These Coconut Pineapple Bites are a sweet and tropical treat that are super simple to make! Packed with juicy pineapple and shredded coconut, they’re a refreshing snack.
Honestly, they feel like a vacation in every bite! I love serving them at parties or just enjoying them on a sunny day. They’re great for sharing (or not, no judgment here)! 🌴
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple gives the best flavor, but you can use canned pineapple if fresh isn’t available. Just drain it well to avoid excess moisture. Grating it adds a nice texture!
Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk adds creaminess. For a lighter version, use light coconut milk. You can also use almond milk or oat milk, but it will change the coconut flavor!
Granulated Sugar: White sugar is standard here, but you can swap it with brown sugar for a deeper flavor or use a sugar substitute to make it healthier. Just check the conversion ratio!
Desiccated Coconut: This ingredient adds texture. You can replace it with finely shredded coconut. If you’re avoiding coconut, try finely chopped nuts or oats for a different taste.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Thick Mixture?
The thickening process is crucial for the right texture. Stirring constantly helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat the mixture over low heat after adding the cornstarch. This keeps the temperature stable.
- Keep stirring gently but consistently to avoid lumps. You’ll know it’s ready when it thickens and starts pulling away from the sides of the pan.
- Don’t rush this step! Taking the time to thicken properly will give you the best results in the end.
How to Make Coconut Pineapple Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base:
- 2 cups fresh pineapple, grated or finely chopped
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup desiccated coconut (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Drizzling & Garnish:
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk (for drizzling)
- Toasted coconut flakes (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 1-2 hours of chilling time. You’ll spend a little time mixing and cooking the ingredients, and then you’ll let them set in the fridge to get those perfect bite-sized treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Warm Up the Mixture:
In a medium saucepan, combine the grated pineapple, coconut milk, and granulated sugar. Place it on the stove over medium heat. Stir gently as the mixture warms up until the sugar has dissolved. You want everything to be nice and warm, but no need to boil it!
2. Add Dry Ingredients:
Next, stir in the desiccated coconut, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix it all together really well until the cornstarch disappears into the mixture. This helps to thicken your bites later!
3. Cook Until Thickened:
Now, turn the heat down to low. Keep stirring constantly for about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture thickens and starts pulling away from the sides of the saucepan. This is what gives your bites their lovely texture!
4. Transfer to Dish:
Pour the thickened mixture into a greased square or rectangular dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. This will be the base for your Coconut Pineapple Bites. Let it cool down to room temperature on the counter.
5. Chill and Set:
Once cooled, pop the dish into the refrigerator for about 1-2 hours. This will help the mixture firm up nicely so it’s easy to cut into bites!
6. Cut and Drizzle:
After it’s firm, take it out of the fridge and cut it into bite-sized squares. Drizzle the top with sweetened condensed milk for a delicious touch!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle some extra desiccated coconut and toasted coconut flakes on top for a nice finish. Serve your Coconut Pineapple Bites chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your tasty tropical treats!
Can I Use Canned Pineapple Instead of Fresh Pineapple?
Yes, you can use canned pineapple! Just make sure to drain it well and chop it finely to mimic the texture of fresh pineapple. You may also want to reduce the amount of sugar slightly since canned pineapple can be sweeter.
How Do I Store Leftover Coconut Pineapple Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to layer them carefully to avoid sticking, and you can even separate layers with parchment paper if needed!
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! The recipe is already dairy-free since it uses coconut milk and sweetened condensed milk, but if you want to avoid the condensed milk, you can drizzle with a dairy-free alternative like maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar sweet touch.
How Can I Adjust the Level of Sweetness?
If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the granulated sugar or use a sugar substitute. Just make sure to adjust according to taste, and remember to keep the sweetness in balance with the tangy flavor of the pineapple!
