Pineapple Crisp : A Sweet, Simple, and Irresistible Fruit Dessert

Looking for something sweet and easy to make that looks delicious? Meet your new favorite: Pineapple Crisp. This tropical twist on the classic fruit crisp is buttery, warm, and filled with juicy pineapple chunks, all topped with a golden oat crumble. Whether you use fresh or canned pineapple, this dessert is a breeze to make and will wow everyone at the table.

If you’re craving easy desserts with pineapple that are low effort but high reward, pineapple crisp is a perfect choice. It’s a one-dish wonder — no complicated steps or obscure ingredients. This recipe belongs in your go-to file for fruity dessert recipes easy enough for a weeknight and impressive enough for guests.

It’s ideal for spring brunches, summer cookouts, holiday dinners, or just a lazy Sunday treat. You can even serve it as a lighter alternative to traditional heavy desserts like pie or cake.

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🍍 Why You’ll Love This Easy Pineapple Crisp Recipe

There are so many reasons to make this recipe your new dessert staple:

• It uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
• You can use fresh pineapple or canned depending on what you have.
• It’s warm, buttery, and fruity, the ultimate comfort dessert.
• You can make it ahead of time and reheat it easily.
• It pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• It’s versatile — easily adapted to include other fruits or toppings.
• It’s a great way to explore dessert recipes with pineapple beyond the usual cake or bars.

Love tropical flavors? You’ll definitely enjoy Pineapple Dump Cake too — another dreamy, easy dessert with juicy fruit and buttery topping.

🤔 What is Pineapple Crisp?

A fruit crisp is a baked dessert featuring a juicy fruit base topped with a crumbly mixture of oats, flour, butter, and sugar. Unlike cobblers (which have more of a biscuit or cake-like topping), crisps are known for their crunchy, golden topping.

In this recipe, the bright tang of pineapple replaces more common fruits like apples or berries. The result is a dessert that feels like sunshine in a bowl — sweet, citrusy, and completely satisfying.

Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or whipping it up for a casual gathering, pineapple crisp delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

🛒 Ingredients Needed for Pineapple Crisp

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this tropical delight. This list assumes you’re using fresh pineapple, but substitutions are noted.

For the Filling:

• 4 cups fresh pineapple, chopped into small chunks (or 2 cans drained pineapple chunks)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (helps thicken juices)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: pinch of ground ginger or cinnamon for warmth

For the Crisp Topping:

• ¾ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup cold butter, cubed
• Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or shredded coconut for extra texture

This ingredient list is similar to what you’d use in cozy recipes like Apple Crisp with Oatmeal, but with a brighter, tropical twist.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Pineapple Crisp

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch or 9-inch round baking dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Pineapple Filling

In a mixing bowl, toss your pineapple chunks with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla, and any spices. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

Step 3: Make the Crisp Topping

In a separate bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it forms coarse crumbs. Stir in optional coconut or nuts if using.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the pineapple layer. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling at the edges.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let it cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Looking for a full dessert table? Pair this with other hits like Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies or Peach Cobbler Cheesecake Bars.

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🍽️ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• 8×8 or 9-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls (2)
• Pastry cutter or fork
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula or spoon
• Oven mitts

Bonus: Clean-up is minimal since it’s a one-dish dessert — much like Pumpkin Dump Cake.

🍍 Using Fresh Pineapple vs Canned

Fresh Pineapple:

• Offers a tangier, juicier flavor
• Requires peeling and coring
• Best for when pineapple is in season

Canned Pineapple:

• Super convenient
• Can be overly sweet — choose pineapple in juice, not syrup
• Drain well to avoid a soggy bottom

If you’re wondering what to do with fresh pineapple, this is a fantastic recipe to try.

🧁 Flavor Variations and Add-Ins

Want to make it your own? Here are a few tasty twists:

• Add ½ cup shredded coconut for a tropical vibe
• Stir in a handful of chopped mango for pineapple-mango crisp
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to warm it up
• Mix in ginger or a splash of rum extract for a unique depth
• Top with crushed graham crackers for extra crunch

These creative swaps are similar to upgrades you might add in recipes like Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles.

✅ Tips to Make the Perfect Pineapple Crisp

• Use cold butter for a crispier topping.
• Don’t overmix the butter — you want chunks, not a paste.
• Drain canned pineapple well to avoid extra moisture.
• If your topping starts to brown too quickly, cover with foil.
• Let it rest after baking — the juices thicken as it cools.

Need more dessert shortcuts? Try quick recipes like Snickerdoodle Protein Bites for no-bake options.

🍦 How to Serve Pineapple Crisp

Pineapple crisp is delicious warm, but here’s how to make it extra special:

• Add a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream
• Top with lightly sweetened whipped cream
• Garnish with fresh mint or a cherry for presentation
• Serve in ramekins for an elegant plated dessert
• Drizzle with caramel sauce for extra indulgence

It’s a great addition to your brunch menu alongside Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls or Tater Tot Breakfast Bowls.

🧊 Make It Ahead: Storage and Reheating

To Store:

• Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days

To Reheat:

• Microwave individual servings for 30–45 seconds
• Or reheat in a 325°F oven for 10 minutes to revive crispness

To Freeze:

• Cool completely, then wrap tightly
• Freeze for up to 2 months
• Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving

Want more make-ahead-friendly meals and desserts? Try Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches or Vegetarian Baked Ziti.

🍓 Pair This With Other Fruity Dessert Recipes

Craving more easy fruity desserts? Here are a few to explore:

• Apple Crisp with Oatmeal – warm, cozy, classic
• Mini Pumpkin Pie Cups – seasonal and adorable
• Fruit Dip – easy to whip up with fresh berries or melon
• Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal – great for breakfast or dessert

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using too much juice from canned pineapple — always drain well
• Skipping the cornstarch — it helps thicken the filling
• Letting topping get too dark — tent with foil if needed
• Not using cold butter — melted butter gives you a soggy top

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❓ FAQs About Pineapple Crisp

Can I use other fruits with pineapple?
Yes! Mango, banana, or apple work beautifully with pineapple.

What if I don’t have oats?
Use a mix of flour and crushed nuts or crushed graham crackers.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes — use a 9×13-inch pan and increase ingredients accordingly.

Can I make it vegan?
Absolutely! Use vegan butter and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly.

Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the topping.

🏁 Final Thoughts + Share the Recipe

This pineapple crisp is everything a dessert should be — easy, comforting, fruity, and golden brown on top. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll make once and then again and again for family dinners, potlucks, or just because you had some leftover pineapple on the counter.

Give it a try, and if you love it, share it with friends and subscribe to the blog for more tropical treats, easy weeknight desserts, and creative takes on classic sweets. And if you’re still craving more, check out Pineapple Dump Cake — another effortless favorite!

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