Coconut Pineapple Bites are sweet little treats that bring a taste of the tropics to your snack time. Made with crunchy coconut and juicy pineapple, they’re a perfect bite-sized delight!
I love making these when I need a quick snack that feels like a vacation. Plus, they’re so easy to whip up, you can enjoy them anytime—no plane ticket required! 🏝️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple is best for its vibrant flavor, but if you can’t find any, canned pineapple works too. Just be sure to drain it well before use!
Coconut Milk: For a rich taste, use full-fat coconut milk. If you’re looking for a lighter option, light coconut milk or even almond milk can substitute, but the texture will be different.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is standard, but if you prefer a natural option, try honey or maple syrup. Just remember, this may alter the flavor slightly.
Shredded Coconut: I often use unsweetened coconut for a more natural taste, but sweetened versions can add extra sweetness. Adjust your sugar amount if you go with sweetened coconut!
Cornstarch: If you need a substitute, arrowroot powder works well too. It can help thicken just like cornstarch!
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture When Baking?
The trick to achieving that perfect texture lies in the cooking process. When you mix the pineapple and coconut milk in the blender, make sure it’s completely smooth. This helps ensure even consistency in your bites.
- While cooking the mixture on medium heat, keep stirring. This prevents any lumps from forming and ensures a creamy texture.
- Watch the timing closely while baking; you’ll want to get that golden edge without overbaking. Keep an eye on those edges as a guide!
How to Make Coconut Pineapple Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Coconut Pineapple Bites:
- 2 cups fresh pineapple, diced
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened, based on preference)
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: additional toasted coconut for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and about 30 minutes of baking time. Plus, you’ll need some time to cool the bites completely before serving, so set aside about an hour in total. But trust me, the wait will be worth it for these yummy treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, make sure your oven is ready! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grab an 8×8 inch baking dish and grease it lightly to prevent sticking.
2. Blend the Pineapple:
Now, let’s make the base of our bites! Take your diced pineapple and coconut milk, and toss them into a blender. Blend everything together until you have a nice, smooth mixture. This will give your bites a tropical flavor!
3. Prepare the Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, mix together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Slowly add in the pineapple mixture that you just blended, stirring really well to combine everything. Make sure there are no lumps!
4. Cook Until Thickened:
Place your saucepan on the stove over medium heat. Keep stirring the mixture as it heats up. In about 5-7 minutes, you should notice it start to thicken. Once it gets to that point, take it off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and shredded coconut.
5. Pour and Spread:
Carefully pour the thickened mixture into your greased baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, smoothing the top so it looks nice and neat.
6. Bake it Up:
Pop your dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to turn slightly golden and the center to be set. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overcook!
7. Cool Down:
Once baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. This step is super important to make sure the bites hold their shape when cut.
8. Cut into Squares:
After your delicious creation has cooled, use a sharp knife to cut it into bite-sized squares. Get ready for tasting!
9. Optional Garnish:
If you want to make your bites extra special, drizzle them with a little coconut milk or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of coconut milk. You can also sprinkle some toasted coconut on top for a fancy touch.
10. Enjoy!
Now it’s time to enjoy your Coconut Pineapple Bites! Share them with family and friends, or just treat yourself—either way, they’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Canned Pineapple Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! You can substitute canned pineapple for fresh, but make sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture. You may also want to blend it for a smoother consistency similar to using fresh pineapple.
What if I Don’t Have Cornstarch?
No worries! You can use an equal amount of arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as a substitute for cornstarch. Just remember that the texture may vary slightly, but it should still work well to thicken the mixture.
How Should I Store the Coconut Pineapple Bites?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the bites by wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly, but if you want to make it even more plant-based, ensure that you use sweetened shredded coconut that doesn’t contain any animal products, and the sugar is processed without bone char. Most granulated sugar is fine, but it’s always good to check!
