Pineapple is full of health and flavor.
Pineapple is good for you, full of flavor and delicious in desserts. Ideas for pineapple desserts range from cool and refreshing to warm and comforting. Pineapple can be served raw, grilled, baked or saut ed, or used as a garnish in desserts. Here are four scrumptious and easy pineapple dessert ideas.
Ice Cream Desserts
Pineapple can be found in many recipes that include ice cream. A variation of the classic banana split includes a pineapple topping. There are also various flavors of pineapple ice cream and sherbets.
The ingredients of one pineapple ice cream dessert recipe are: two sliced bananas, one 8-oz. can of drained pineapple chunks, 2 tbsp. margarine, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 tsp. cinnamon, 1/2 cup of coconut and 1 qt. vanilla ice cream.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and coat baking dish with vegetable oil spray. In a saucepan, combine the margarine, sugar and spices. Stir over low until it begins to boil. Add pineapple chunks and coconut. Stir until coated and pour into baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Place sliced bananas on top and return to oven for 5 minutes uncovered. Spoon into bowls and place a scoop of ice cream on top.
Cakes
Cakes are an ideal way to incorporate pineapple into desserts. Upside down cake, fruit cake and other pineapple cake recipes are some flavorful pineapple desserts.
To make a pineapple coconut cake, gather 2 cups flour, 1 1/2 cup sugar, 2 tsp. baking soda, 1/2 tsp. salt, one 16-oz. can of undrained crushed pineapple and one can of coconut pecan frosting.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda and salt in a mixing bowl. Stir in the pineapple. Pour mixture into two greased and floured round cake pans. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool. Frost with the can of coconut pecan frosting.
For a pineapple rum shortcake, you'll need one fresh ripe pineapple sliced into eight rings, cooking spray, 2 tsp. butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup rum, eight premade shortcakes, whipped cream, eight maraschino cherries and chopped walnuts.
Grill the pineapple rings on a nonstick sprayed grill pan or barbecue grill until grill marks have appeared. Heat the butter, sugar and rum in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce has thickened. Remove from heat. Put a pineapple ring on each plate and set a shortcake on top of each of the pineapple rings. Drizzle sauce on shortcakes and top with whipped cream, cherries and walnuts.
Other Pineapple Desserts
Pineapple desserts aren't limited to cakes and ice cream dishes. Other ideas for pineapple desserts are candy, cookies, fruit cups and dessert garnishes. For a sweet, healthful treat, you can also enjoy the pineapple by itself.
Gather the following ingredients to make chocolate pineapple chunks: 8 oz. semi sweet chocolate, 2 tbsp. vegetable shortening, 1/2 tsp vanilla and one fresh pineapple cut into chunks.
Place the chocolate and shortening in a bowl and place in microwave oven. Stir every 30 seconds until fully melted and stir in vanilla. Dip pineapple in the chocolate and set on wax paper until chocolate dries.
Grilled Pineapple
Pineapple can be grilled for dessert. Grilled it by itself or on kabobs with other fruits, such as nectarines, pears, strawberries, peaches, grapes, plums and cherries, pineapple in this form is another healthful way of having dessert. For extra sweetness, brush the fruit with honey during the last few minutes of grilling.
Tags: pineapple chunks, pineapple desserts, baking dish, baking soda, baking soda salt, brown sugar, coconut pecan