Name: The Best Pineapple Bake: A Sweet and Spiced Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 20 oz can crushed pineapple (with juice); 3/4 cup sugar (for sweetness); 2 eggs (for binding); 2 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening); 2 tsp vanilla extract (for flavor); 1 1/2 tbsp butter (sliced into pats for topping); 1 tsp cinnamon (for topping)

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You know those recipes that just smell like pure happiness? I swear, every time I slide this Pineapple Bake into my oven, the whole house feels warmer—and a little bit more like vacation. There’s just something about the buttery cinnamon aroma mixed with sunny pineapple that reminds me of slow summer mornings, sun dappling through the curtains, and bare feet on the porch. (My husband says it’s “coffee cake meets tropical getaway”—and I’ll take it!)

This bake is my trusty sidekick for low-key brunches, backyard barbecues, or whenever I want something cheerful I can whip up out of pantry staples. It’s great warm with a mug of coffee—but honestly, I’ll sneak a cooled-off slice right out of the fridge with a fork. No judgment here!

And I promise, this is not one of those fussy, intimidating showstoppers that require a million steps or a culinary degree. Just a can of pineapple, a handful of basics like eggs, sugar, cinnamon, and butter, and about ten minutes of light whisking. The oven does the rest—while you pat yourself on the back and take a breather. (Or in my case, threaten the family with severe tongs-napping if anyone eats ahead of the meal!)

Why You’ll Love It

The flavor is like a cinnamon roll and a tropical fruit cobbler fell in love—sweet, a little tangy, and super comforting.
Zero fancy tools or special knowledge required—just a bowl, a whisk, and a 9×9 pan.
Quick to prep (10–15 minutes, even if the kids are “helping”).
No cake flour, no yeast, no fuss—cornstarch gives it that silky, custardy bite.
It keeps beautifully; in fact, I think the flavors get even cozier the next day.
This one’s a crowd-pleaser! At a recent potluck, everyone—from the sugar-shy to the dessert hounds—raved and grabbed seconds (even my mother-in-law, the apple crisp queen).

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about what you really need, and a couple easy swaps in case your pantry’s a bit “creative” this week. I’m forever grateful for a recipe that lets me work with whatever’s hiding in my cabinets!

Crushed pineapple: One 20-ounce can, not drained—juice is key for that lush, mellow bake. If you’ve got fresh pineapple, just chop it fine and add a couple tablespoons of juice (orange or apple works in a pinch, and I’ve even used the kids’ juice boxes in desperation).
Sugar: I do ¾ cup white sugar, but you can sub half brown sugar for extra toasty flavor. Coconut sugar works too if that’s your vibe.
Eggs: Two large eggs, room temp if you think of it. (But don’t stress—straight-outta-the-fridge eggs will still work. Promise.)
Cornstarch: This is your texture hero—makes it silky-smooth. If you’re desperate, some folks have swapped in flour, but it’ll end up a bit cakier.
Vanilla: Just a teaspoon, but don’t skip—it rounds out those bright pineapple notes.
Butter: I’m not above slicing it straight from the stick. Unsalted is best, but salted works; you can skip the extra pinch of salt if that’s the case.
Cinnamon: One teaspoon for the batter, plus a little extra sprinkled on top. Nutmeg or pumpkin spice is great if you want to riff and make it your own.
Pinch of salt: Trust me—it makes the fruit pop. I do about 1/8 teaspoon, just eyeball it if you’re feeling brave.

See? Nothing mysterious. I’ve made this with half my usual ingredients swapped for whatever was on hand and it’s still comforting as ever.

Step-by-Step Directions

Let’s walk through it, because honestly, it’s as easy as pie (maybe easier—who’s got time to make crust from scratch these days?):

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Give your 9×9-inch pan a quick greasing, or line it with parchment if you don’t love extra dish duty. (I’ve doubled this in a 9×13, just watch the bake time so you don’t overdo it.)
Pour the entire can of pineapple—with all its juice—into a medium mixing bowl. Stir in the sugar until it starts looking syrupy, about a minute or so.
Add your eggs and whisk well. I usually give it a good minute by hand to make sure it’s smooth (plus, gets out a little arm workout before dessert).
Sprinkle the cornstarch in, whisking quickly to avoid lumps. Stir in your vanilla and that pinch of salt. (I’m notorious for forgetting the salt, but really, don’t skip—it does magic.)
Pour the batter into your prepped pan. Smooth the top with a spatula if you want, then gently tap the pan on the counter to settle any sneaky bubbles.
Dot the top evenly with little slivers of butter. Sprinkle the cinnamon all over—don’t be shy, I promise cinnamon lovers won’t be mad.
Slide the pan onto the middle rack and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The edges should be golden and a little caramelized, and the center should jiggle just slightly but not slosh. A toothpick in the center comes out with a damp crumb or two, but not streaky batter—think gooey blondie texture, not molten cake.
Let it cool for at least 10–15 minutes. It’ll set up as it rests and makes cutting cleaner (but I still sneak a piece with the corner of my spatula, warm and messy, when nobody’s looking). Scoop out warm for that old-school pudding texture, or chill for slices that hold up beautifully on a dessert plate.

