Pineapple Betty
A delightful pineapple dessert featuring caramelized pineapple, toasted coconut, and crunchy croutons, baked to perfection and served warm with ice cream or whipped topping. Perfect for casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the pineapple, reserving 1/2 cup of syrup.
- Mix the pineapple with brown sugar, flaked coconut, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Combine the reserved pineapple syrup with melted butter and plain croutons.
- Spoon half the crouton mixture into a shallow 1 1/2-quart baking dish.
- Cover with half of the pineapple mixture, then add the remaining crouton mixture and pineapple.
- Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 40 minutes.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped topping.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on this classic dessert, consider adding chopped nuts or dried fruit to the pineapple mixture for added texture. You can substitute the brown sugar with coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor. If you don’t have croutons, stale bread can be used as a substitute; just cut it into cubes and toast lightly before mixing with the butter.
Serving Suggestions
This Pineapple Betty is best served warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped topping. It pairs beautifully with *Unbelievable Salad* for a refreshing contrast. For a special touch, consider drizzling with caramel sauce before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the texture may not be as crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pineapple Betty contains roughly 819 calories, with 14g protein, 115g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (28% of the Daily Value), protein (27% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 735mg per serving (32% 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 definitely use fresh pineapple! Just make sure to cut it into small, bite-sized pieces and add a bit of sugar to mimic the syrup's sweetness. Fresh pineapple will add a bright, vibrant flavor to the dish.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make this Pineapple Betty gluten-free, simply use gluten-free croutons or make your own with gluten-free bread. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as cinnamon and nutmeg, are certified gluten-free.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the layers ahead of time and assemble them in the baking dish. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if you’re baking it straight from the fridge.
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).