There’s something special about simple, old-fashioned desserts that fill the kitchen with warmth and bring everyone to the table. This Pineapple Bake is exactly that kind of recipe — sweet, buttery, and perfectly golden on top, with a soft, custard-like texture underneath.
It’s one of those humble dishes that manages to taste like sunshine on a plate — bright, tropical, and deeply comforting all at once. Whether served as a dessert, a holiday side dish, or even at a Sunday brunch, this pineapple bake never fails to please.
The best part? It comes together with just a few pantry ingredients, requires no special equipment, and can be prepared in minutes. It’s the kind of easy, foolproof recipe that feels like it’s been passed down through generations.
What Is a Pineapple Bake?
A pineapple bake is a traditional Southern-inspired comfort dish made with canned pineapple, butter, sugar, eggs, and bread or cracker crumbs. The result is a tender, pudding-like bake with caramelized edges, a buttery crust, and a sweet, tangy interior.
It can be enjoyed warm as a dessert topped with whipped cream or ice cream — or served as a side dish alongside ham, roast chicken, or turkey during holidays like Easter or Christmas.
It’s sweet enough to satisfy dessert lovers but balanced enough to complement a savory meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made with simple ingredients you likely already have.
- The texture is irresistibly soft, buttery, and custard-like.
- Versatile — serve it warm, cold, as a dessert, or as a side.
- Quick to prepare — just mix, pour, and bake.
- Family-friendly and perfect for gatherings or potlucks.
Ingredients
For the Pineapple Bake:
- Butter – ½ cup (1 stick / 115 g), melted
Adds richness and helps create that golden, crisp top. - Granulated sugar – ¾ cup (150 g)
Sweetens the custard and balances the tart pineapple. - Eggs – 3 large, at room temperature
Provide structure and a creamy texture when baked. - Canned crushed pineapple – 1 (20-ounce / 565 g) can, undrained
The heart of the recipe. The juice keeps the bake moist and flavorful. - Bread cubes or crumbs – 2 cups (from about 4 slices of day-old bread)
Acts as a base, soaking up the pineapple and butter mixture for a pudding-like consistency. You can also use buttery crackers for a more crumbly texture. - All-purpose flour – 1 tablespoon
Helps thicken the mixture slightly so it sets nicely. - Salt – ¼ teaspoon
Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness. - Ground cinnamon (optional) – ¼ teaspoon
Adds a warm, comforting aroma.
Optional Topping:
- Brown sugar – 2 tablespoons
- Chopped pecans or shredded coconut – ¼ cup (for crunch and flavor)
Equipment Needed
- 1 medium mixing bowl
- Whisk or electric hand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish
- Nonstick cooking spray or butter for greasing
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Dish
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease your baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
If you prefer a slightly thicker bake, use an 8×8-inch dish; for a lighter texture, use a 9×9-inch dish.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and let it cool slightly. You want it warm, not hot — so it mixes smoothly with the eggs without scrambling them.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until well combined and slightly frothy.
Pour in the melted butter and whisk until the mixture turns pale and glossy.
The butter adds richness, while the eggs help create that soft, pudding-like structure.
Step 4: Add the Pineapple
Stir in the entire can of crushed pineapple, juice and all.
Do not drain the pineapple — the liquid is essential for moisture and flavor.
Mix gently until everything is evenly distributed.
Step 5: Add the Dry Ingredients
Add the flour and salt, stirring until just incorporated.
Fold in the bread cubes or crumbs with a rubber spatula, ensuring they are evenly coated in the pineapple mixture.
If you’re using cracker crumbs, you’ll get a denser, almost cobbler-like texture. Bread gives a more custardy finish, similar to bread pudding.
Step 6: Transfer to the Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
If desired, sprinkle the top with a mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped pecans or coconut. This adds a slightly crunchy, caramelized crust once baked.
Step 7: Bake
Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges begin to bubble slightly.
The center should be set but still soft — similar to a bread pudding.
To test doneness, insert a knife or toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 8: Cool Slightly and Serve
Let the pineapple bake cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
This allows the custard to firm up slightly while staying warm and creamy.
You can serve it warm, at room temperature, or even chilled from the refrigerator. Each way offers a different but equally delightful texture experience.
Serving Suggestions
- As a Dessert:
Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. - As a Side Dish:
Traditionally served at holiday meals alongside baked ham, roast turkey, or pork chops. The sweet and tangy pineapple complements savory meats beautifully. - For Brunch:
Pair with breakfast casseroles, quiche, or cinnamon rolls for a tropical twist.
Tips for Success
- Use day-old bread: Slightly dry bread absorbs the liquid better, creating a custard-like interior.
- Do not overbake: The bake should stay moist and tender, not dry.
- Customize the texture: For more crunch, use crushed buttery crackers instead of bread. For a softer pudding-style dish, use cubed sandwich bread.
- Let it rest: Allow the bake to cool slightly before slicing so it holds its shape.
- Make it your own: Add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor depth.
Variations
- Tropical Pineapple Bake: Add a handful of shredded coconut and a few chopped maraschino cherries for a colorful, tropical flair.
- Pineapple Rum Bake: Replace 2 tablespoons of pineapple juice with dark rum for an adult twist.
- Pineapple Cheese Bake: Mix in ½ cup of cream cheese or mascarpone before baking for extra richness.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free bread or crackers instead of regular bread.
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, or reheat the entire dish in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–15 minutes.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
Make-Ahead Option
You can assemble the pineapple mixture a few hours (or up to a day) ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply bring it to room temperature and bake as directed.
This makes it an ideal dish for holidays, potlucks, or dinner parties when you want to prepare parts of the meal in advance.
Final Thoughts
This Pineapple Bake is the kind of old-fashioned comfort food that reminds you how satisfying simple ingredients can be. It’s buttery, sweet, tangy, and golden — with a tender custard-like middle and slightly crisp edges.
Each bite brings together the tropical brightness of pineapple and the cozy richness of baked pudding. Whether you serve it as dessert or as a unique side dish, it’s bound to become one of those recipes everyone asks you for.
It’s easy, affordable, and timeless — proof that a truly great dish doesn’t have to be complicated.
