Coconut Pineapple Bites are a sweet and tropical treat that are super easy to make! Picture chewy coconut and juicy pineapple all in one bite—yum!
These little snacks are perfect for brightening your day or impressing your friends. I love serving them at parties, and they vanish in no time! You won’t be able to stop at just one! 🍍🥥
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Pineapple: Fresh pineapple gives a bright flavor and juicy texture. If you can’t find fresh pineapple, canned pineapple works too—just make sure to drain it well to avoid extra juices!
Coconut Milk: Unsweetened coconut milk is key for a rich, creamy base. If you want a lighter version, try almond milk or oat milk. Just note that it will slightly change the flavor.
Sugar: The recipe calls for granulated sugar, but you can use honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener. If using honey, reduce the amount slightly since it’s sweeter than sugar.
Shredded Coconut: You can pick sweetened or unsweetened shredded coconut based on your taste. If you’re watching your sugar intake, unsweetened is a good choice. You can also use finely grated coconut if that’s what you have!
How Do I Get My Mixture to Thicken Perfectly?
A big part of this recipe is getting the coconut milk and cornstarch to thicken correctly. Here’s how to ensure you achieve the right consistency:
- Mix the cornstarch thoroughly with the coconut milk to avoid clumps.
- Heat the combination over medium heat and keep stirring. Continuous stirring helps activate the cornstarch evenly.
- Watch for the mixture to bubble and thicken, which should take 3-5 minutes. If it’s taking longer, you may need a slightly higher heat.
Getting this step right makes your coconut pineapple bites delightfully creamy and enjoyable!
How to Make Coconut Pineapple Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Coconut Pineapple Mixture:
- 2 cups fresh pineapple, finely chopped
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened, as per your preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Garnish:
- Toasted coconut flakes
- Additional shredded coconut
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep and cooking, and then 2 hours for chilling. So, in total, plan for about 2 hours and 10 minutes before you can enjoy your delicious Coconut Pineapple Bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pineapple:
Start by taking a medium saucepan and adding the finely chopped pineapple, sugar, and salt. Turn the heat to medium and cook this mixture for about 5 minutes. You’ll notice the pineapple softens and starts to release its yummy juices—just what we want!
2. Mixing Coconut and Cornstarch:
While the pineapple is cooking, grab a separate bowl. In it, whisk together the coconut milk and cornstarch until it’s nice and smooth. This will help give our bites a creamy texture!
3. Combining Everything:
Now, pour the coconut milk mixture into the saucepan with the cooked pineapple. Stir it continuously for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until the whole mixture thickens up. You’ll see it transform into a luscious filling!
4. Adding Flavor:
Once thickened, take the saucepan off the heat and stir in the shredded coconut and vanilla extract. This adds an extra coconutty flavor that you’ll love!
5. Setting the Mixture:
Next, pour the mixture into a greased 8×8 inch dish. Spread it out evenly, and then let it cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps it set a bit before we chill it.
6. Chilling:
After it has cooled down, pop the dish into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This helps the bites become firm and ready to cut!
7. Serving:
Once set, take the dish out of the fridge and cut the mixture into bite-sized squares. Serve them up nice and fresh, garnished with toasted coconut flakes and some extra shredded coconut on top for added crunch!
8. Enjoy Your Treat!
Now you can dig into these tropical Coconut Pineapple Bites! They make for a delightful dessert or even a fun snack any time of the day. Enjoy!
Can I Use Canned Pineapple Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use canned pineapple! Just make sure to drain it well to remove excess juice. This will help maintain the right consistency in your coconut pineapple bites. You may also want to reduce the sugar slightly since canned pineapple can be sweeter.
Can I Substitute the Sugar with a Different Sweetener?
Absolutely! You can use honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup as substitutes. Just remember to adjust the amount to taste, as different sweeteners can vary in sweetness. If using a liquid sweetener, it may slightly alter the texture, so keep that in mind!
How to Store Leftover Coconut Pineapple Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper if you’re stacking them to prevent sticking. These treats can also be frozen for up to a month; just thaw in the fridge before serving!
What Can I Use as a Topping Besides Toasted Coconut Flakes?
In addition to toasted coconut flakes, you can top your coconut pineapple bites with crushed nuts, like macadamia or almonds, or even drizzle a bit of chocolate or caramel sauce for extra indulgence. Fresh fruit like mango or banana also makes a delightful topping!
