The 5 Best Substitutes for Crushed Pineapple

Have you ever wanted to make a delicious dessert or entrée recipe that called for crushed pineapple but realized you didn’t have it in your pantry?

Or, maybe you want to make something but don’t feel like using pineapple altogether.

In either case, understanding how to cook and use crushed pineapple, as well as which ingredients are the best substitutes for it, can greatly aid in making sure your cooking experience is as pleasant and successful as possible.

Knowing the different alternatives available will help you find the best substitute for crushed pineapple that works with any recipe.

What’s Crushed Pineapple?

Crushed pineapple is essentially canned pineapple chunks that have been pulverized into a coarse paste.

It has a sweet, zingy flavor and is slightly tart.

As the canning process infuses the pineapple with extra sugar and syrup, it’s generally much sweeter than fresh pineapple.

The texture is thick and sticky, almost like jam or thick applesauce.

Crushed pineapple is often used to add sweetness to savory dishes such as pulled pork or baked beans.

It can also be served as an accompaniment to ice cream or stir-fried dishes.

It’s sometimes added to yogurt or smoothies for additional flavor, texture, and sweetness.

Alternatively, heated crushed pineapple can be served as a dessert topping on waffles, crepes, or pancakes.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Crushed Pineapple

If you’re looking for a substitute for crushed pineapple, you’ll be pleased to know that there are plenty of tasty alternatives.

Here are the top five substitutes for crushed pineapple:

1 – Banana Puree

Banana puree is a great ingredient to add to snacks and desserts.

It begins as bright yellow bananas that are cut into chunks and cooked slowly until they turn into a thick, smooth sauce.

The banana puree has a sweet, syrupy taste and is often used as an ingredient in cakes, muffins, pies, and other desserts.

With the same sweetness as crushed pineapple but at a fraction of the cost, it’s an excellent substitute for those looking to save money or reduce their sugar intake.

Moreover, banana puree works in many recipes, just like crushed pineapple – providing flavor and added moisture.

When substituting banana puree for crushed pineapple, make sure to reduce any other sugar by around one-third to avoid dishes becoming overly sweet.

2 – Crushed Strawberries

Crushed strawberries provide a delicious flavor and aroma to many recipes.

Not only are they sweet yet slightly tart, but they also have an almost jam-like texture that is ideal for spreads, glazes, and desserts.

One wonderful idea for substituting crushed strawberries for things like crushed pineapple is in recipes: the tartness helps balance out sugary ingredients, while the thicker consistency complements chunky fruits such as apples and peaches.

Yet what makes crushed strawberries even better are all their uses.

From cheesecakes to muffins, smoothies to parfaits – they really add something special to every dish with their unique flavor and texture.

3 – Unsweetened Apple Sauce

Unsweetened Apple Sauce is a delicious treat on its own, but it can also be used for baking.

The texture and taste of apple sauce are especially useful when you want to add sweetness without sugar or syrups.

Its smooth, silky consistency adds moisture and flavor with an extra boost of nutrients from the apples from which it’s made.

You can substitute unsweetened apple sauce for crushed pineapple in recipes such as cakes and muffins in order to add sweetness without all the sugar and calories that come with using traditional pineapple.

Simply swap the same amount of apple sauce for the crushed pineapple in your favorite recipe, and you’ll end up with a healthier version that still tastes great.

4 – Mango Puree

Mango puree is an ideal ingredient for adding flavor to smoothies, fruit cups, or yogurt.

The consistency of the puree is much thicker than juices and can bring a burst of tropical sweetness to most desserts.

It has a creamy texture that melts in your mouth, with such an intense but smooth mango flavor.

Buttery and rich, it even works well as a substitute for colored sugar in layer cakes.

For those looking for something without added sugar or for something more tart, it also works great when combined with frozen pineapple chunks.

As a result, mango puree can make an excellent substitution for crushed pineapple – just blend the same amount of mango puree as you would the required crushed pineapple and let the flavors mix together.

5 – Apricots

Apricots are a sweet and juicy stone fruit that is high in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and dietary fiber.

They have an orange-to-yellow coloring and have a firm yet soft texture when ripe.

Apricots have a delicate flavor with notes of almond, honey, and citrus – making them an ideal ingredient for both sweet and savory dishes.

Furthermore, they can be used as a delicious substitute for crushed pineapple in recipes such as cakes or muffins.

To use fresh apricots instead of crushed pineapple, simply grind the apricot flesh into small chunks or puree it into a paste before adding it to your baking mix; you should end up with tasty treats that are just as moist.

Conclusion

In conclusion, crushed pineapple can be an expensive and sugary ingredient for many recipes.

However, by using some of the substitutes listed above – such as banana puree, crushed strawberries, unsweetened apple sauce, mango puree, or apricots – you can still get all the flavor and texture that comes with using crushed pineapple without breaking the bank.

So why not experiment with these substitutes and see what delicious treats you can create?