I love chocolate, but sometimes it keeps me awake at night. So, I’m always on the lookout for delicious desserts that don’t take a lot of time to make, especially in warmer weather when I don’t want to keep the oven on for a long time. Caramelized pineapple chunks hits the spot perfectly. It’s only got four ingredients and takes only about 15 minutes to make. Perfect!
This is a dessert that’s sweet, fruity, and seems decadent (but isn’t really). The pineapple chunks are cooked with just a bit of butter and some brown sugar to form a rich brown caramel sauce. The rest is basically fruit (and optional nuts). It only takes a few minutes to make, so you don’t have to stand over the stove for half the day. The original recipe called for rum (which I didn’t have), so I left it out. If you do have it, by all means use it. Dark rum would be best.
You can also garnish it in different ways. Top it with some chopped pistachios, or crushed almonds. Or, add some strawberries (one fruit is good, two fruits are even better). It’s both sweet and somehow savory at the same time.
While you can use a fresh pineapple, then you have to worry about using up the rest of it. I got around this problem by going to the market and getting cut up chunks of fresh pineapple. It’s much easier, less cutting, no mess, and no concerns about eating the rest of it before it spoils (which would be a shame!).
If you can’t get the fresh chunks, you can use the canned variety in a pinch. Just make sure to get the kind in juice, not in syrup. If you use the canned version, cook the pineapple in the juice from the can (if you like) instead of orange juice.
One thing, don’t walk away from it. Leave it in the pan too long and the sugar will burn, making a terrible mess (ask me how I know this).
If you want, you can make the whole thing in advance and eat it the next day. It’s better slightly warm or at room temperature, so let it sit out for a while to warm up before you eat it.
Caramelized Pineapple Chunks
Rich caramel sauce, fresh pineapple, and a touch of butter for an easy quick dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 C fresh pineapple
- 2 1/4 tsp butter (unsalted)
- 4 tsp brown sugar
- 3 tsp orange juice
Instructions
- Cut up the pineapple into small chunks (if you are using fresh, otherwise, just measure the right amount from the can)
- Put a small skillet on medium heat and add the butter, sugar, and orange juice. Stir everything together until the sugar gets wet and the butter melts.
- Add the pineapple chunks and increase the heat to medium high. Bring the mixture to a boil. cover the pan, and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Remove the cover, and use a slotted spoon to turn the chunks over on the other side. Turn the heat down to medium and cook for another five or six minutes, shaking the pan at about the four or five minute mark. The sauce should thicken and darken into a caramel syrup.
- Using the slotted spoon, remove the pineapple onto a plate and pour the syrup over them (making sure to turn the pieces over to coat them thoroughly).
- Let the mixture cool for five minutes or so.
Caramelized Pineapple Chunks Substitutions and Variations
- Top the pineapple with a shot of dark rum or brandy (or try adding the rum to the sauce)
- Garnish the fruit with chopped nuts (pistachios or ground almonds)
- Add some strawberries on top
- Serve with butter cookies
- Top with crème fraȋche or sour cream
More Fruit Dessert Recipes
Easy Pear Crepe Dessert Recipe for One Person
Crepes are hard. Using a tortilla instead is easy. Lightly cook the pears in butter, add cinnamon and sugar, and roll into the “crepe.” Brandy would be good too. Or pear liqueur.
Small Batch Cinnamon Sugar Apple Bread
A moist, sweet quick bread that’s chock-full of apple chunks and topped with crackly cinnamon sugar.
Poached Pears with Chocolate Sauce and Ice Cream
Gently cooked in butter, drizzled with chocolate sauce, and garnished with ice cream. An easy dessert you can enjoy just for yourself (or with company).
Mini Blueberry Hand Pie Recipe
Packed with blueberries, these homemade pies fit in your hand. You don’t have to cut it or get a plate. Just pick one up and eat.