Are you craving a taste of sunshine and Southern hospitality? Then look no further! This Pineapple Casserole recipe, inspired by the queen of Southern cooking herself, Paula Deen, is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. It's creamy, sweet, and utterly delicious – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether you're looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dessert for a gathering, this recipe is a winner. Get ready to experience a burst of tropical flavors in every bite! This is one of those easy recipes perfect for beginner cooks, and a delicious dish even seasoned chefs will enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups crushed pineapple, drained (reserve ¼ cup of the juice)
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup shredded coconut, toasted (optional, but highly recommended!)
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 1.5-quart casserole dish. This is an important step for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
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Cream Cheese Magic: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the granulated and brown sugars, beating until well combined.
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Egg-cellent Addition: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and the reserved ¼ cup of pineapple juice.
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Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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Pineapple Paradise: Gently fold in the drained crushed pineapple, toasted coconut (if using), and pecans or walnuts (if using).
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Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into the prepared casserole dish. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cooling & Serving: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. A warm slice of this deliciousness is perfect on its own, or you can serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Cooking Tips for Pineapple Perfection:
- Toasting Coconut: Toasting the coconut enhances its flavor and adds a delightful crunch. Simply spread it on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a tough casserole. Mix until just combined to ensure a light and fluffy texture.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet casserole, reduce the amount of sugar by 1-2 tablespoons.
- Make it your own: Feel free to experiment with different nuts or add other fruits like mandarin oranges or cherries.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Creamy Delight: For an extra creamy casserole, use a combination of whole milk and evaporated milk instead of just the juice.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Protein: Approximately 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g
This Pineapple Casserole recipe is a fantastic example of healthy meals made easy. It's a quick dinner idea perfect for busy weeknights, and its homemade goodness makes it a delicious dish the whole family will adore. It’s undoubtedly one of the best recipes for those seeking tasty and satisfying comfort food. Enjoy!