Bite-sized pineapple chunks coated in shredded coconut and lime zest

Coconut Pineapple Bites: A Tropical Snack You’ll Crave

Introduction

Sweet pineapple. Creamy coconut. No baking. What more do you need? Coconut Pineapple Bites are like little edible vacations—tropical, refreshing, and ridiculously easy to make. They’re the perfect thing to throw together when you want to impress without breaking a sweat.

Take them to parties, serve them at brunch, or just stash a few in your fridge for snack attacks. They’re sunny, light, and completely snackable.

Recipe Summary

These are bite-sized chunks of pineapple, rolled in shredded coconut—sometimes kissed with honey or lime zest—and chilled until the texture is just right. No oven, no fancy gear. They’re ideal for:

  • Poolside snacks
  • Party platters
  • Health-conscious treats
  • Kid-friendly bites (just skip the toothpicks)

They take about 20–25 minutes from cutting board to fridge. That’s it.

Personal Story: How I Discovered These Tropical Gems

A few years back, after a trip to Maui, I came home craving something that reminded me of the fruit shacks by the road—pineapple spears, coconut milk, lime… the works.

So I grabbed a fresh pineapple, diced it up, and started rolling the chunks in coconut. Took them to a backyard BBQ, and wow—people lost their minds. “What is this magic?” someone asked between bites. “Do you have more?” said another.

Let’s just say I didn’t take home leftovers.

Why You’ll Love These Coconut Pineapple Bites

  • That tropical flavor. They hit like a beach breeze—cool, fruity, a little sweet.
  • They’re healthy(ish). Real fruit, natural sugar, fiber, no deep frying.
  • No baking required. No hot kitchen. No stress.
  • Make-ahead friendly. You can prep them in the morning, serve them chilled at night


Ingredients

Fresh pineapple chunks, shredded coconut, lime, honey, and seasoning in bowls
  • 1 medium fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks
    (or use 1 can of pineapple chunks, drained and patted dry)
  • 1 cup shredded coconut, sweetened or unsweetened
    (sweetened for dessert-like flavor, unsweetened for a lighter snack)
  • 1–2 teaspoons honey, agave, or maple syrup (optional)
    (just enough to lightly coat if you want extra stickiness or sweetness)
  • Zest of 1 lime (optional, for a citrusy kick)
  • Pinch of sea salt (optional, to balance the sweetness)

Step-by-Step: Make Your Coconut Pineapple Bites

Step-by-step process of making coconut pineapple bites with fresh pineapple and shredded coconut

1. Prepare the Pineapple

This step matters. Don’t just hack away at it—cut clean and cleanly.

  • Lop off the top and bottom so it stands flat.
  • Slice off the skin in long downward strokes—get the eyes, too.
  • Quarter it, cut out the core, and dice the flesh into 1-inch cubes.

Pro tip: Pat the chunks dry with a paper towel. This is key. Moisture kills the coconut coating. You want the pineapple surface dry, not dripping.

Canned pineapple? Sure, in a pinch. Just make sure it’s well-drained and patted dry. Don’t skip that part.

2. Coat the Pineapple

Time to dress these guys up.

  • Pour shredded coconut into a bowl. Use sweetened or unsweetened depending on your vibe.
  • Want a little sticky boost? Add a teaspoon of honey or agave to the pineapple and toss before coating.
  • Roll each chunk in the coconut until it’s nicely covered.

Frank’s tip: If the coconut won’t stick, it’s probably too dry or your pineapple is too wet. Adjust accordingly.

3. Assemble the Bites

Now make them look good.

  • Place each coated pineapple chunk on a parchment-lined tray.
  • Want a party look? Skewer them with cocktail sticks.
  • Don’t let them touch—space them out like cookies on a tray.

4. Chill and Serve

Slide the tray into the fridge for 15–30 minutes. This step firms them up and makes everything hold together.

They’re best served cold. The coconut holds, the pineapple stays juicy, and the flavor? Boom—vacation mode.

