Ina Garten Roasted Pineapple With Coconut Gelato Recipe

The Ultimate Ina Garten Roasted Pineapple With Coconut Gelato Recipe

Roasted pineapple transforms an ordinary fruit into a spectacular dessert sensation that awakens tropical memories.

Sweet caramelization brings incredible depth to this classic ingredient, releasing complex sugars and intense flavors.

Golden edges develop as heat works its culinary magic, creating stunning visual appeal and rich textures.

The natural sugars concentrate, producing a complex profile that dances between tangy and sweet sensations.

Mediterranean techniques elevate this simple fruit into an elegant finale for any meal.

Warm spices complement the fruit’s inherent brightness, making each bite feel both comforting and exciting.

Delicate coconut gelato provides a creamy counterpoint that balances the roasted fruit’s intense character: dive in and savor every moment.

Reasons to Enjoy Ina Garten’s Pineapple Gelato

  • Unlock Intense Tropical Flavor: Roasting pineapple transforms its natural sweetness, creating a deeper, caramelized taste that intensifies the fruit's natural tropical essence.
  • Elevate Dessert Elegance: This simple yet sophisticated recipe turns a basic fruit into a restaurant-quality dessert with minimal effort, combining warm roasted pineapple with cool coconut gelato for a stunning contrast.
  • Quick Gourmet Experience: The entire recipe takes less than 30 minutes, allowing home cooks to create an impressive dessert that looks and tastes like it was prepared by a professional chef with surprisingly little technical skill.
  • Sensational Texture Play: The recipe delivers an incredible combination of warm, tender roasted pineapple pieces alongside smooth, creamy coconut gelato, creating a delightful temperature and textural experience in every single bite.

Pineapple Gelato Grocery List

Fruits:
  • Pineapple: Fresh and ripe fruit with sweet flavor, choose one that smells fragrant and has golden-yellow color.
  • Lime: Fresh citrus for bright acidity and zesty flavor, look for firm limes with smooth skin.
Sweeteners and Flavoring:
  • Agave Syrup: Natural liquid sweetener with mild taste, helps enhance pineapple's natural sweetness.
  • Coconut Gelato: Creamy Italian-style frozen dessert with rich coconut flavor, provides cool contrast to warm roasted pineapple.
Kitchen Tools (Optional but Recommended):
  • Microplane: Fine grater perfect for zesting citrus without bitter white pith.
  • Sharp Knife: Essential for precise pineapple cutting and removing tough core.
  • Sheet Pan: Allows even roasting and prevents juice from dripping in oven.

Get Roasting with Pineapple & Coconut Gelato

Get Roasting with Pineapple & Coconut Gelato

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 400°F/200°C, getting ready for some tropical magic.

Step 2: Tackle the Pineapple

  • Stand the pineapple upright
  • Slice off the top and bottom
  • Use a sharp knife to peel away the rough exterior
  • Cut the pineapple into quarters lengthwise
  • Slice each quarter in half again
  • Carefully remove the tough core from each piece

Step 3: Roast to Perfection

Spread the pineapple pieces on a sheet pan in a single layer. Slide into the hot oven and roast for 20 minutes until golden and fragrant. Let the pineapple cool down to room temperature.

Step 4: Create the Flavor Boost

  • Slice the roasted pineapple crosswise into ½-inch thick pieces
  • Transfer to a mixing bowl
  • Drizzle with agave syrup
  • Zest two limes directly over the bowl, catching all those aromatic oils
  • Gently toss everything together to combine

Step 5: Serve with Flair

  • Spoon the juicy pineapple into elegant dessert bowls
  • Top with a generous scoop of creamy coconut gelato
  • Sprinkle with extra lime zest
  • Serve immediately and watch everyone's eyes light up

Tips for a Creamy Gelato Finish

  • Pick Perfect Pineapple: Select a ripe, golden fruit with a sweet fragrance that promises maximum flavor and juiciness for your dessert.
  • Meticulously trim away brown spots to guarantee a smooth, pleasant eating experience without tough or bitter sections.
  • Zest Limes Directly: Sprinkle fresh lime zest over the pineapple to release bright citrus oils that elevate the entire dessert's taste profile.
  • Spread Out While Roasting: Arrange pineapple pieces in a single layer on the baking sheet, allowing each slice to caramelize evenly and develop rich, deep flavors.
  • Balance Temperature Contrast: Pair slightly cooled roasted pineapple with ice-cold coconut gelato, creating a delightful sensory experience of warm and cool textures.

Store Your Pineapple Dessert Like a Pro

  • Vacuum Seal: Lock in freshness by carefully placing roasted pineapple slices into vacuum-sealed bags. Remove all air pockets to prevent moisture and preserve the fruit's delicate caramelized texture for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freeze for Later: Spread cooled pineapple pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring no slices touch each other. Freeze solid for 2 hours, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Frozen roasted pineapple maintains quality for 3 months and works perfectly in smoothies or as a garnish.
  • Syrup Storage: Collect and strain the delicious caramelized juices into a separate glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.

