20-Minute Chocolate Covered Pineapple
A simple, no-bake dessert featuring juicy pineapple dipped in rich dark chocolate, sprinkled with your favorite toppings. Quick, healthy, and perfect for a snack, party treat, or everyday indulgence.
Equipment
- Small heat-proof bowl ×1
- Baking sheet ×1
- Parchment paper ×1
- Popsicle sticks ×10
Ingredients
- 1 ripe pineapple
- 10 ounces dark or semi-sweet melting chocolate
Optional toppings:
- 2 tablespoons toasted shredded coconut
- 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon flaked sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Pineapple: Start by selecting a perfectly ripe pineapple, which should be fragrant, firm, and slightly soft to the touch. Place it on a clean cutting board. Carefully trim off the crown and base using a sharp knife. Then, stand the pineapple upright and slice away the skin in vertical strips, making sure to remove all the “eyes” (brown spots). Take your time here—removing the skin thoroughly ensures a smooth, pleasant texture when biting into the final treat.
- Hollow and Trim the Core: Using a small paring knife or pineapple corer, hollow out the fibrous core of the pineapple. This step is optional if you prefer, but removing the core ensures each piece is tender and easy to bite. Trim any remaining tough bits and slice the pineapple flesh into manageable portions for dipping.
- Cut the Pineapple into Shapes: Lay the pineapple flesh on the cutting board and cut it into ½-inch thick strips. Then, slice each strip into triangles approximately 2 inches in height. You can adjust the size based on personal preference, but keeping pieces relatively uniform helps with even chocolate coating and visually appealing presentation.
- Skewer the Pineapple: Insert popsicle sticks into the base of each pineapple triangle, ensuring the pointed tip is at the top. The sticks make dipping easier and help keep your hands clean. Arrange the skewered pieces on a parchment-lined tray, leaving some space between each so they don’t touch during dipping.
- Melt the Chocolate: Break the chocolate into small pieces and place them in a small heat-proof bowl. Heat the chocolate gently in the microwave in 30-second intervals. After each interval, stir thoroughly to help the chocolate melt evenly. Repeat until smooth, creamy, and silky. Take care not to overheat, as chocolate can seize and become grainy. A gentle touch and patience are key here.
- Dip the Pineapple in Chocolate: Hold a pineapple skewer by the stick and carefully dip it into the melted chocolate. Cover roughly half or two-thirds of the pineapple, leaving the top exposed to showcase the fruit. Slowly lift and allow any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl. Take your time—this ensures a neat, elegant coating.
- Add Toppings: While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle your chosen toppings onto the coated pineapple. Popular options include toasted shredded coconut, mini chocolate chips, or a pinch of flaked sea salt for a sweet-salty balance. Press toppings lightly so they stick, but don’t oversaturate the chocolate to avoid clumping. For a decorative look, leave a few plain and drizzle extra chocolate over them once set.
- Set the Chocolate: Place the chocolate-dipped pineapple on the parchment-lined baking sheet and allow the chocolate to harden. You can leave them at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes or refrigerate for faster setting. Make sure the pieces are not stacked or touching during this process to prevent sticking.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the chocolate has fully set, arrange the pineapple bites on a serving platter. They make a beautiful snack or dessert for any occasion, from casual family treats to party-ready finger food. Serve immediately, or store for later indulgence.
Notes
- Always use a ripe, juicy pineapple at room temperature to prevent chocolate from sweating.
- If using canned pineapple, pat it dry thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
- Choose high-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate for smooth, glossy coating.
- Melt chocolate slowly and stir continuously to avoid seizing or burning.
- Skewer size matters: longer sticks make dipping easier and presentation neater.
- Have toppings ready before dipping to work efficiently while chocolate is soft.
- Cut pineapple into uniform pieces for even chocolate coverage and a polished look.
- Experiment with toppings like toasted coconut, mini chocolate chips, or crushed nuts for added flavor and texture.
