Name: Pineapple Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple in juice (do not drain); 1/2 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional); pinch of salt

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This Pineapple Sauce is truly a celebration of simple ingredients coming together for a sweet, tangy, and tropical topping that will bring a smile to anyone at the table. Ready in just 10 minutes with pantry staples and a can of pineapple, it’s a game-changing condiment perfect for dressing up roasted meats, perking up breakfast favorites, or even as an unexpected delight atop a scoop of ice cream. Whether you love a classic ham dinner or you’re always searching for fun new ways to jazz up everyday meals, Pineapple Sauce is the sunny addition you never knew you needed!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Pineapple Sauce is how just a handful of accessible items can create such a vibrant and versatile condiment. Each ingredient adds a little something special, from balance and body to a hint of spice, making every component vital for the perfect final sauce.

Crushed pineapple in juice: The star of the show, this brings juicy tropical flavor and natural sweetness with a touch of texture.
Brown sugar: Adds rich depth and caramel notes, enhancing the pineapple’s flavor and helping the sauce gloss up beautifully.
Cornstarch: This is the key to a glossy, smooth sauce that’s thick enough to coat ham, pancakes, or desserts.
Lemon juice: A splash of acidity brightens the sauce and makes the pineapple’s fresh flavor pop.
Ground cinnamon (optional): For an extra warm, spiced note that complements both savory and sweet dishes.
Pinch of salt: Just a little brings all the other flavors into sharp, balanced focus.

How to Make Pineapple Sauce

Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients

Start by grabbing a sturdy, medium-sized saucepan. Add the full can of crushed pineapple (juice included!), brown sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon (if you’re feeling adventurous), and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together really well. You want to dissolve that cornstarch completely to avoid any little lumps—think of it as setting the stage for sauce magic.

Step 2: Heat and Stir Constantly

Place the saucepan over medium heat, and keep your spoon moving. Stir the mixture constantly as it heats, and you’ll soon see it turning from a loose, juicy mixture into something thicker and glossier—this should only take a few minutes. The cornstarch will work its thickening magic fast, so stay by the stove and keep it moving!

Step 3: Boil and Thicken

Let the mixture come to a gentle boil (you’ll see little bubbles at the edge of the pan). Continue stirring and let it bubble for 3 to 5 minutes, until the Pineapple Sauce reaches that lush, pourable consistency. Don’t rush it—this is where that sheen and body come in.

Step 4: Cool Slightly Before Serving

Once your sauce is thick and glossy, take it off the heat. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. It will thicken up just a little more as it cools. If you want a perfectly smooth sauce, now’s the time to blend it—otherwise, leave it delightfully chunky for a more rustic feel.

How to Serve Pineapple Sauce

Garnishes

Dress up your Pineapple Sauce with a sprinkle of fresh chopped mint or a graceful curl of lemon zest for an extra pop of color and freshness. For a more decadent touch, a dusting of toasted coconut gives a subtle crunch and a nod to classic tropical pairings—just perfect for dessert!

Side Dishes

This sauce is a revelation alongside classic ham, pork chops, or grilled chicken. Spoon generously over fluffy pancakes or waffles for a sunny breakfast twist, or try pairing it with roasted sweet potatoes for something unexpectedly delightful. The versatility really shines—trust me, your guests will be asking for more.

Creative Ways to Present

The real fun starts when you get playful! Swirl Pineapple Sauce into Greek yogurt, drizzle over vanilla ice cream, or use it as a vibrant dip for coconut shrimp. Try serving it in a little pitcher at your brunch table, or in a carved-out pineapple for a show-stopping party centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool the Pineapple Sauce to room temperature, then store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh and delish for up to 5 days, ready to jazz up a meal or snack at a moment’s notice.

Freezing

Want to keep extra on hand? Pour cooled Pineapple Sauce into a freezer-friendly container, leaving a bit of space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and give it a good stir before using.

Reheating

Gently warm leftover sauce in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if it’s too thick. If you’re in a hurry, a few seconds in the microwave (stirring halfway) does the trick! Just keep an eye out—you want it warm, not boiling.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just finely chop about 2 cups of fresh pineapple, and add 1/2 cup of pineapple juice or water to replace the liquid from the can. The flavor will be a bit brighter and more tart—a fresh tropical treat!

Is this Pineapple Sauce gluten-free?

Yes, it is! Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, so this sauce is safe for anyone avoiding gluten. Just double-check your other ingredients to be absolutely sure.

How can I make the sauce smoother?

If you prefer a silky sauce without pineapple bits, allow it to cool slightly, then use an immersion blender or food processor to blend until completely smooth. It also thickens up beautifully this way.

What if I want my sauce less sweet?

You can simply reduce the brown sugar to 1/4 cup for a tarter sauce, or add a splash more lemon juice for brightness. The beauty of homemade Pineapple Sauce is making it just right for your taste!

Can I double the recipe for a party?

Go for it! This recipe doubles (or even triples) with absolutely no trouble. Just use a larger pot, keep stirring, and taste as you go to keep the balance of sweet, tart, and tropical just right.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a bright new addition to your table, you really have to try this Pineapple Sauce. It’s that rare recipe that impresses guests, sparks creativity, and makes everyday meals taste like a special occasion. Grab a can of pineapple and get stirring—the sunshine is only minutes away!

Pineapple Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free

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Description

This Pineapple Sauce recipe is a versatile and easy-to-make condiment that adds a sweet and tangy flavor to a variety of dishes. Perfect for pairing with ham, chicken, pork, or even desserts like pancakes and ice cream.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple in juice (do not drain)
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
pinch of salt

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine crushed pineapple with juice, brown sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well.
Cook Mixture: Place over medium heat, bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. Cook for 3–5 minutes until thickened and glossy.
Cool and Serve: Remove from heat, cool slightly. Serve warm or chilled.