Coconut Pineapple Bites are a sweet and tropical treat that will make you feel like you’re on a sunny beach. With juicy pineapple pieces coated in creamy coconut, every bite is a little piece of paradise!
They’re super easy to make, and I love serving them at parties. Just pop them on a skewer and watch your guests smile. Trust me, they’ll be reaching for seconds in no time! 🌴🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Pineapple: Use ripe, juicy pineapples for the best flavor. If fresh pineapples are hard to find, canned pineapple in juice can work too, but drain it well first.
Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk adds rich creaminess. You can use light coconut milk for a lower calorie option, or even almond milk for a nutty twist, though it won’t be quite as creamy.
Shredded Coconut: Sweetened shredded coconut brings sweetness and texture. Unsweetened coconut flakes can be substituted if you prefer less sweetness. Just adjust sugar to taste.
Sugar: You can replace granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup, but you may need to adjust the liquid in other parts of the recipe. Another option is a sugar substitute tailored for baking.
How Do I Get the Right Consistency with Cornstarch?
The cornstarch is key to achieving the desired texture of these bites. To prevent clumping, mix the cornstarch with room temperature water to form a slurry before adding it to the simmering mixture. Stirring constantly helps it integrate smoothly.
- Ensure the pineapple mixture is simmering to activate the thickening power of cornstarch.
- Add the slurry slowly while whisking to avoid lumps, and keep stirring for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens properly.
How to Make Coconut Pineapple Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Coconut Pineapple Mixture:
- 2 cups fresh pineapple, finely chopped
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
For Garnish:
- 1 cup toasted coconut
- 1/2 cup condensed milk (optional, for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then requires a chilling time of at least 2 hours. So, you can whip it up quickly and leave it to set in the refrigerator while you take care of other things!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, add the finely chopped pineapple, coconut milk, sugar, and salt. Heat this mixture over medium heat. Keep an eye on it, and let it come to a gentle simmer. This should take just a few minutes.
2. Make the Cornstarch Slurry:
While the pineapple mixture is heating, take a separate bowl and mix the cornstarch with a little water. Stir it until it’s smooth. This will help thicken your mixture later. Once the pineapple mix is simmering, gradually whisk this cornstarch slurry into the saucepan.
3. Thicken the Mixture:
Keep stirring the mixture on the stove until it thickens. This will take about 5-7 minutes. You want it to be thick enough to hold its shape.
4. Add Coconut and Flavor:
Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat. Now, stir in the shredded coconut and the vanilla extract until everything is well combined. This will add extra flavor and texture to your bites!
5. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the thick coconut pineapple mixture into a greased square or rectangular baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top so it looks nice and even.
6. Chill to Set:
Let the mixture sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. After that, pop it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This will help it firm up so you can cut it easily.
7. Cut and Serve:
Once it’s set and firm, take it out of the fridge and cut the coconut pineapple mixture into bite-sized squares. Arrange these delightful bites on a serving plate. If you like, drizzle some condensed milk on top for a creamy touch and sprinkle with toasted coconut for an irresistible crunch!
8. Enjoy!
Your Coconut Pineapple Bites are now ready to be served! Enjoy them chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing treat.
Can I Use Canned Pineapple Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! You can substitute canned pineapple for fresh pineapple. Just make sure to drain it well and chop it into small pieces. This will help maintain the texture of the bites, but be aware that the flavor might be slightly sweeter due to the syrup.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Recipe?
If you prefer a less sweet treat, you can reduce the sugar in the recipe to 1/4 cup or even omit it entirely! Taste the mixture before adding the full amount of sugar, especially since the sweetness of pineapple can vary. You can also adjust the sweetness later with the optional condensed milk drizzle.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to freeze them, place the bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving!
Can I Make These Coconut Pineapple Bites Vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan! Just skip the condensed milk drizzle or use a plant-based alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly, so you’re good to go!
