There’s something about pineapple that makes summer feel like, well, summer. Its bright sweetness and tropical tang instantly transport you to a breezy beach, even if you’re just sitting in your kitchen with the windows open. From classic upside-down cakes to creamy cheesecake bars and even grilled pineapple sundaes, these 14 pineapple desserts are the only recipes you’ll need to sweeten your sunny days. Each one is easy enough for a relaxed afternoon but impressive enough for your next backyard gathering. So grab a ripe pineapple and get ready to turn your summer into a season worth savoring.
1. Classic Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Memories come flooding back with the first bite of this beloved dessert. The magic happens when caramelized brown sugar meets pineapple rings, creating that signature golden-amber top that becomes the bottom when flipped.
The buttery vanilla cake underneath soaks up all those tropical juices, making each forkful incredibly moist. Add maraschino cherries nestled in pineapple centers for that pop of color and extra sweetness.
No fancy equipment needed—just a cast-iron skillet or cake pan and simple ingredients. This retro favorite never goes out of style and tastes even better the next day (if it lasts that long)!
2. Pineapple Coconut Cake
Transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise with this heavenly combination of pineapple and coconut. The cake itself is incredibly moist thanks to crushed pineapple folded into the batter, giving each bite a burst of natural sweetness.
Fluffy layers get stacked with coconut-infused frosting, while toasted coconut flakes add the perfect crunchy contrast to the soft cake. Some bakers add a splash of rum to the batter for an authentic island touch.
Serve this showstopper at your next barbecue or pool party and watch eyes widen with delight. The tropical aroma alone will have everyone gathering around the dessert table!
3. Pineapple Carrot Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting
Who knew vegetables could taste this good? This twist on traditional carrot cake incorporates crushed pineapple, creating an irresistibly moist texture that stays fresh for days. The natural sweetness of carrots pairs beautifully with pineapple’s tropical tang.
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of ginger warm up the flavor profile, while chopped walnuts or pecans add delightful crunch. But the real star might be the orange-infused cream cheese frosting—tangy, sweet, and brightened with fresh citrus zest.
Make this cake for summer birthdays or family gatherings. The combination of flavors creates a sophisticated dessert that’s both familiar and excitingly different at the same time.
4. Pineapple Delight Bars
Perfect for potlucks and picnics, these layered bars are a crowd-pleaser that disappears fast! The graham cracker crust provides a honey-sweet foundation that holds everything together for easy serving.
The middle layer combines cream cheese, powdered sugar, and crushed pineapple for a filling that’s creamy yet light. Some versions include a hint of lemon juice to brighten the flavor even more. The whole thing gets topped with a cloud of whipped cream or whipped topping.
Make these a day ahead so the flavors can meld together in the refrigerator. Cut into squares for the perfect hand-held summer treat that won’t melt in the heat like ice cream!
5. Piña Colada Cheesecake Bars
Can’t decide between a tropical drink and dessert? Now you don’t have to! These indulgent bars capture the essence of the famous cocktail in a creamy, sliceable form. The buttery graham cracker crust gets an upgrade with crushed coconut cookies mixed in.
The filling blends smooth cream cheese with crushed pineapple and cream of coconut for that authentic piña colada flavor. A splash of rum extract (or the real thing for adults-only gatherings) adds that signature kick without overpowering the tropical notes.
Garnish with toasted coconut and a maraschino cherry for that classic cocktail look. These sophisticated bars bring vacation vibes to any summer party!
6. Grilled Pineapple Sundaes
Fire up the grill for dessert! Fresh pineapple slices transform into caramelized wonders when they hit the hot grates. The natural sugars in the fruit develop a gorgeous amber color and intensified sweetness that’s impossible to achieve any other way.
Serve the warm, slightly smoky pineapple over vanilla ice cream and watch it create magical melty pools throughout. A drizzle of caramel sauce adds richness, while a splash of dark rum brings sophisticated flavor for the grown-ups.
This impressive dessert requires minimal effort but delivers maximum wow-factor. The contrast between hot grilled fruit and cold ice cream creates a temperature sensation that makes taste buds sing with summer joy!
7. Pineapple RumChata Shortcakes
Shortcake grows up in this adults-only summer treat! Tender, buttery biscuits split open to reveal juicy pineapple chunks that have been tossed with RumChata liqueur—a creamy cinnamon-vanilla rum that adds incredible flavor.
The pineapple releases its natural juices when mixed with the liqueur, creating a sauce that soaks deliciously into the shortcakes. Crowned with a generous dollop of RumChata-spiked whipped cream, each bite delivers tropical indulgence with a hint of warm spice.
