Irresistible Pineapple Crunch : Sweet & Easy

Looking for a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert that brings a burst of tropical flavor to your table? Pineapple Crunch is the answer. It’s buttery, sweet, lightly tart, and baked until perfectly golden on top. This classic, old-fashioned dessert delivers layers of flavor and texture using just a few simple ingredients, making it ideal for busy weeknights, potlucks, and Sunday dinners alike.

Made with crushed pineapple, a crunchy crumb topping, and often a pudding-like layer, it’s one of those pineapple desserts easy enough for anyone to make but memorable enough to impress. Whether you’re working with canned fruit, leftover crushed pineapple, or even fresh chunks, this recipe transforms humble ingredients into a warm, comforting treat.

Let’s walk through how to make this sweet, tropical pineapple crunch dessert—and all the ways you can customize it.

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What Is Pineapple Crunch? A Sweet and Buttery Fruit Dessert You’ll Love

Pineapple Crunch is a vintage-inspired dessert made with a juicy pineapple base and a crisp, buttery topping made from flour, sugar, and crushed crackers or cereal. The result is something between a pineapple crisp recipe and a fruity cobbler—sweet, gooey, and finished with a satisfyingly crunchy top.

Why people love it:

• Easy to make with pantry staples
• Perfect for using up leftover or canned pineapple
• Warm, buttery, and loaded with flavor
• Versatile – can be dressed up or simplified
• Great for all seasons – summer picnics or winter gatherings

If you enjoy fruit crisps or baked pudding desserts, this is one you’ll return to again and again.

Ingredients for Pineapple Crunch (With Exact Measurements)

This recipe makes about 6–8 servings, baked in an 8×8-inch dish.

For the pineapple filling:

• 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple in juice, undrained
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the crunch topping:

• 1 sleeve (about 1½ cups) buttery round crackers or graham crackers, crushed
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup brown sugar
• Optional: ¼ teaspoon cinnamon for warmth

These basic ingredients combine to form a layered dessert that’s both luscious and crisp. You can use fresh pineapple desserts as a base too—just be sure to dice the fruit finely and increase the sugar slightly if it’s not very sweet.

Tools You’ll Need to Make This Pineapple Dessert

You don’t need fancy equipment to make this crushed pineapple dessert:

• 8×8-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Small saucepan (optional, for thickening filling)
• Food processor or zip-top bag (for crushing crackers)

The simplicity of this dessert is part of its charm—just mix, layer, and bake.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Pineapple Crunch

Step 1: Prepare the filling
In a medium saucepan, combine the crushed pineapple with juice, granulated sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat until thickened, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and pour into the greased baking dish.

Step 2: Make the crunchy topping
In a bowl, combine crushed crackers, melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon (if using). Mix until the texture is crumbly and evenly coated.

Step 3: Assemble and bake
Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the pineapple layer. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbly around the edges.

Step 4: Cool slightly and serve
Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set. Serve warm, at room temperature, or even chilled depending on your preference.

That’s it! A fast, flavorful pineapple pudding dessert easy recipe that’s both nostalgic and crave-worthy.

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Tips for the Best Texture – Juicy Filling and Golden Crunch Topping

• Don’t skip the cornstarch – It thickens the pineapple filling so it’s not watery.
• Use buttery crackers like Ritz for a classic flavor, or graham crackers for a sweeter crunch.
• Bake until golden – This ensures the topping stays crispy and not soggy.
• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for contrast and creaminess.

These tips guarantee that your pineapple crunch turns out beautifully every time—rich, balanced, and perfectly textured.

Fresh vs. Canned: Using Crushed or Leftover Pineapple in Dessert Recipes

Wondering what to do with leftover crushed pineapple? This recipe is the answer. Whether from a can or freshly chopped, pineapple brings tropical brightness to any bake.

Here’s how to adapt:

• Canned crushed pineapple – Use with juice, undrained. Ideal for quick prep.
• Leftover pineapple – If using chopped or sliced pineapple, pulse in a food processor or dice finely. Add extra sugar or juice to replicate the sweetness of canned versions.
• Fresh pineapple – Dice and cook briefly on the stove with sugar and a splash of orange juice to soften and sweeten before baking.

This makes pineapple recipes dessert-ready no matter what form your fruit is in.

Flavor Variations: Add Coconut, Vanilla Pudding, or a Hint of Citrus

Customize your pineapple crunch dessert with these creative variations:

• Coconut Pineapple Crunch – Stir shredded coconut into the topping for a tropical twist.
• Pineapple pudding version – Mix instant vanilla pudding into the filling for extra creaminess.
• Add citrus zest – Lemon or lime zest in the filling brightens the flavor.
• Nutty topping – Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crunch for texture.
• Spiced variation – Use cinnamon, ginger, or cardamom for a warm, spiced profile.

These changes make your pineapple crisp recipe more personalized and even more delicious.

Serving Suggestions for Pineapple Crunch (Warm or Cold?)

This versatile dessert tastes amazing:

• Warm – Straight from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
• Room temperature – Great for potlucks or outdoor gatherings.
• Chilled – Makes a refreshing summer dessert when served cold.

Try serving it with:

• Ice cream – Vanilla, coconut, or even pineapple sorbet.
• Drizzle of caramel or honey for extra sweetness.
• Tropical fruit salad for a vibrant dessert platter.

This is one of those pineapple desserts easy enough to prepare in advance and delicious enough for any occasion.

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat Leftovers

To store:
Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or enjoy cold.

To freeze:
Freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in a 300°F oven until warmed through.

Reheating tip:
Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes to re-crisp the topping without overcooking the filling.

It’s a fantastic make-ahead option when you’re working with crushed pineapple recipes desserts and want something ready to go.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Approximate values for one serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 260
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Sugar: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Vitamin C: 25% DV
• Calcium: 4% DV

To lighten the recipe, you can reduce sugar, use a sugar substitute, or swap out part of the butter with unsweetened applesauce.

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Pineapple Crunch FAQs

Can I use pineapple chunks instead of crushed pineapple?
Yes, just chop finely or pulse in a blender to mimic the texture of crushed pineapple.

Can I use canned pineapple in syrup?
You can, but reduce the sugar in the filling to balance the sweetness.

Is this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free crackers or gluten-free flour blends in the topping for a GF version.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes—use plant-based butter substitutes and check that your crackers are dairy-free.

What’s the difference between pineapple crunch and pineapple crisp?
They’re very similar, but pineapple crunch often uses crackers instead of oats or flour for the topping, giving it more of a pie crust-like texture.

Final Thoughts and Invite to Share or Subscribe

This Pineapple Crunch dessert is a little taste of the tropics—sweet, buttery, and irresistibly easy. Whether you’re working with leftover crushed pineapple, trying to create new pineapple recipes dessert style, or just need something fast and flavorful, this dish is your new go-to.

It’s the perfect balance of gooey fruit and crisp topping, made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream or chill it for a refreshing summer sweet—it’s always a hit.

If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends, pin it to your dessert board, and subscribe to the blog for more easy, delicious recipes that bring tropical flavor to your home.

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