Rum-Soaked Fried Pineapple with Coconut Crust Recipe
Fried Pineapple Rings with Creamy Coconut Dipping Sauce is a delicious tropical dessert featuring pineapple rings soaked in pineapple juice, coated with a crispy sweetened coconut crust, and fried to golden perfection. Paired with a smooth cream cheese and coconut milk dipping sauce, this recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors; ideal for summer gatherings or a tropical treat at home.
- Author: lea
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Tropical
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Pineapple Rings
- 8 pineapple rings
- 1 cup pineapple juice (for soaking)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 (10-oz.) bag sweetened coconut
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup coconut milk, plus extra for adjusting sauce consistency
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Creamy Coconut Dipping Sauce
- 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Substitutions
- Almond flour for gluten-free alternative
- Agave syrup as a vegan sweetener replacement for powdered sugar
- Soak Pineapple: Place pineapple rings in a medium bowl and cover with pineapple juice. Let them soak for at least 1 hour to infuse flavor and soften the pineapple. After soaking, drain and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Prepare Coating: Set up a breading station: place the all-purpose flour in one shallow bowl; sweetened coconut in another bowl; and whisk together the eggs and coconut milk in a third bowl until well combined.
- Coat Pineapple Rings: Take each pineapple ring and first dip it into the flour to coat evenly. Then, dip the floured ring into the egg and coconut milk mixture, making sure it’s fully covered. Finally, press the ring into the sweetened coconut bowl, coating it thoroughly for a crispy crust.
- Heat Oil and Fry: In a deep pot or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place coated pineapple rings into the oil in batches, frying them approximately 1 minute per side until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Make Dipping Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy. Stir in vanilla extract, and then gradually add coconut milk to thin the sauce to your preferred consistency.
- Serve: Serve the fried pineapple rings warm with a side of the creamy coconut dipping sauce. Garnish optionally with fresh mint leaves and complement with tropical fruit salad or refreshing beverages for a perfect tropical dessert experience.
Notes
- Ensure the oil is hot enough (350°F) before frying to prevent pineapple from absorbing excess oil and becoming soggy.
- Adjust the thickness of the dipping sauce by adding more or less coconut milk according to taste preference.
- For extra crunch, double coat the pineapple rings by repeating the flour and coconut steps before frying.
- Use a thermometer to maintain proper oil temperature to achieve perfectly crispy results.
- Leftover pineapple rings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers gently in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
- For gluten-free variation, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour.
- For a vegan version, replace cream cheese with vegan cream cheese and powdered sugar with agave syrup.
Keywords: Fried Pineapple Rings, Coconut Crust, Tropical Dessert, Creamy Coconut Dipping Sauce, Pineapple Recipe, Fried Fruit, Tropical Treat, Coconut Coating, Sweet Treat