Are you looking for a great substitute to replace crushed pineapple?
Perhaps the thought of using it in baking or cooking has you perplexed, but finding swaps to anything can seem daunting.
Thankfully, it’s easy to find plenty of substitutes to use in your recipes that give the same taste and texture as crushed pineapple without the added hassle.
With just a few ingredients you already have in your pantry, you may unseemly be enjoying pineapple treats with ease.
Let’s explore some excellent options for replacements involving crushed pineapple and how to use them.
What’s Crushed Pineapple?
Crushed pineapple is the perfect combination of sweetness and tanginess, making it an appealing choice for dishes both sweet and savory.
This ingredient can be found either canned or in jars and provides a unique texture to each dish.
The taste is somewhat tart and tangy, with a hint of sweetness as well.
It has a firm yet juicy bite that adds an interesting contrast when cooked into meals.
Plus, since it’s already crushed, preparation time is significantly reduced.
When choosing crushed pineapple, look for cans or jars that prominently showcase nature’s finest ingredients without the presence of added sugar or preservatives.
To use it in recipes, try adding it to fruit salads, smoothies, oatmeal toppings and more.
For savory meals, incorporate it into stir-fry dishes, tacos or even Hawaiian-inspired pizzas.
With so many options out there, crushed pineapple just might become your new go-to ingredient.
The 5 Best Substitutes for Crushed Pineapple
Here’s a detailed comparison of the 5 best substitutes for crushed pineapple, along with their key characteristics and proper ratios:
| Substitute | Key Characteristics | Proper Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Banana Puree | Smooth and creamy texture with a mild sweetness. | Use 1 cup of banana puree for every 1 cup of crushed pineapple |
| Crushed Strawberries | Sweet and tangy flavor with a juicy texture. | Use 1 cup of crushed strawberries for every 1 cup of crushed pineapple |
| Unsweetened Apple Sauce | Mildly sweet with a soft texture. | Use 1 cup of unsweetened apple sauce for every 1 cup of crushed pineapple |
| Mango Puree | Sweet and tropical flavor, with a smooth and creamy texture. | Use 1 cup of mango puree for every 1 cup of crushed pineapple |
| Apricots | Sweet and slightly tangy flavor, with a soft and juicy texture. | Use 1 cup of mashed apricots for every 1 cup of crushed pineapple |
Now let’s explore each substitute in more detail:
1 – Banana Puree
Banana puree is a great substitute for crushed pineapple since it is not overly sweet and has a mild flavor.
It does not retain the same texture as crushed pineapple, but it can be used to replace the sweetness and taste of the fruit.
To make banana puree, blend peeled and chopped bananas in a food processor until smooth.
Use as desired in recipes that require crushed pineapple.
2 – Crushed Strawberries
Substituting crushed strawberries for crushed pineapple is another easy fix.
Strawberries taste tangy and sweet just like pineapple, so they’re sure to work with most recipes.
Some recipes may not require you to add any additional sugar or sweetening ingredients because the strawberries have a naturally high sugar content.
For best results, try using frozen strawberries if you can’t find fresh ones, as they’re usually juicier than fresh fruits.
Simply blend them to the desired texture and use in your recipe, or simply mash them with a fork or potato masher.
Keep in mind that mashed strawberries will have an even sweeter flavor, so bear this in mind when making adjustments to the other ingredients in the recipe.
3 – Unsweetened Apple Sauce
Applesauce is a surprisingly perfect substitute for crushed pineapple.
The sauce is made by cooking apples together with added water until the fruit becomes tender and then strained.
The result is a chunky or smooth puree depending on the type you purchase.
Unsweetened applesauce can be substituted in a 1:1 ratio for crushed pineapple and due to its lack of sweetness, additional sugar will most likely be needed to offset the tartness of the pineapple replacement.
Applesauce also contains high levels of dietary fiber, promoting improved digestion and regularity, making it an ideal potential substitute for those looking for healthier alternatives when baking desserts.
4 – Mango Puree
Mango puree is a great alternative for crushed pineapple.
If you’re making a tropical dessert and need the exact flavor profile of fresh pineapple, mango puree is your best bet.
The consistency and flavor (though sweeter) is really close to that of crushed pineapple.
To make your own mango puree, just peel, mash and blend some ripe mangoes with a bit of sugar to sweeten it up, if desired.
You can also find prepared mango puree in most grocery stores – just make sure you check the label to ensure there are no added preservatives or sugars.
5 – Apricots
Dried apricots give you the tartness and sweetness of pineapple, without adding more liquid.
Coarsely chop them, or blend in a food processor to a coarse texture.
Apricots work best in dishes such as cakes or muffins that have other moist ingredients to keep them from turning chewy when baked.
When substituting apricots for crushed pineapple, be sure to reduce the other added liquids in your recipe.
Conclusion
When you’re looking for the perfect substitute for crushed pineapple, there’s a lot to consider.
Do you want a realistic fruit taste, or a more custard-like flavor? How about sweetness or tartness? Fortunately, there are a lot of options out there that can provide the perfect balance.
For a realistic fruit taste, fresh pineapple chunks are an excellent choice.
For tanginess and sweetness, dried mango slices and applesauce are great options.
And if you’re looking for something thick and creamy like crushed pineapple, plain yogurt or bananas make great substitutes.
Be sure to experiment with different flavors and add-ins to get the flavor combination that’s right for your dish.
There is no right or wrong when it comes to creating flavorful dishes — just use what works for you.
The 5 BEST Substitutes for Crushed Pineapple
Ingredients
- 1 – Banana Puree
- 2 – Crushed Strawberries
- 3 – Unsweetened Apple Sauce
- 4 – Mango Puree
- 5 – Apricots
Instructions
- Choose your preferred substitute from the list of options.
- Organize all of your ingredients.
- Use the proper substitute to cook your recipes.
About The Author
