Pineapple Astoria
A tropical dessert featuring crushed pineapple, marshmallows, lemon gelatin, whipped cream, coconut, and nuts, perfect for summer gatherings or festive occasions with a sweet, fruity flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the crushed pineapple and reserve the juice.
- Line a 9 x 13-inch dish with pineapple slices.
- Top the pineapple with miniature marshmallows.
- Dissolve the lemon gelatin in boiling water and pour over the marshmallows.
- Allow the mixture to cool, then refrigerate until set.
- Add water to the reserved pineapple juice to make 1 cup.
- Mix cornstarch with a little of the pineapple juice and set aside.
- Beat the egg well.
- Combine the egg, cornstarch mixture, salt, and butter in a saucepan.
- Cook the mixture, stirring constantly until thickened, then cool thoroughly.
- Whip the whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
- Fold the whipped cream into the cooled gelatin mixture.
- Spread the gelatin mixture over the pineapple and marshmallows in the dish.
- Top with flaked coconut, chopped nuts, and maraschino cherries.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for half of the whipped cream. If you prefer, use a different flavor of gelatin to change the taste profile. Make sure to let the gelatin mixture cool completely before folding in the whipped cream to maintain its fluffiness. This dessert pairs beautifully with the Sweet Chocolate Custard Cake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Pineapple Astoria as a delightful dessert at gatherings or potlucks. It pairs well with a side of fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, consider garnishing each serving with additional maraschino cherries or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The dessert is best enjoyed cold, so there's no need to reheat it. Just serve it directly from the fridge for a refreshing treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pineapple Astoria contains roughly 647 calories, with 4g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium.
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 instead of canned. Just make sure to finely chop the fresh pineapple and drain any excess juice. This will give your dish a fresher flavor and texture, enhancing the overall taste of the Pineapple Astoria.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is already gluten-free as it does not contain any wheat-based ingredients. However, always check the labels of the marshmallows and gelatin to ensure they are gluten-free, as some brands may include gluten-containing additives.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! Pineapple Astoria can be made a day in advance. Just prepare it according to the recipe, cover it well, and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld together, making it even more delicious when served the next day.
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).