These Coconut Pineapple Bites are a tasty treat that bring tropical vibes right to your snack time! With sweet pineapple and coconut, they are the perfect blend of flavors.
These little bites are like sunshine in your mouth! I love making them for parties or just for a quick sweet snack. They’re so easy to whip up, you’ll have them ready in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple gives a bright, juicy flavor. If fresh isn’t available, canned pineapple works too. Just drain it well! If you prefer something sweeter, you can use mango or papaya.
Coconut Milk: I love using full-fat coconut milk for richness. Light coconut milk is a good substitute if you’re looking to cut calories, but it may not be as creamy. Almond or soy milk can work too, but the flavor will change a bit.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is used here to sweeten the bites nicely. If you’re looking for a healthier option, honey or maple syrup could be used, adjusting quantities since they’re sweeter than sugar.
Shredded Coconut: I prefer unsweetened shredded coconut for a more balanced sweetness. Sweetened works well if you like it extra sweet. For a nutty twist, toasted almond flakes can be a yummy alternative!
How Do I Get the Coconut Pineapple Mixture to the Right Consistency?
Getting the right thickness is crucial for Coconut Pineapple Bites. After adding the cornstarch slurry to the mix, keep stirring! This helps it thicken evenly. Cook for 5-7 minutes on medium heat until it looks glossy. If it seems too runny, keep cooking a bit longer.
- Combine cornstarch with cold water until smooth.
- Add it to the simmering mixture slowly while stirring.
- Watch for the glossy consistency—it should hold together well!
How to Make Coconut Pineapple Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Mixture:
- 2 cups fresh pineapple, finely chopped
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Thickening and Garnish:
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened, based on preference)
- 1/4 cup toasted coconut flakes (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious treat will take about 15 minutes to prepare and about 2 hours to chill in the refrigerator. Perfect for making ahead of time and enjoying later!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pineapple Mixture:
In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped pineapple, coconut milk, granulated sugar, and salt. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally until the mixture starts to simmer. This should take just a few minutes!
2. Thicken the Mixture:
While your pineapple mixture is simmering, take a separate bowl and mix the cornstarch with a little bit of cold water until it forms a smooth slurry. Once the pineapple mixture is simmering, gradually pour the slurry into the saucepan, stirring constantly. This will help thicken the mixture nicely!
3. Cook Until Thickened:
Keep cooking the mixture on the stovetop for about 5-7 minutes, stirring continuously until it thickens and looks glossy. You should see it start holding its shape as you stir!
4. Add Coconut and Vanilla:
Once thickened, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded coconut and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well mixed and combined.
5. Set the Mixture:
Pour the warm mixture into a greased 8×8 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Let it cool to room temperature, then pop it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until it sets firm.
6. Cut and Serve:
Once the mixture is set, take it out of the fridge and cut it into bite-sized squares. For a little added crunch, sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top of each bite right before serving.
7. Enjoy Your Treat:
Serve the Coconut Pineapple Bites chilled or at room temperature. They are perfect for a refreshing snack or dessert! Enjoy!
Can I Use Canned Pineapple Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Canned pineapple works well in this recipe; just make sure to drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture. If using canned, you might want to adjust the sugar, as it can be sweeter than fresh pineapple.
What Can I Substitute for Cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour or arrowroot as a thickening agent. For all-purpose flour, you’ll need to use about double the amount (1 cup), and mix it with a little cold water in the same way to form a slurry before adding it to your mixture.
How to Store Coconut Pineapple Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They’ll stay fresh and delicious! You can also freeze them for longer storage; just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Can I Add Nuts or Other Fruits?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in chopped nuts like macadamias or almonds for a crunchy texture or even add diced mango or banana for a fruity twist. Just be mindful that adding more ingredients may change the texture slightly, so adjust the cornstarch if necessary to maintain the desired consistency.
