Pineapple Crunch Recipe
Pineapple Crunch is that rare, magical dish that feels equally at home as a holiday side or a sweet, crowd-pleasing dessert. With its juicy pineapple filling, buttery cracker topping, and just the right balance of salty and sweet, it’s the kind of recipe that instantly disappears whenever it makes an appearance. Whether you serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chilled alongside a festive meal, Pineapple Crunch always manages to steal the show and spark conversations around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Filling
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple in juice, undrained
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30), crushed
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
How to Make Pineapple Crunch
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and giving your 8×8-inch baking dish a light greasing. This helps prevent any sticking and gives you those beautiful, clean slices when serving. If you love easy cleanup, parchment paper works wonders here too.
Step 2: Mix the Pineapple Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the entire can of crushed pineapple—juice and all—with the sugar, flour, and vanilla extract. Stir it all together until you have a sweet, fragrant mixture. The flour will gently thicken the filling as it bakes, giving you that perfect, spoonable consistency.
Step 3: Pour and Spread
Pour the pineapple mixture into your prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly into all the corners. This ensures every bite has that juicy, pineapple-packed flavor you love.
Step 4: Make the Crunchy Topping
In a separate bowl, mix your crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. If you’re using pecans, toss them in now for an extra layer of texture and flavor. The buttery crackers are what give Pineapple Crunch its signature crispy top—you’ll love how they bake up golden and fragrant!
Step 5: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the pineapple filling, making sure it covers the whole surface. Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, so the filling can set up just right.
How to Serve Pineapple Crunch
Garnishes
A scoop of vanilla ice cream on warm Pineapple Crunch is pure magic—the cool cream melts into the crunchy topping and juicy filling. For a finishing touch, a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few fresh mint leaves adds a little extra flair without overpowering the star flavors.
Side Dishes
Pineapple Crunch is a delightful companion to savory holiday mains like baked ham or roasted turkey. Its sweet and salty profile also pairs wonderfully with creamy casseroles or a simple green salad for balance. It’s the kind of versatile dish you’ll want on every festive table.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try scooping Pineapple Crunch into individual ramekins for an elegant, fuss-free presentation. You can also serve it chilled in parfait glasses layered with whipped cream, or as a topping for pancakes and waffles at brunch. However you serve it, this dish always brings a smile!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Pineapple Crunch in an airtight container in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh for up to three days. The topping may soften a little, but the flavors only get better as they meld together!
Freezing
If you’d like to make Pineapple Crunch ahead, it freezes surprisingly well. Allow the baked dish to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back that irresistible crunch, reheat Pineapple Crunch in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, uncovered. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too—just know the topping will be softer.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just be sure to dice it finely and use any collected juice for the best texture. Canned pineapple guarantees the right moisture, but fresh adds a lovely, bright tang.
Is Pineapple Crunch more of a dessert or a side dish?
That’s the beauty of Pineapple Crunch—it works as both! Serve it as a sweet finish with ice cream, or alongside savory mains at a holiday meal. It’s as versatile as it is delicious.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour and use gluten-free buttery crackers. The result will be just as tasty and satisfying.
What can I use instead of Ritz crackers?
If you don’t have Ritz, try buttery club crackers or even saltines for a slightly different crunch. The key is that salty, crispy texture that pairs so well with the sweet filling.
Do I need to add the pecans?
Not at all! The pecans add a delicious nutty crunch, but Pineapple Crunch is still fantastic without them. Feel free to leave them out or swap in your favorite nuts.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s both a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a breeze to make, Pineapple Crunch is it. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite comfort food!
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Pineapple Crunch Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pineapple Crunch is a delightful American dessert casserole combining sweet crushed pineapple with a buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker topping. Perfect as a holiday side dish or a sweet treat served warm, chilled, or at room temperature, this recipe blends sweet and salty flavors with a texture contrast that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple in juice, undrained
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30), crushed
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Make the pineapple filling: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed pineapple along with its juice, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well mixed.
- Pour filling into baking dish: Transfer the pineapple mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Prepare the topping: In a separate bowl, mix together the crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter, and chopped pecans if using. Stir until the cracker crumbs are fully coated.
- Add topping: Evenly sprinkle the cracker mixture over the pineapple filling in the baking dish, ensuring full coverage.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the pineapple filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm, chilled, or at room temperature.
Notes
- This dish can be served warm, chilled, or at room temperature depending on preference.
- Works great as a sweet and salty side dish for holiday meals or as a dessert paired with vanilla ice cream.
- Optional pecans add texture and flavor but can be omitted for nut-free versions.
- The recipe yields about 6 servings, ideal for small gatherings or family dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
