Frosted Pineapple Squares
Frosted Pineapple Squares are a delightful dessert featuring a tender yeast dough filled with sweet pineapple filling and topped with a sugary frosting. Perfect for gatherings or a special treat, their fruity flavor and soft texture make them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sugar, cornstarch, salt, beaten egg yolk, and drained pineapple in a heavy saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thick and smooth; set aside to cool.
- Scald the milk and add sugar; set aside to cool.
- Mix yeast with warm water and let sit for a few minutes.
- Cut butter into flour, then add eggs to the flour mixture.
- Combine the flour, yeast mixture, and cooled milk mixture to form a moist dough.
- Divide the dough in half.
- Roll each half out on a floured surface to fit the bottom of a jelly roll pan.
- Spread the cooled pineapple filling over one half of the dough.
- Cover with the second half of the dough and seal the edges.
- Snip the surface of the dough to let steam escape.
- Cover with a clean towel and let rise in a warm place for about one hour.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35 to 40 minutes.
- Frost with confectioners' sugar frosting before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using a whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought pastry dough instead of making your own. Ensure the pineapple is well-drained to prevent a soggy bottom. For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the pineapple filling. This recipe can also be adapted to use other fruits like peaches or berries.
Serving Suggestions
These frosted pineapple squares are delightful served warm or at room temperature. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Consider serving alongside a fresh fruit salad for a light and refreshing dessert option. They also make a great addition to brunch spreads or dessert tables.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover frosted pineapple squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the squares in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Frosted Pineapple Squares contains roughly 571 calories, with 13g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (32% of the Daily Value) and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 673mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple! Just ensure it's well-drained and chopped into small pieces. Cooking fresh pineapple may take a little longer to soften, so adjust the cooking time as necessary to achieve a thick filling.
What if I don't have dry yeast?
If you don't have dry yeast, you can use an equal amount of active dry yeast, but you'll need to activate it by dissolving it in warm water first. Alternatively, you can try using baking powder, but the texture will differ as it's a chemical leavening agent rather than a biological one.
How can I make the frosting?
To make a simple confectioners' sugar frosting, mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth. For a richer flavor, add a splash of vanilla extract. Adjust the consistency by adding more sugar or milk until it reaches your desired thickness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).