Variations

This base recipe is famous for how easily you can spin it your way—whether you go all-in on sweetness, sneak in some crunch, or just use what’s on hand. Some of these twists are the reason my neighbors ask for the recipe… and then promptly “forget” to return my baking dish.

Coconutty Goodness: Fold in ½ cup shredded coconut before baking. For extra pizzazz, sprinkle a little on top halfway through so it toasts, not burns.
Nutty Crunch: Chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top make it irresistible with that roasty bite. (One of my girlfriends uses slivered almonds—absolutely craveable.)
Spice Adventure: Try a dash of cardamom or a teaspoon of grated ginger in the batter for whole new cozy vibes. I’ve even done a pumpkin spice version in the fall, and folks go wild.
Rum-Raisin: Got company? 2 tablespoons dark rum and ¼ cup raisins (plumped first in warm water—don’t skip that) turn this into a little indulgence for the adults. It’s more “grown-up brunch” and less “school bake sale.”
Bread Pudding Mashup: Gently toss in 1 cup of cubed day-old brioche, challah, or those fluffy Hawaiian rolls for more bite and heartiness. Cozy to the max, trust me.

Honestly, there’s no wrong way to riff here. I’ve even tossed in a few chocolate chips when my sweet tooth took the wheel—and nobody complained.

Storage & Reheating Tips

This bake just gets better on Day Two (if it makes it that long, which—around here—is hit or miss). If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s what to do:

Fridge: Pop leftovers (pan and all, covered snugly with foil or beeswax wrap) in the fridge for up to 3 days. Slices keep well in airtight containers, too. And honestly, the flavor somehow gets even cozier as it “marinates.”
Freezer: Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap, then foil, for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Works like a charm when you need a little sweet sunshine on a dreary day.
Microwave: A quick 20–30 seconds brings that pudding-like softness right back (but if you love it cold, just go for it—I certainly do at midnight).
Oven: Cover with foil and reheat at 325°F for 10–15 minutes. For a little bakery-style golden top, take off the foil and broil for a minute or two at the end—but watch it! Sugar browns in a blink.

This is also a great recipe to make ahead for brunches. In fact, I usually stash an extra pan after holidays, because nothing beats a “surprise” Saturday treat right from the freezer.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple?
Totally! Just chop it up nice and small, and don’t forget a splash of juice if it seems a bit dry. (I’ve even used the juicy bits leftover from a fruit salad. Resourceful, right?)

I’m out of cornstarch—can I use flour?
Oh, for sure. It comes out a bit less glossy and a touch more “cakey,” but still delicious and snack-worthy (and nobody turns their nose up at it here).

What if my Pineapple Bake puffs up in the oven?
No biggie! It just means you got a little extra air in there, probably from whisking with extra gusto. It settles as it cools and you still get that dense, dreamy center.

How do I make it vegan?
Mix up two “flax eggs” (stir together 2 tbsp ground flaxseed and 6 tbsp water, let it gel 10 minutes), and use coconut cream or your favorite dairy-free butter. Texture will be a smidge softer, but it’s still rich, golden, and decadent—nobody ever guesses it’s vegan, promise.

Can I halve the recipe?
Definitely. An 8×8 pan (or even a loaf pan in a pinch) works great. Just start checking around 30 minutes, since smaller pans usually finish a bit sooner.

Conclusion

This Pineapple Bake is just one of those reliable little joys that finds its way back to my kitchen every season. It’s got the easy comfort I crave, is adaptable to whatever’s in my cupboards, and the smell alone guarantees at least one impromptu “just because” coffee date. Whether you serve it warm with melty vanilla ice cream, or sneak a chilled slice straight from the fridge with a fork and a smile, I hope this cozy bake makes you feel as happy as it makes me. If you end up giving it your own twist—add some coconut, invite pecans to the party, or maybe start a rumor about your “secret recipe”—I want to hear all about it. Leave a comment below and tell me how yours turned out (and whether you managed to snag the biggest slice for yourself!). Happy, cozy baking!