Flavor Ideas for This Tropical Dessert

  • Tropical Spice Infusion: Add ground cinnamon, cardamom, and a pinch of chili powder to the roasted pineapple for a warming, complex flavor profile that enhances the fruit's natural sweetness.
  • Rum-Soaked Roasted Delight: Drizzle dark rum over the pineapple before roasting, creating a caramelized exterior and adding depth to the dessert's flavor. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes for extra texture.
  • Grilled Pineapple Alternative: Replace oven roasting with grilling the pineapple quarters over medium-high heat, achieving beautiful char marks and smoky undertones. Serve with vanilla bean gelato for a classic combination.
  • Tropical Fruit Medley: Incorporate roasted mango or passion fruit alongside the pineapple, creating a vibrant mixed fruit dessert that celebrates tropical flavors and adds complexity to the original recipe.

Reflections on Roasted Pineapple & Gelato

Tropical desserts rarely achieve such luxurious simplicity as Ina Garten’s roasted pineapple marvel.

Her sophisticated method transforms humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that whispers elegance.

Lime zest adds bright complexity to caramelized pineapple, while coconut gelato provides creamy contrast.

Mediterranean-inspired techniques elevate this dessert beyond ordinary expectations.

Caribbean flavors dance across palates with remarkable intensity.

Passionate cooks eager to impress dinner guests will adore this recipe’s effortless sophistication – so savor, share, comment, and spread delicious inspiration!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Ina Garten Roasted Pineapple With Coconut Gelato Recipe

Ina Garten Roasted Pineapple With Coconut Gelato Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Garten’s roasted pineapple with coconut gelato brings tropical paradise to dessert lovers’ tables. Sweet caramelized pineapple meets creamy coconut gelato, creating a luxurious finish that transports diners to sun-drenched beaches with each delightful spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 large (5 pound / 2.27 kilogram) ripe golden pineapple
  • 1 to 2 pints (473 to 946 milliliters) coconut gelato, such as Talenti Caribbean Coconut

Sweeteners:

  • 6 tablespoons (90 milliliters) light agave syrup

Flavoring:

  • 2 limes

Instructions

  1. Position the oven rack to the middle position and heat to 400°F (200°C) for optimal roasting conditions.
  2. Prepare the fresh pineapple by removing the leafy crown and sturdy base. Stand the fruit upright and carefully slice away the exterior rind using a sharp chef’s knife, ensuring all tough brown spots and fibrous “eyes” are completely eliminated.
  3. Divide the peeled pineapple into quarters by cutting lengthwise through the central core. Slice each quarter in half again, creating eight long wedges, then carefully remove the tough central core from each segment.
  4. Arrange the pineapple wedges in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet, ensuring pieces do not overlap. Roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until edges begin to caramelize and develop a rich golden color.
  5. Remove the roasted pineapple from the oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 10-15 minutes, which helps concentrate the natural sugars.
  6. Cut the cooled pineapple wedges crosswise into ½-inch (1.25 centimeters) thick slices, transferring them into a mixing bowl.
  7. Drizzle agave syrup over the pineapple pieces and zest two limes directly into the bowl, catching all the fragrant citrus oils. Gently toss the mixture to ensure even coating.
  8. Serve the roasted pineapple in individual dessert bowls, topping each portion with a scoop of coconut gelato and an additional sprinkle of fresh lime zest for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

  • Grab a perfectly golden, fragrant pineapple that promises intense sweetness and vibrant flavor for your dessert.
  • Meticulously trim away all brown “eyes” and tough spots to ensure a smooth, tender bite in every spoonful.
  • Zest fresh limes directly over pineapple slices, releasing bright citrus oils that elevate the entire dish’s aromatic profile.
  • Arrange pineapple pieces generously across a spacious baking sheet, allowing each slice ample room for stunning caramelization and even roasting.
  • Create a dreamy temperature contrast by serving slightly cooled roasted pineapple alongside chilled coconut gelato, transforming simple ingredients into an extraordinary dessert experience.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 40g
  • Sodium: 35mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
Isabella Rodriguez

Isabella Rodriguez

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Pastry Arts and Dessert Innovation, French and European Baking Techniques, Food Writing and Blogging, Culinary Event Planning

Education

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Diploma: Grand Diplôme®
  • Focus: Intensive training in classic French cuisine and pastry techniques, combining the Diplôme de Cuisine and Diplôme de Pâtisserie.

Isabella Rodriguez is the co-founder and pastry chef at wd-50.com. She studied at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, where she earned the Grand Diplôme®, a top award in both cooking and baking. After working in fancy bakeries and as a personal pastry chef, Isabella now shares her love for desserts in an easy way for home bakers to enjoy.

At wd-50.com, Isabella creates recipes for cookies, cakes, tarts, and more, always with clear steps and helpful tips. She believes baking should be fun, not stressful, and she hopes her recipes bring joy to your kitchen and smiles to your table.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star