This recipe provides instructions for making delightful Creamy Pineapple Coconut Cups, a light, refreshing, and tropical dessert perfect for any occasion. These individual servings feature a smooth and creamy base infused with the sweet and tangy flavors of pineapple and the tropical richness of coconut. Often served chilled, they offer a cool and satisfying treat, especially on warmer days. The base of these cups is typically made with a combination of dairy and tropical fruit elements. Cream cheese is often used to provide a smooth and slightly tangy foundation. Sweetened condensed milk contributes a rich sweetness and a creamy texture. Pineapple is a key flavor component, usually incorporated as crushed pineapple (canned works well for convenience) along with some of its juice to infuse the entire dessert with its bright, tropical notes. Coconut flavor is introduced through shredded coconut, which also adds a subtle chewy texture, and sometimes coconut extract for a more pronounced coconut taste. Some recipes may also include a bit of vanilla extract to round out the flavors. The preparation involves blending or mixing the cream cheese until smooth, then gradually incorporating the sweetened condensed milk, ensuring a lump-free mixture. The crushed pineapple (drained or undrained depending on the desired consistency), shredded coconut, and any extracts are then folded into the creamy base. The mixture is then divided into individual serving cups, such as small glasses, ramekins, or dessert cups. These filled cups are then chilled in the refrigerator for at least a few hours to allow the dessert to set and the flavors to meld together beautifully. Before serving, the Creamy Pineapple Coconut Cups are often garnished with additional shredded coconut for visual appeal and an extra burst of coconut flavor. Other garnishes might include a small piece of fresh pineapple, a maraschino cherry, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture and color. These individual desserts are easy to make ahead of time, making them ideal for parties or gatherings. Their light and refreshing nature, combined with the tropical flavors of pineapple and coconut, make them a crowd-pleasing treat that is both satisfying and not overly heavy. The image shows several small, clear dessert cups filled with a pale yellow, creamy mixture. The top of each cup is sprinkled with shredded white coconut. In the bottom image, a spoonful of the creamy mixture is shown, revealing a smooth texture with small pieces of what appears to be pineapple and coconut.
The texture of Creamy Pineapple Coconut Cups is typically smooth and creamy, almost like a mousse or a light pudding, with soft pieces of crushed pineapple and slightly chewy strands of shredded coconut dispersed throughout.
The flavor profile is predominantly sweet and tropical, with the bright, tangy sweetness of pineapple perfectly complementing the rich, creamy, and slightly nutty flavor of coconut. The sweetened condensed milk adds a deep sweetness and creaminess, while any added vanilla extract provides a subtle warmth.
Creamy Pineapple Coconut Cups are individual servings of a light and refreshing dessert made with a smooth base of cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk, infused with crushed pineapple and shredded coconut, and chilled until set.
The preparation involves blending or mixing cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until smooth, folding in crushed pineapple and shredded coconut (and optional vanilla or coconut extract), dividing the mixture into individual cups, chilling until set, and garnishing with more coconut before serving.
Ingredients:
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened 1
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained (or drained, depending on desired consistency)
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut, plus more for garnish
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- ½ teaspoon coconut extract (optional, for stronger coconut flavor)
Equipment:
- Medium mixing bowl
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer) or whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Individual serving cups (small glasses, ramekins, or dessert cups)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions:
- Soften Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature. This will make it easier to blend smoothly.
- Blend Cream Cheese: In a medium mixing bowl, using an electric mixer (or a whisk for a smoother but more labor-intensive result), beat the softened cream cheese until it is smooth and creamy, with no lumps.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Gradually pour in the sweetened condensed milk while continuing to beat (or whisk) until the mixture is well combined and very smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to ensure everything is incorporated.
- Fold in Pineapple and Coconut: Add the crushed pineapple (with or without its juice, depending on how moist you want the dessert) and the shredded sweetened coconut to the cream cheese mixture. Gently fold them in using a rubber spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the creamy base.
- Add Extracts (Optional): If using, stir in the vanilla extract and/or coconut extract to enhance the flavor.
- Divide into Serving Cups: Spoon or pour the creamy pineapple coconut mixture evenly into individual serving cups. The number of servings will depend on the size of your cups, but this recipe typically yields about 6-8 servings.
- Chill to Set: Cover the filled cups with plastic wrap or lids and refrigerate them for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the dessert to chill completely and set to a firmer consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish each cup with a sprinkle of additional shredded sweetened coconut. You can also add other garnishes like a small wedge of fresh pineapple or a maraschino cherry if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- Pineapple Consistency: If you prefer a thicker dessert, drain the crushed pineapple well before adding it. For a more fluid consistency, use the pineapple undrained.
- Coconut Preference: If you like a stronger coconut flavor, increase the amount of shredded coconut or use toasted coconut for a nuttier taste and crunch.
- Other Fruits: You can experiment with adding other tropical fruits like diced mango or mandarin oranges for a different flavor twist. Make sure to drain any canned fruits well.
- Nuts: For added texture, consider folding in some chopped macadamia nuts or almonds along with the coconut.
- Lime or Lemon Zest: A little lime or lemon zest can add a bright citrus note to complement the pineapple and coconut.
- Whipped Cream Topping: For an even more decadent dessert, top each cup with a dollop of whipped cream just before serving.
- Make Ahead: These cups are perfect for making ahead of time as they keep well in the refrigerator for a few days.
Enjoy these refreshing and easy-to-make Creamy Pineapple Coconut Cups! They are a delightful tropical treat that is sure to be a hit.