Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·Leave a Review

If you’re looking for a tropical treat that combines the vibrant flavors of fresh fruit with the decadence of a dessert, then Fried Pineapple Rings with a coconut crust are the perfect choice. This recipe transforms simple pineapple rings into a deliciously crispy, rum-soaked indulgence, making it ideal for parties, special occasions, or just a treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. The crispy coconut crust paired with the sweet, rum-infused pineapple makes this dessert a must-try for anyone looking to bring a bit of the tropics to their table.

The best part about these fried pineapple rings is how easily they elevate a humble fruit into something truly special. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for a new dessert to try, or simply craving a tropical snack, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. The sweet and savory balance, combined with the intoxicating flavors of coconut and rum, is truly a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. This dessert is best enjoyed fresh out of the pan, with a dollop of creamy, sweetened cream cheese to complete the experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Tropical Flavor in Every Bite

The rum-soaked pineapple rings capture the essence of the tropics, giving you a burst of tropical flavor with every bite. It’s a quick way to enjoy the flavors of the Caribbean at home.

2. Perfect Blend of Sweet and Savory

The combination of the sweet pineapple and the savory coconut crust creates a perfect balance, with a delightful crunch from the coconut flakes and a soft, juicy interior.

3. Easy to Make

This recipe is surprisingly simple despite its exotic flavors. With just a few ingredients, you can easily prepare a delicious dessert or snack in no time.

4. Impress Your Guests

Fried pineapple rings with a coconut crust are a showstopper at any gathering. The unique flavors and presentation will definitely impress your guests, making you the star of the party.

5. Versatile Dessert

While this recipe shines as a dessert, it’s also a fun snack that can be served as a treat after a tropical-themed dinner, or even as a fun addition to a summer barbecue.

Ingredients

Pineapple rings
Dark rum
Coconut rum
All-purpose flour
Sweetened coconut flakes
Eggs
Coconut milk
Vegetable oil (for frying)
Cream cheese (softened)
Powdered sugar

Variations

Pineapple Coconut Pancakes: Use the same coconut crust and fried pineapple rings as a topping for pancakes to make a tropical breakfast.
Spiced Pineapple Rings: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to the coconut coating for a spiced twist to the fried pineapple.
Non-Alcoholic Version: Skip the rum and soak the pineapple in pineapple juice for a family-friendly alternative.
Baked Version: For a lighter version, try baking the pineapple rings with the coconut coating instead of frying them for a healthier take.
Chocolate Drizzle: Add a touch of decadence by drizzling melted chocolate over the fried pineapple rings before serving.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Soak the Pineapple

In a bowl, mix the dark rum and coconut rum. Submerge the pineapple rings in the rum mixture and let them soak for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the pineapple to absorb the rich flavors of the rum.

Step 2: Prepare the Coconut Crust

In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour and sweetened coconut flakes. In another dish, beat the eggs and coconut milk together until smooth. This will be the batter to dip the pineapple rings into before frying.

Step 3: Coat the Pineapple Rings

Once the pineapple rings have soaked in the rum mixture, dip them first into the egg-coconut milk mixture, then dredge them in the coconut-flour mixture, ensuring they are coated evenly on both sides.

Step 4: Fry the Pineapple Rings

Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated pineapple rings and fry them until golden brown and crispy on each side. This should take about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the fried pineapple rings and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Dip

While the pineapple is frying, prepare the cream cheese dip by mixing softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more powdered sugar to taste.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the pineapple rings are fried and the dip is ready, serve the crispy pineapple rings with the creamy cream cheese dip on the side. Enjoy this tropical treat while it’s warm!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the pineapple rings in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which could cause them to stick together or fry unevenly.
Use Fresh Pineapple: Fresh pineapple yields the best results, offering a more vibrant, juicy flavor compared to canned.
Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter treat, feel free to add more powdered sugar to the cream cheese dip or dust the fried pineapple rings with extra sugar.
Ensure Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying, but not smoking. The correct temperature ensures a crispy exterior and a soft interior.
Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve the fried pineapple rings immediately after frying while they’re still crispy.

How to Serve

Serve these Fried Pineapple Rings as a tropical dessert after a summer meal or as a snack for a party. Pair them with a refreshing cocktail like a Piña Colada or a fruity mocktail to keep the tropical vibe alive. You can also serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pineapple rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the coconut crust may lose some of its crispness, but you can reheat the pineapple rings in the oven to help restore some texture.

Freezing

To freeze, place the fried pineapple rings in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for 1-2 hours until solid. Once frozen, transfer the rings to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, bake or fry them again for a crispy result.

Reheating

Reheat the pineapple rings in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to restore their crispiness. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned pineapple rings instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use canned pineapple rings if fresh pineapple isn’t available, but fresh pineapple will give you the best texture and flavor.

2. Can I make these without rum?

Absolutely! For a non-alcoholic version, soak the pineapple rings in pineapple juice instead of rum.

3. Can I bake the pineapple rings instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake the coated pineapple rings in the oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a lighter alternative to frying.

4. Can I use sweetened coconut flakes?

Yes, sweetened coconut flakes are typically used in this recipe, but you can opt for unsweetened coconut flakes if you prefer a less sweet result.

5. How do I make the cream cheese dip less sweet?

If you want a less sweet dip, simply reduce the amount of powdered sugar, or add a pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness.

6. Can I make these pineapple rings ahead of time?

While they are best served fresh, you can prepare the cream cheese dip and soak the pineapple rings ahead of time. Fry the pineapple just before serving for the best crispy texture.

7. Can I use other fruits besides pineapple?

Yes, this recipe can be adapted for other fruits like mango or banana. Just make sure to adjust the frying time based on the fruit’s texture.

8. How do I store leftover fried pineapple rings?

Store leftover fried pineapple rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them to restore some crispiness.

9. Can I use other types of rum?

Yes, you can experiment with different types of rum, such as spiced rum, for a unique twist on the flavor.

10. How can I make this recipe vegan?

To make the recipe vegan, substitute the eggs with a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water), and use a non-dairy cream cheese alternative for the dip.

Conclusion

Fried Pineapple Rings with a coconut crust offer a delightful, tropical twist on traditional desserts. The combination of rum-infused pineapple and the crispy, sweet coconut coating makes each bite a vacation in itself. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself to something special, this tropical snack is sure to be a hit. Don’t forget the creamy dip to round out the experience – it’s the perfect finishing touch to a memorable dessert!