Description: A delightful, easy-to-make dessert that replicates the iconic Pineapple Bake from Longhorn Steakhouse. This recipe combines the tanginess of pineapple with a sweet, buttery cake topping for a comforting and crowd-pleasing treat. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices, juice reserved
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- Optional Add-Ins: ½ cup chopped pecans, ½ cup shredded coconut, maraschino cherries
Preparation:
Step 1: Get Started: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures that the cake mix cooks evenly and the pineapple caramelizes beautifully. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray. Alternatively, line the dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This makes lifting the finished bake out of the pan incredibly easy and prevents sticking. This is a lifesaver, especially if you are using a dish that you know tends to cause sticking.
Step 2: Layer the Pineapple with Flair
Carefully drain the can of pineapple slices, but do not discard the juice. You’ll need ½ cup of it later. Arrange the pineapple slices evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Take your time and create an appealing pattern. Overlapping the slices slightly is fine. For a visual touch that screams “special,” place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring. The bright red cherry against the golden pineapple is a feast for the eyes.
Reserve ½ cup of the pineapple juice for later use. Store the remaining juice (you can add it to smoothies, use it in cocktails, or drink it as is)
Step 3: Craft the Crumble Topping
In a medium to large mixing bowl, combine the dry yellow cake mix and packed light brown sugar. Stir with a whisk or fork until they are thoroughly blended. This ensures that the brown sugar is evenly distributed throughout the cake mix, preventing clumps and creating a consistent texture in the final topping.
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix and brown sugar mixture. Use a fork to gently stir and toss the ingredients together until a crumbly mixture forms. Be careful not to overmix; you want the mixture to resemble coarse crumbs, not a paste. If you’re adding any optional ingredients like chopped pecans or shredded coconut, now is the time to fold them in. Gently incorporate them into the crumbly mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Assemble the Bake – A Symphony of Flavors
Sprinkle the crumbly cake mixture evenly over the pineapple slices arranged in the baking dish. Gently pat the mixture down to create an even layer.
Here’s a crucial step: Pour the reserved ½ cup of pineapple juice evenly over the top of the crumbly cake mixture. This step is what makes the cake layer moist and infuses it with the delicious pineapple flavor. Use a spoon to ensure the juice is distributed evenly, especially around the edges of the dish.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (or with a few moist crumbs). The baking time can vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on it. If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent it from burning.
Step 6: Cool, Serve, and Enjoy!
Remove the baked pineapple bake from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool slightly before serving. Allowing it to cool for at least 15-20 minutes will help the cake set and make it easier to slice and serve.
Serve the pineapple bake warm, either as-is or with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. The contrast between the warm, sweet bake and the cold ice cream is heavenly!
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Longhorn Steakhouse Pineapple Bake copycat recipe is a winner for several reasons:
- Simplicity: It uses simple, readily available ingredients. No fancy techniques or hard-to-find components are required.
- Ease: The recipe is incredibly easy to follow, even for beginner bakers. The step-by-step instructions are clear and concise.
- Flavor: The combination of sweet pineapple, buttery cake, and a hint of brown sugar creates an irresistible flavor profile that appeals to all ages.
- Versatility: The recipe is easily customizable. You can add pecans, coconut, maraschino cherries, or even a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a personal touch.
- Nostalgia: For those who love the Pineapple Bake at Longhorn Steakhouse, this recipe provides a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy it at home.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm as a dessert after dinner.
- Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness.
- Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy and comforting treat.
- Serve as a brunch item or a sweet addition to a buffet table.
Tips:
- Don’t Overmix: When making the crumbly topping, be careful not to overmix the ingredients. Overmixing can result in a tough, rather than crumbly, topping.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality butter and cake mix will enhance the flavor and texture of the bake.
- Watch the Browning: Keep an eye on the top of the bake while it’s in the oven. If it starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil to prevent it from burning.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the amount of brown sugar in the topping.
- Storage: Leftover pineapple bake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Estimated, per serving. This will vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.)
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 3-4g
- Sodium: 200-250mg
Conclusion:
This Longhorn Steakhouse Pineapple Bake copycat recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its simplicity, delicious flavor, and versatility make it a perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of sweet, pineapple-y goodness!
FAQs:
Q1: Can I use a different type of cake mix?
- A: Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is the most traditional choice, you can experiment with other flavors like butter pecan, spice cake, or even a white cake mix. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile of the final bake will change slightly depending on the cake mix you choose. Butter pecan would add a nutty richness, while spice cake would introduce warm, aromatic notes.
Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- A: Yes, you can prepare the pineapple bake ahead of time. Assemble the entire bake (pineapple, topping, juice) but don’t bake it until you’re ready to serve. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.
Q3: What can I do if I don’t have brown sugar?
- A: If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, you can make your own! Simply combine 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of molasses. Mix well until the molasses is fully incorporated into the sugar. This will give you a close approximation of brown sugar.
Q4: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
- A: While you can use fresh pineapple, canned pineapple slices are recommended for this recipe because they are already peeled, cored, and sliced, saving you time and effort. Canned pineapple also tends to be sweeter and more tender than fresh pineapple, which is a plus in this dessert. If you do use fresh pineapple, make sure it is ripe and sweet, and slice it into uniform pieces. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, as fresh pineapple contains more moisture than canned.
Q5: My crumb topping is too dry and not coming together. What can I do?
- A: If your crumb topping is too dry and not forming crumbs, it likely needs more moisture. Add melted butter, one tablespoon at a time, until the mixture comes together and forms coarse crumbs. Be careful not to add too much butter, as this can make the topping greasy. You can also add a teaspoon or two of milk or water to moisten the mixture.
