These Coconut Pineapple Bites are like tiny pieces of paradise! With sweet pineapple and creamy coconut, each bite feels like a mini vacation in your mouth.
Making these bites is super fun! Just mix the ingredients, roll them into balls, and chill. I love them as a snack or a sweet treat at parties—everyone wants the recipe!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple gives a juicy and sweet flavor. If fresh isn’t available, use canned pineapple, but drain it well to avoid excess moisture.
Coconut Milk: This adds creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter option, coconut cream is richer, or use almond milk for a different taste.
Sugar: Adjust to your preference! For healthier alternatives, try honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
Desiccated Coconut: This gives texture. If you want a finer texture, you can use coconut flour instead. For gluten-free options, ensure your flour is labeled gluten-free.
Cornstarch: It helps set the mixture. If you’re avoiding cornstarch, try arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as a substitute.
How Do I Ensure My Coconut Pineapple Bites Set Perfectly?
The key to getting the right texture is balancing baking time and ingredient ratios. Follow these simple steps:
- Mix ingredients well to prevent clumps. This helps everything bind together.
- Don’t open the oven while it’s baking to keep the temperature steady for even cooking.
- Your bites should be firm and lightly golden on top when done. If they still look wet, give them a few more minutes.
- Chill the bites after baking. This step makes them easier to cut and enhances the flavors!
How to Make Coconut Pineapple Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Mixture:
- 2 cups fresh pineapple, diced
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup desiccated coconut
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnishing:
- Toasted coconut flakes (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful treat will take about 15 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to bake. After that, give it at least 1 hour in the fridge to chill and set up perfectly. In total, plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, but most of that time is just waiting for it to cool!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Baking Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, take an 8-inch square baking pan and line it with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking and make it easier to remove the bites later.
2. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix together the diced pineapple, coconut milk, sugar, cornstarch, salt, and vanilla extract. Using a whisk or spoon, stir everything until well combined. You want to make sure there are no lumps and all ingredients are blended nicely.
3. Baking the Mixture:
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Place it in your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is lightly golden, and the mixture has set. Keep an eye on it as baking times can vary slightly between ovens!
4. Cooling and Chilling:
Once baked, take the dish out of the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. This might take a little while, but it’s important for getting the right texture. After it’s cooled, pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. This step helps firm up the coconut pineapple bites, making them easier to cut.
5. Cutting and Serving:
After chilling, take the mixture out of the fridge and carefully cut it into bite-sized squares. If you want to give your bites an extra treat, you can drizzle more coconut milk on top and sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes for a lovely finish. Serve these delicious bites chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Canned Pineapple Instead of Fresh Pineapple?
Yes, you can use canned pineapple! Be sure to drain it well and pat it dry to avoid excess moisture in your mixture. This will help maintain the right consistency for your bites.
What If I Don’t Have Desiccated Coconut?
No problem! You can substitute desiccated coconut with finely shredded coconut, but keep in mind it may change the texture slightly. You can also reduce the quantity a bit, as shredded coconut is usually more moist.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Ensure they’re cut into squares before storing for easier snacking! Just pull out a portion as needed and enjoy.
Can I Use a Different Sweetener?
Absolutely! You can substitute sugar with honey, maple syrup, or a sugar alternative like stevia. Just adjust the amount to your preferred sweetness level since some sweeteners are more concentrated than others.
