Desserts with pineapple come in different textures and sweetness profiles. This makes them tasty and convenient for preparing for family gatherings and social get-togethers where your guests have varying sweet preferences. A delectable pineapple pudding dessert, for example, will surely become a quick favorite for anyone, even if you are a hardcore skeptic.
On the other hand, with its mouthwatering marriage of ingredients, smoothness, flavors, and textures, a crushed pineapple dessert is perfect for brunch gatherings, family outings, warm spring midday picnics, or just a great treat that you can guiltlessly dig into after a long day.
The roots of the pineapple parfait go back hundreds of years. It changes over time depending on how cooking styles became more global and taste profiles underwent significant changes.
Christopher Columbus brought pineapple to Europe during the 16th century, and it became a favorite treat among the rich. The sweet and unusual fruit caught the fancy of aristocrats in high society. During this time, French pastry chefs used to make rich desserts combining ingredients that paved the way for the modern parfait.
When pineapple became easier to access within the country, American cooks started to use it in desserts. The first known pineapple parfait recipe consisted of multiple layers of pineapple whipped cream, along with sponge cake.
The rise of Hawaii's pineapple industry made pineapple a popular ingredient in American cooking. Hawaiian-style pineapple upside-down cake and pineapple sorbet led to the creation of the modern pineapple parfait.
The crushed pineapple parfait now comes in many forms, mixing in flavors and ingredients from around the world.
The dish’s history shows how cooking techniques evolved and cultures blended. Starting from its OG roots to its present-day form, this sweet treat keeps making people happy and sparking new renditions.
Ingredients:
- 251 gm pineapple
- 122 ml sugar
- 63 ml water
- 2 tbsp ginger
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 301 ml cream
- 62 gm sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 121 gm pecans
- 62 gm sugar
- 33 gm flour
- A pinch of salt
- 61 gm butter
- 202 gm vanilla yogurt
- 121 gm granola
- Pineapple cubes and mint leaves
Method:
- You have to first place a big pan on medium heat and add finely chopped pineapple, sugar, water, and ground ginger into the pan. Bring the ingredients to a boil while stirring in some vanilla extract.
- As you continue cooking this concoction over medium heat, you must stir it occasionally until the mixture comes to a simmer and the sugar is completely dissolved.
- You can then reduce the heat to let the mixture bubble, and then cover it and allow everything to cook for 15 minutes until the compote thickens slightly.
- You can then take it off the heat and let it cool down to room temperature.
- For the creamy texture of this sweet dish, you first have to whip some heavy cream in a large bowl until soft peaks form.
- Then, you can carefully stir in granulated sugar and vanilla extract.
- You must keep beating the mixture until it becomes stiff.
- After this, you should put it in the refrigerator and let it set until it's ready to be assembled.
- To prepare for the baking process, you have to preheat your oven to 175°C.
- In a medium-sized bowl, you need to stir some pecans, sugar, flour, and salt together.
- Then, you have to combine it with melted butter until the texture is crumbly.
- You need to gently scrape the batter onto a baking sheet and bake it for around 15-17 minutes.
- Once baked, you have to wait to let it cool down completely.
- Fish out your fancy crockery, preferably a tall glass dish, and layer granola at the base.
- Above the granola layer, you need to add the vanilla yogurt, followed by the pineapple compote over the yogurt and cream.
- After this step, you have to carefully top the dish with the pecan crumble.
- You must follow this chronology two more times, being careful not to mix them up.
- Once done, you can end at the top layer with whipped cream.
- You must allow the parfait to set in the refrigerator for at least 45 minutes in order to blend all the flavors.
- While serving, it will be great if you garnish with some fresh pineapple and mint leaves.