Noodle-Pineapple Kugel
A sweet and creamy noodle kugel infused with pineapple and cinnamon, topped with crunchy crumbs and baked until golden. This comforting dish combines tender noodles, fruit, and spices, making it perfect for family gatherings or holiday celebrations that call for a nostalgic, flavorful treat.
Ingredients
- 1/4 lb. margarine
- 1 (4 oz.) pkg. cream cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 8 oz. broad noodles ⓘ
- 1 medium can crushed pineapple ⓘ
- corn flake crumbs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2/3 cup shortening ⓘ
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup milk ⓘ
- 6 medium cooking apples peeled and cored ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the broad noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the margarine and cream cheese over low heat until smooth.
- Add the sugar with cinnamon and stir until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then mix into the margarine and cream cheese mixture.
- Fold in the cooked noodles and crushed pineapple.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle with corn flake crumbs on top.
- Bake for about 60 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Meanwhile, prepare the topping: melt 2 tablespoons of butter or margarine and mix with the corn flake crumbs.
- Peel, core, and slice the apples, then layer them on top of the kugel before baking or serve on the side.
- In a small saucepan, combine 1/3 to 1/2 cup of milk with 1 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons butter, heating until sugar is dissolved to make a syrup if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using full-fat cream cheese or substituting half of the margarine with sour cream. If you prefer a lighter kugel, you can use a combination of egg whites and whole eggs. To enhance the flavor, add a splash of vanilla extract or a handful of raisins. For a twist, try adding chopped nuts for added crunch.
Serving Suggestions
This kugel is delicious served warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a complete meal, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. You can also enjoy it as a sweet side dish for brunch or a festive gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover noodle-pineapple kugel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes to maintain the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Noodle-Pineapple Kugel contains roughly 657 calories, with 10g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value), iron (32% of the Daily Value), and calcium (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1154mg per serving (50% 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 make noodle-pineapple kugel ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the kugel a day in advance. Assemble the ingredients, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving for a fresh taste. If stored properly, it will maintain its flavor and texture.
What can I substitute for broad noodles?
If you can't find broad noodles, egg noodles or even vermicelli can work as substitutes. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to prevent overcooking.
Is there a gluten-free option for this kugel?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free noodles made from rice or quinoa. Additionally, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
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).