For family gatherings, simply make a separate batch without the liqueur for the kids. These sophisticated shortcakes offer a welcome change from the traditional strawberry version and feel special enough for summer celebrations.
8. Pineapple Chiffon Cake
Light as a cloud and impossibly fluffy, this cake defies gravity with its airy texture. The secret lies in whipped egg whites folded gently into a batter infused with pineapple juice instead of milk or water.
Each forkful practically melts in your mouth while delivering bright tropical flavor. Unlike denser cakes, this one won’t weigh you down after a summer meal. A simple glaze made with powdered sugar and more pineapple juice adds just enough sweetness without overwhelming.
Baked in a tube pan with a hole in the center, the cake cools upside down to maintain its impressive height. Garnish with fresh pineapple flowers for a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!
9. Hawaiian Dream Cookies
One bite of these chewy treasures and you’ll be planning your next island vacation! Packed with sweet pineapple tidbits and shredded coconut, these cookies deliver tropical flavor in every mouthful.
The edges bake up slightly crisp while the centers stay wonderfully soft and chewy. White chocolate chips add creamy sweetness that complements the tangy pineapple perfectly. Some bakers add macadamia nuts for authentic Hawaiian crunch and flavor.
These cookies stay moist for days thanks to the pineapple, making them perfect for care packages or make-ahead treats. Pack them for beach trips or poolside snacking—they’re sturdy enough to travel well without crumbling in summer heat!
10. Pineapple Meringue Pie
Move over lemon meringue—there’s a new tangy pie in town! This stunning dessert features a bright pineapple filling that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tart, nestled in a flaky homemade crust.
The filling gets its silky texture from egg yolks and cornstarch, while crushed pineapple provides fruity flavor and interesting texture. Crowned with a billowy cloud of meringue that’s toasted to golden perfection, each slice is a study in contrasting textures.
Chill thoroughly before serving for clean slices that showcase the beautiful layers. This refreshing pie makes a welcome change from heavier desserts and captures summer sunshine in every bite!
11. Copycat Dole Pineapple Whip
Skip the theme park lines and make this famous frozen treat at home! Just like the original, this copycat version delivers swirls of creamy pineapple goodness that melts slowly on your tongue.
The recipe couldn’t be simpler: frozen pineapple chunks, vanilla ice cream or coconut milk, and a touch of sugar blended until smooth and creamy. The result is a dairy-free option that’s refreshingly light yet satisfying on hot summer days.
Serve in chilled bowls or pipe into swirls using a star tip for that authentic look. For an adult version, add a splash of coconut rum! This magical frozen dessert brings vacation vibes to your backyard and costs just pennies per serving.
12. Pineapple Pudding Cake
Magic happens in the oven when this simple batter transforms into two distinct layers! The bottom becomes a warm, pudding-like custard infused with sweet pineapple flavor, while the top bakes into a light, golden cake.
Made in one pan with minimal effort, this comfort dessert combines the best of both worlds. The pineapple adds tropical sweetness and keeps everything incredibly moist. A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg enhances the warm flavors.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts into the pudding layer. This humble-looking dessert might not win beauty contests, but one taste will have everyone asking for your secret recipe!
13. Vegan Tropical Magic Bars
Plant-based eaters can enjoy tropical bliss too with these dairy-free wonders! A graham cracker crust made with coconut oil forms the base for layers of goodness that meld together during baking.
Dried pineapple bits rehydrate and become chewy jewels throughout, while coconut flakes toast to golden perfection on top. Vegan condensed coconut milk binds everything together, creating that classic magic bar texture without animal products. Chopped macadamia nuts add crunch and authentic Hawaiian flavor.
These bars hold up well in summer heat, making them perfect for outdoor gatherings. Even non-vegans won’t miss the dairy—the tropical flavor combination is so compelling that everyone will reach for seconds!
14. Skinny Pineapple Cheesecake Bars
Satisfy your cheesecake cravings without the guilt! These lightened-up bars use Greek yogurt and reduced-fat cream cheese to cut calories while maintaining that creamy texture we all love.
Fresh pineapple brings natural sweetness, reducing the need for added sugar. The graham cracker crust gets a healthy makeover too, using less butter and adding a touch of honey for binding. Each square delivers bright tropical flavor and creamy satisfaction for about half the calories of traditional cheesecake.
These bars set beautifully in the refrigerator without baking, making them perfect for hot summer days when you don’t want to turn on the oven. A guilt-free treat that still feels indulgent!
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