Expert Tips for the Best Results

  • Use fresh pineapple whenever you can. Canned works, but nothing beats the real thing.
  • Dry thoroughly after cutting. Coconut needs a dry surface to grip.
  • Sweetener optional. Pineapple’s naturally sweet—go light on added sugar.
  • Don’t skip the chill. It tightens everything up, locks in flavor.
  • Freezing? Yes. Lay them flat on a tray. Freeze solid. Then transfer to a bag. Boom—instant frozen snack.
Close-up of pineapple chunks topped with shredded coconut and sweet glaze

Substitutions & Flavor Variations

Here’s how to tweak this recipe to your needs:

  • Short on time? Use pre-cut pineapple from the store.
  • Vegan version: Use maple syrup or agave. Skip the honey. Coconut is naturally vegan.
  • Less sugar: Use unsweetened shredded coconut and skip the drizzle.
  • Flavor twists:
    • Add lime zest to the coconut. Big flavor pop.
    • Sprinkle a touch of chili powder or Tajín.
    • Dip half the bite in dark chocolate and chill again.
    • Add crushed almonds or toasted sesame seeds.

Time to Bring the Tropics Home

These Coconut Pineapple Bites are stupidly simple, wildly tasty, and make you look like you know what you’re doing. And now you do.

Go try them. Mix it up. Add your spin. Then serve them cold, and soak up the praise.

If you dig this kind of easy tropical snack, check out my mango coconut bars or chilled citrus melon skewers. Your fruit tray will never be the same.

Craving More Like Coconut Pineapple Bites? Try These:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make Coconut Pineapple Bites ahead of time?

Yes. Make them a few hours early, chill, and serve later. They’ll hold up great.

How should I store Coconut Pineapple Bites?

Airtight container in the fridge. Eat within 1–2 days for best texture.

3. Can I freeze Coconut Pineapple Bites?

Definitely. Freeze them flat on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Eat frozen or thaw slightly.

4. What can I substitute for fresh pineapple?

Canned or frozen pineapple works. Just dry it well.

Is there a vegan version of Coconut Pineapple Bites?

Yes. Skip honey, use maple or agave. Coconut’s naturally vegan.

Conclusion

Coconut Pineapple Bites are the snack you didn’t know you needed: bright, juicy, and no-bake easy. You get sweet, you get crunch, you get “wow, that was refreshing.”

So grab that pineapple. Get rolling. Let these bites be your next tropical escape.

And if you liked this, stick around—I’ve got more fruity snacks that bring the flavor without the fuss. This is the snack I want to eat.

Don’t forget to invite your friends and check out more ideas—visit my Pinterest page for a fresh dose of tropical inspiration and snackable joy.

Print

Coconut Pineapple Bites: A Tropical Snack You’ll Crave

Tropical, refreshing, and ridiculously easy to make, these Coconut Pineapple Bites are bite-sized chunks of juicy pineapple rolled in shredded coconut. A no-bake, sunny snack that’s perfect for parties, brunch, or a quick fridge treat.

  • Author: Emilio
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2025 bites 1x
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: Tropical
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks (or use 1 can of pineapple chunks, drained and patted dry)
  • 1 cup shredded coconut, sweetened or unsweetened
  • 12 teaspoons honey, agave, or maple syrup (optional)
  • Zest of 1 lime (optional)
  • Pinch of sea salt (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pineapple by removing the top, bottom, and skin. Cut into quarters, remove the core, and dice into 1-inch chunks. Pat dry with a paper towel.
  2. Pour shredded coconut into a bowl. If using, lightly coat pineapple chunks with honey or syrup. Roll each chunk in the coconut until fully covered.
  3. Place coated chunks on a parchment-lined tray. Optionally, skewer each with a cocktail stick. Space them out evenly.
  4. Chill in the fridge for 15–30 minutes to set. Serve cold for best texture and flavor.

Notes

Use fresh pineapple for best flavor. Pat chunks dry before coating for better coconut adhesion. For a twist, add lime zest, a sprinkle of chili powder, or dip in dark chocolate. Store chilled in an airtight container up to 2 days, or freeze for a tropical frozen snack.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 bites
  • Calories: 60
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 2mg
  • Fat: 3g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: pineapple, coconut, tropical snack, no-bake, party bites

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