Pineapple Crunch

You know what? We used to think all Christmas cookies tasted pretty much the same. Boy, were we wrong. Everything changed the day we first bit into a Peppermint Meltaway.

These little cookies are, well, magical. They literally melt on your tongue. And the peppermint flavor? It’s like a cool winter breeze in cookie form.

Here’s the thing about Peppermint Meltaways. They’re soft and buttery. They practically dissolve in your mouth. No other cookie does that.

So we kept making them. Again and again. Pretty soon, our friends were asking for the recipe. Now we make them every single holiday season.

Want to know our secret? It’s all about the texture. These cookies are tender and delicate. They’re nothing like those hard, crunchy Christmas cookies.

Trust us on this one. Once you try a Peppermint Meltaway, you’ll get it. You’ll understand why we can’t stop talking about them. They’re just that good.

Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Crunch Recipe

• Reader Favorite: As one reader raved, “This is such an easy dessert, and it always gets rave reviews!”
• Quick and Easy: With just 5 simple ingredients, this dessert comes together in a flash, with minimal effort.
• Made with Pantry Staples: Using pantry staples like cake mix and canned pineapple means you can whip it up any time you need a sweet fix.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This dessert can be made ahead and kept in the fridge for a few days, making it ideal for meal prepping.
• Customizable: Feel free to get creative with the toppings or nuts to match your flavor preferences.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we dive into the ingredients, here’s what you’ll need to make this dessert:

• 9×13-inch baking dish: This size is perfect for this recipe and will give you a crunchy topping in every bite.
• Mixing bowl: For mixing the cake mix and pineapple filling.
• Spatula: For spreading the ingredients evenly in the dish.
• Measuring spoons and cups: For accurate measurements.
• Oven: Preheated to 350°F (175°C), to bake the dessert to perfection.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious, crunchy pineapple dessert (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

• Pineapple Cake Mix (18 oz package): This is the base of the dessert, providing both flavor and texture. If pineapple cake mix isn’t available, you can substitute with yellow cake mix for a similar result.
• Pineapple Filling (21 oz can): This canned filling adds moisture and sweetness to the dish, ensuring the cake is wonderfully moist. You can also use crushed pineapple, but the filling gives a more concentrated pineapple flavor.
• Lemon Juice (1 teaspoon): A small amount of lemon juice adds brightness and enhances the pineapple’s natural tang.
• Chopped Nuts (optional, ½ cup): Walnuts, pecans, or almonds work beautifully in this dessert, adding a satisfying crunch. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit them.
• Melted Margarine (½ cup): This forms the crunchy topping and helps bind the dry cake mix together.

Variations for Pineapple Crunch

• Add Coconut: Mix in some shredded coconut to the cake mix for a tropical twist.
• Swap Margarine for Butter: If you want a richer flavor, feel free to substitute butter for margarine.
• Use Fresh Pineapple: For a fresh and more natural flavor, try using fresh pineapple instead of canned pineapple filling.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add an extra layer of warmth to the dessert.
• Make It Vegan: Replace margarine with a dairy-free alternative and use a plant-based cake mix.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This ensures that the dessert won’t stick during baking.

2. Mix the Pineapple Filling and Cake Mix

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the pineapple filling (with its juice) and lemon juice. Stir until it’s well mixed. If you’re using crushed pineapple, drain some of the juice to avoid excess moisture in the cake.

Add the pineapple cake mix to the bowl and stir to combine. The mixture will be thick, but that’s okay—this helps create a dense, moist base for the crunch.

3. Add the Nuts and Topping

If you’re using chopped nuts, stir them into the pineapple and cake mix mixture. You can choose any nuts you like—pecans, walnuts, or even macadamia nuts for a tropical touch. This is also where you could fold in shredded coconut if you’re going for a more tropical flavor.

Next, pour the melted margarine evenly over the top of the cake mix mixture. You don’t need to stir this in; the melted margarine will seep into the dry cake mix and create a crunchy topping as it bakes.

4. Bake the Pineapple Crunch

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crunchy. The cake should firm up around the edges and the center will be set.

You can use a toothpick to check the center for doneness—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. The top should have a beautiful, golden-brown color.

5. Let It Cool Before Serving

Once done, remove the pineapple crunch from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the topping to set and the flavors to meld.

How to Serve Pineapple Crunch

Pineapple Crunch is a dessert that shines on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few extras:

• Serve with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream adds a creamy contrast to the crunchy topping.
• Top with Whipped Cream: Fresh whipped cream, sweetened slightly, is a great accompaniment to this dessert.
• Fresh Pineapple Slices: For an extra burst of pineapple flavor, serve the dessert with slices of fresh pineapple on the side.
• Drizzle with Caramel Sauce: A light drizzle of caramel sauce gives a rich, sweet finish to this tropical dessert.

Storing Pineapple Crunch

• Room Temperature: If you have leftovers (although they’ll be hard to keep around), store the pineapple crunch at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: If you want to keep it longer, store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can reheat it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave it for 30-45 seconds.
• Freezing: If you want to make this dessert ahead of time, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. To freeze, let the dessert cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 30 minutes or until warmed through.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition for one serving of Pineapple Crunch (assuming 12 servings from the recipe):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	280
Total Fat	16g
Saturated Fat	5g
Trans Fat	0g
Cholesterol	15mg
Sodium	220mg
Total Carbohydrates	35g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Sugars	21g
Protein	2g
Vitamin D	0%
Calcium	2%
Iron	4%

Conclusion

Pineapple Crunch is an easy and delightful dessert that captures the tropical essence of pineapple while providing a satisfying crunch. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, attending a potluck, or just craving something sweet, this dessert is sure to impress. Its simplicity and versatility make it a go-to recipe that you can customize to suit your preferences. Plus, it’s a dessert that gets better the longer it sits, making it perfect for make-ahead occasions.

Pineapple Crunch FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned filling?

Yes, you can! If you’re using fresh pineapple, make sure to chop it finely and remove the excess juice.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. Just warm it up before serving for the best results.

Can I freeze Pineapple Crunch?

Yes, it freezes well! Just ensure it’s tightly wrapped to avoid freezer burn. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve.