Lykkers, get ready to add a breezy Caribbean-inspired touch to your dessert repertoire. This tropical vanilla pineapple cream brings together fruit, warm spices, and a touch of indulgence in a naturally sweet, smooth creation that’s perfect for any season.

Simple, elegant, and refreshing, this recipe is an ideal choice for those who enjoy light desserts that are easy to prepare and suitable for a variety of dietary needs.

Why You’ll Love This Tropical Cream

Fresh and Light

Pineapple, with its juicy texture and natural sweetness, is the star ingredient of this dessert. Lightly cooked and blended with a dash of cream and warming spices, the result is a smooth, spoonable cream with a tropical soul.

Perfect Make-Ahead Treat

This dessert is designed to be chilled before serving, making it ideal for prepping in advance for guests or special occasions.

No Refined Complexity

Despite its sophisticated appearance, this recipe requires only a few simple steps and ingredients, most of which are pantry staples.

Ingredients and Tools

Essential Ingredients

- Pineapple (½ whole, approx. 1 kg)

- Vanilla bean (1 pod, approx. 2 g)

- Ground cinnamon (½ tsp, 2 g)

- Granulated sugar (1 tbsp, 12 g)

- Butter (1 tbsp, 14 g)

- Heavy cream (2 tbsp, 30 mL)

Helpful Tools

A food processor or blender is recommended for a smooth finish. A non-stick pan is ideal for caramelising the fruit.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pineapple

Peel and core the pineapple, then slice it into thin pieces, around 7 mm thick. Set aside in a large bowl.

2. Infuse the Flavour

Slice the vanilla bean lengthwise and gently press it to release the seeds. Add both the seeds and the pod to the pineapple. Sprinkle the ground cinnamon and sugar over the fruit. Mix gently to coat all slices evenly.

3. Marinate the Pineapple

Cover the bowl and allow the pineapple to marinate at room temperature for at least 2 hours, or refrigerate overnight for a deeper infusion.

4. Cook the Pineapple

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove the pineapple slices from the marinade and gently brown them in the pan for a few minutes until golden on each side.

5. Simmer the Flavours

Remove the vanilla pod from the marinade and discard. Pour the remaining marinade into the pan with the pineapple and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 10 minutes to blend the flavours.

6. Blend into Cream

Transfer the cooked mixture to a food processor. Blend until smooth. Add the heavy cream and blend again until fully incorporated.

7. Chill and Serve

Spoon the pineapple cream into serving glasses or bowls. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving for the best texture and flavour.

Tips and Notes

Reuse the Vanilla Pod

The pod can be rinsed, dried, and stored in a jar of sugar to make homemade vanilla sugar or reused in other recipes.

Serving Suggestions

Garnish with a mint leaf, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a pineapple wedge to elevate presentation. Serve as a refreshing dessert after a light meal or a fruity mid-afternoon treat.

A Cream Worth Repeating

This tropical vanilla pineapple cream is a bright, satisfying finish to any meal—creamy without heaviness, sweet without excess. With only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, it’s a dessert Lykkers can return to time and time again. Its tropical flair and velvety texture bring a touch of sun to any table.