

For the Pineapple Filling:

• 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained (or 2 cups fresh pineapple, finely chopped)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust based on your sweetness preference)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the Crunchy Topping:

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for added flavor)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for extra crunch)
• Pinch of salt

---

Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowls (one for the filling, one for the topping)
• Spoon or spatula for mixing
• 8×8-inch baking dish (or any similar-sized dish)
• Measuring spoons and cups

---

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple Filling

1. Drain the Pineapple: If using canned pineapple, drain the crushed pineapple well to remove excess juice. You want the filling to be thick, so make sure to squeeze out any excess liquid.
2. Cook the Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the drained pineapple, granulated sugar, flour, and cornstarch (if using). Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
3. Cook Until Thickened: Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s thickened, remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Crunchy Topping

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and pinch of salt. Stir to mix the dry ingredients together.
2. Add Butter and Nuts: Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture begins to form a crumbly texture. If you’re using chopped walnuts or pecans, fold them into the mixture for an added crunch.
3. Set Aside: Once the topping is well mixed, set it aside while you assemble the dish.

Step 3: Assemble the Pineapple Crunch

1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease your 8×8-inch baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Layer the Pineapple Filling: Spread the cooked pineapple mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. Top with Crunch: Evenly sprinkle the oat and butter mixture over the top of the pineapple filling. Make sure to cover the entire surface with the crunchy topping.

Step 4: Bake

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the Dish: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the pineapple filling is bubbling at the edges.
3. Check for Doneness: Once the topping is golden and crisp, remove the dish from the oven. Allow it to cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving to let it set.

Step 5: Serve

1. Serve Warm: Scoop out the warm pineapple crunch into bowls. You can serve it as is, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

---

Notes and Tips

• Fresh Pineapple: If you prefer using fresh pineapple, peel and core the fruit, then chop it finely. You’ll need about 2 cups of chopped fresh pineapple for this recipe.
• Sugar Levels: Adjust the sugar content based on the sweetness of your pineapple. If you’re using a very sweet, ripe pineapple, you might want to reduce the sugar slightly. Similarly, if you’re using canned pineapple in syrup, you may need to adjust the sugar to avoid making the dish too sweet.
• Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour in the filling and topping with rice flour or gluten-free flour blends. Also, make sure to use gluten-free oats if necessary.
• Add Some Zing: You can experiment by adding a teaspoon of lemon zest or a splash of lime juice to the pineapple filling to give it a refreshing citrus note.
• Nuts: Feel free to skip the nuts if you’re allergic or prefer a nut-free dessert. Alternatively, you could add other chopped nuts like almonds or cashews for variety.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The dish can be reheated in the microwave or in a warm oven. The crunch topping may soften slightly after storing but will still be delicious.

---

Conclusion

These Pineapple Crunches are the perfect combination of sweet, tangy pineapple and a buttery, crunchy topping. They’re an easy-to-make dessert that can be served as a cozy, comforting treat for any occasion. With a simple list of ingredients and a straightforward method, you’ll be able to create this tropical delight in no time. Whether served on its own or with a scoop of ice cream, pineapple crunches are sure to please everyone with their delightful texture and rich flavor. Enjoy the tropical taste in every bite!