40 Pineapple Desserts That'll Transport You To The Tropics
♪ This must be just like living in paradise. And I don't wanna go home. ♪
There is nothing that transports us to warm weather more than the taste of fresh, juicy pineapple. Which is why we've rounded up our favorite pineapple treats that will take you to that island state of mind. Because, let's be real, when it comes to pineapple, we'll take it any way you cut it: chopped in a sundae, sliced for a pineapple upside-down cake, or blended into a refreshing Dole Whip. After you check out all 40 of these pineapple desserts (like pineapple upside-down cheesecake and fried piña colada rings), you'll be feeling like you're living on island time too.
If your pineapple is less than ripe, don't worry. Grilling pineapple is the best route for achieving a caramelized, juicy result, lackluster pineapples included. Add a dollop of homemade ice cream to make a grilled pineapple sundae, and no one will be the wiser. Intimidated by cutting a whole pineapple? No sweat, we've got all the easiest tips and tricks for cutting up a pineapple. And if you just simply don't want to bother with one, we totally support you skipping chopping up a pineapple all together. Many of these recipes require canned pineapple over fresh (especially if you're baking). Win!
Got leftovers? It would be a crime to not blend it up for a batch of our favorite classic piña coladas, use its juice for a pineapple margarita, or add it to one of these savory pineapple dinners.
Granita
Hailing from Sicily, classic granita ranks among the most refreshing desserts ever, up there with snow cones and Popsicles. This pineapple version is big on tropical flavors, with heavy notes of vanilla and toffee thanks to a splash of rum and a scoop of dark brown sugar.
Get the Granita recipe.
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
It may be retro, but this classic cake is a staple summer dessert for a reason. If you're looking for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, you can't go wrong with this pineapple upside-down cake—it never goes out of style.
Get the Pineapple Upside-Down Cake recipe.
Million Dollar Pie
Southerners know a thing or two about decadent desserts, and this retro pie is everything you want in the millionaire experience—crunchy, sweet, mile-high, and make-ahead.
Get the Million Dollar Pie recipe.
Mangonada (Chamoyada)
Chamoyada is a Mexican summer treat that’s basically a sweet, salty, sour, and spicy slushy. Chamoyada can be made with different fruits, but the most popular version is made with mango and pineapple juice, which is why this cup of sunshine may also go by the name “mangonada.”
Get the Mangonada (Chamoyada) recipe.
Copycat Dole Pineapple Whip
This iconic frozen treat will make all your Disney dreams come true. Want even more Dole Whip fun? Try our Dole Whip mimosas next.
Get the Copycat Dole Pineapple Whip recipe.
Piña Colada Lasagna
Need an easy summer dessert? Enter this easy no-bake piña colada lasagna. It's got a base of coconut and graham cracker, layered with a coconut cream cheese, shortbread cookies, and pineapple Jell-O, echoing its namesake frozen drink.
Get the Piña Colada Lasagna recipe.
Ambrosia Salad
We love bringing this kitschy, retro fruit salad to all our summer BBQs. This is not your grandma's ambrosia!
Get the Ambrosia Salad recipe.
Piña Colada Cookie Cups
The filling tastes like a cross between a slice of cheesecake and a piña colada. If you're bringing these to a party with little ones, feel free to skip the booze.
Get the Piña Colada Cookie Cups recipe.
Pineapple Coconut Cake
This fluffy coconut cake is filled with an easy pineapple curd and finished with a cream cheese frosting and toasted coconut flakes. The cake uses coconut milk to get extra flavor and it makes the cake quite rich. Since the cake batter uses oil instead of butter it stays soft and is easy to whisk together too!
Get the Pineapple Coconut Cake recipe.
Dole Whip Cupcakes
Dole Whip is the most refreshing thing after waiting in never-ending long lines all day. Now you don't have to travel to Disney for it—this cupcake version might be even better than the original.
Get the Dole Whip Cupcakes recipe.
Boozy Dole Whip Pops
Dole Whip is one of our favorite ways to get through the summer heat. But turning it into both a boozy and easy handheld popsicle? We had to go there.
Get the Boozy Dole Whip Pops recipe.
Piña Colada Truffles
We much prefer dessert over cocktails, but luckily these easy truffles are the best of both worlds. They taste just like your favorite piña colada and are the perfect way to end a summer evening.
Get the Piña Colada Truffles recipe.
Piña Colada Cheesecake Bars
You just might want to put this pineapple curd (yep, just like lemon curd!) on everything this summer. One bite will transport you to the beach, piña colada in hand. 😎
Get the Piña Colada Cheesecake Bars recipe.
Banana Split Kebabs
This fun dessert is a healthy, kid-friendly spin on a classic banana split. You could even grill these before topping with chocolate for a smoky-sweet char.
Get the Banana Split Kebabs recipe.
Pineapple Stuffing
This pineapple stuffing isn't meant to replace your traditional stuffing at Thanksgiving. Instead, think of it as your new favorite version of bread pudding. The bright, acidity of the pineapple will cut through the richness, and might make this your new favorite holiday dessert.
Get the Pineapple Stuffing recipe.
Banana Split Lasagna
This no-bake dessert is hands down the most fun way to eat a banana split. It's so easy to customize too—we love swapping in different homemade ice creams and adding a layer of magic shell, but you do you.
Get the Banana Split Lasagna recipe.
Grilled Summer Fruit Skewers
Don't have a grill or is rain soaking your BBQ plans? We love grilling these indoors on a grill pan for that perfect char.
Get the Grilled Summer Fruit Skewers recipe.
Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecake
Pineapple upside-down cake and cheesecake belong together. The creamy cheesecake layer makes this classic cake extra decadent. You are going to flip for this.
Kitchen Sink Sundae
A 28-ingredient ice cream sundae that couldn't be easier to assemble (and eat)?! Be still, our hearts.
Get the Kitchen Sink Sundae recipe.
Pineapple Upside-Down Pancakes
We love pineapple upside-down cake, so we took that love and turned it into pancakes! The brown sugar makes the bottom nice and caramelized, just like it would in the cake. We love that it makes the pancake a little crunchy too.
