From the juicy and sweet pineapple cake to the light, airy pineapple parfait, pineapples are the base flavor for a wide selection of swoon-worthy desserts. The sweet and zesty tropical fruit, used in chutneys, on Hawaiian pizzas and in some of the most well-known tropical beverages (yes, we mean Piña Colada), is also often incorporated in fall fruit desserts and autumn cake recipes.
So, if you are looking to switch things up a bit by doing away with caramel apples and cinnamon rolls this fall, here are some of the most scrumptious sweet treats.
Pineapple Cake
This rich, moist, and tasty cake is perfect for any special occasion or just for a quiet dinner at home.
Ingredients:
- 201 gm butter
- 120 gm sugar
- 3 eggs
- 254 gm flour
- 11 gm baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 121 ml pineapple juice
- 102 gm pineapple (crushed)
- 13 ml vanilla extract
Method:
- You start by greasing two cake pans with butter, and then you have to preheat the oven to 180°C.
- Then, whisk butter in a large mixing bowl until it becomes frothy and light. One way to check if your butter has creamed properly is to gauge whether it has expanded and almost doubled in volume.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar, and whisk until you can see no granules.
- Whisk the eggs in a separate bowl for a few minutes until the yolk and the whites have all come together,
- Now, add the eggs to the butter and sugar mixture, and keep on whisking at a low speed.
- Then, sieve plain flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Using a sieve helps any lumps to get separated from the fine powder. But for good measure, run a fork through the mix and ensure there are no lumps.
- Proceed to add crushed pineapple, pineapple juice and vanilla to the mixture.
- Evenly distribute the batter between the greased pans and allow the batter to bake for 35 to 40 minutes.
- Before serving, you can drizzle it with some maple syrup. Or, make a syrup by boiling the leftover pineapple juice with some sugar or honey and reducing it till it is halved in quantity.
Pineapple Parfait
If you have had crushed pineapple desserts before, and wondered how the fruit fits into any dessert like a glove, then this recipe will help you recreate the magic right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 220 gm cream
- 95 gm sugar
- 13 ml vanilla extract
- 155 gm pineapple
- 75 gm granola
For garnish:
- 75 gm pineapple
- 55 gm coconut
Method:
- You have to start by beating cream in a bowl until stiff peaks form.
- Then, you need to slowly add caster sugar and vanilla extract to the cream. Here, you should be careful to gently fold in crushed pineapple.
- You can then spoon the creamy mousse into individual cups.
- To start assembling the dish, you have to layer with granola, fresh pineapple chunks, and some shredded coconut. Repeat the layers two or three times.
- Refrigerate it for at least 3 hours before serving.
Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecake
Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 300 gm graham cracker
- 175 gm sugar
- 110 gm butter
For the filling:
- 204 gm cream cheese
- 201 gm sugar
- 102 gm sour cream
- 203 gm pineapple
- 4 cherry
- 11 ml vanilla extract
Method:
- As the first step, you have to preheat the oven to 180°C.
- Then, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter to make the crust.
- After that, gently press the crust into a pan, and top the crust with pineapple rings and cherries. Place this in the refrigerator for at least half an hour with weights on top for the crust to set.
- Then, you have to beat cream cheese using a machine whisk.
- Gradually stir in sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract, giving everything a good mix.
- Then you can slowly spread this cheesecake filling over the crust.
- You then have to bake it for 45-50 minutes.
- To serve this dessert, you can add a dollop of vanilla ice cream at the top to create a contrasting flavor profile.