The Best Pineapple Bake

Indulge in a taste of tropical sweetness with “The Best Pineapple Bake” recipe. This delightful dessert combines the sunny flavors of crushed pineapple with the comforting richness of buttery bread pudding. Perfect for repurposing leftover stale bread, this recipe transforms humble ingredients into a decadent treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

With layers of cubed bread soaked in a luscious mixture of melted butter, eggs, sugar, and vanilla, every bite is a symphony of textures and flavors. Topped with a sprinkle of brown sugar for a caramelized finish, this bake emerges from the oven with a golden crust and irresistible aroma.

Whether enjoyed warm or at room temperature, “The Best Pineapple Bake” is a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s simple to prepare yet utterly delicious. Let’s dive into the recipe and embark on a culinary journey to tropical bliss!

The Best Pineapple Bake

Ingredients

6 slices of thick, stale bread, cubed

20 ounces crushed pineapple

½ cup Brown Sugar packed

½ cup butter, melted

1 cup White sugar

½ tsp Vanilla extract

6 eggs

Instructions

FIRST STEP:

Preheat the oven to 350*

Grease an 8×8 baking dish

In a large bowl, beat together the butter and granulated sugar until fully combined

Beat in the eggs, one at a time

Add in the cubed bread and the pineapple stir until the bread is saturated

SECOND STEP:

Transfer the mix to the prepared baking dish

Sprinkle with the Brown Sugar

THIRD STEP:

Bake until the top begins to brown, 50 to 55 minutes

Enjoy!

Notes:

Use Stale Bread: Stale bread absorbs the liquid mixture better than fresh bread, preventing the dish from becoming too soggy. If you don’t have stale bread, you can lightly toast fresh bread cubes in the oven before using.

Adjust Sugar Levels: Depending on your preference for sweetness, you can adjust the amount of sugar used in the recipe. If you prefer a less sweet dish, you can reduce the amount of granulated and brown sugar accordingly.

Add Nuts or Coconut: For extra texture and flavor, consider adding chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) or shredded coconut to the dish before baking. These additions complement the tropical flavor of the pineapple and add a delightful crunch.

Enhance with Spices: Experiment with spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to add warmth and depth of flavor to the dish. Sprinkle a small amount of your chosen spice over the bread and pineapple mixture before baking for a delicious twist.

Drain Pineapple Well: Ensure that you drain the crushed pineapple well before adding it to the bread mixture. Excess liquid from the pineapple can make the dish overly wet, affecting its texture and consistency.

Let it Rest: Allow the baked pineapple bake to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to slice and serve.

Serve with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: For an indulgent treat, serve the warm pineapple bake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy richness pairs beautifully with the sweet and tangy flavors of the dish.

Make Ahead: You can prepare the pineapple bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate until ready to bake. Allow it to come to room temperature before baking as directed.

Customize with Fruit: Experiment with different fruits or fruit combinations in place of or in addition to the crushed pineapple. Sliced bananas, diced mango, or fresh berries can add vibrant colors and flavors to the dish.

Enjoy as Breakfast or Dessert: This versatile dish can be enjoyed as a decadent breakfast treat or as a comforting dessert. Serve it warm for breakfast alongside a cup of coffee or tea, or as a delightful dessert after dinner.

Nutrition Information

Yield: 12 | Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread for The Best Pineapple Bake?

While stale bread is recommended, you can use fresh bread.

Toasting the cubes slightly can mimic the effect of stale bread.

What size baking dish should I use if I don’t have an 8×8 dish?

You can use a similar-sized dish, like a 9×9, but keep an eye on the baking time as it may vary.

Can I substitute margarine for butter in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter, but it might affect the flavor slightly.

Should I drain the crushed pineapple before using it in the recipe?

It’s recommended to use the crushed pineapple with its juice to add more flavor to the dish.

Can I reduce the amount of sugar in The Best Pineapple Bake?

Yes, you can adjust the sugar to your preference, but it may affect the sweetness of the final dish.

Is it essential to beat the eggs one at a time, or can I add them all at once?

Beating the eggs one at a time ensures even incorporation, but you can add them all at once and mix well.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the recipe for extra texture?

Yes, you can add chopped nuts or raisins if you like additional texture and flavor.

What’s the purpose of sprinkling Brown Sugar on top before baking?

Sprinkling Brown Sugar creates a sweet and caramelized crust on top of the bake.

Can I prepare The Best Pineapple Bake ahead of time and bake it later?

Yes, you can assemble it and refrigerate it overnight, then bake it when ready.

Can I serve The Best Pineapple Bake with whipped cream or ice cream?

Yes, serving with whipped cream or ice cream can enhance the dessert.