Name: Coconut Pineapple Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Tropical
Ingredients: 1 cup fresh pineapple, chopped; 1 cup shredded coconut; 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (optional); 1/4 cup almond flour (optional)

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Coconut Pineapple Bites

Bright, chewy, and impossibly simple, these Coconut Pineapple Bites are a tiny tropical escape you can make in minutes. They balance juicy fresh pineapple and toasty shredded coconut for a snack that feels like summer any time of year. If you enjoy coconut-pineapple combos, you might also like this related recipe for pineapple coconut thumbprint cookies that channels similar flavors into a different treat.

Why make this recipe
What makes these bites special is their pure, unpretentious flavor and ease of preparation. Fresh pineapple gives bright, natural sweetness and juiciness while shredded coconut provides chew and a mellow, nutty backdrop. With just four core ingredients and an optional binder and sweetener, they’re quick to assemble, naturally gluten-free, and portable — perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or a light dessert.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Coconut Pineapple Bites

Ingredients:

1 cup fresh pineapple, chopped (about 1 small-to-medium pineapple or 1 cup if pre-cut)
1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened, based on preference)
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (optional — for extra sweetness and binding)
1/4 cup almond flour (optional — helps bind and adds body)

Directions:

Prepare the pineapple: cut the fresh pineapple into small, roughly 1/4–1/2-inch pieces. Pat the pineapple lightly with a paper towel if it seems very juicy — excess liquid can make rolling harder.
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped pineapple and shredded coconut. Stir gently until the coconut is evenly distributed; the pineapple will begin to release juice and coat the coconut lightly.
If using, add the honey or maple syrup and almond flour. The sweetener helps the mixture hold together and the almond flour absorbs extra moisture. Mix thoroughly until you have a cohesive, slightly tacky mixture. If the mixture is too wet, add an extra tablespoon or two of almond flour or a little more shredded coconut.
Scoop out small portions (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them into bite-sized balls with lightly floured or damp hands to prevent sticking. Press and shape where needed — they don’t need to be perfect.
Place the bites on a tray lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up. This helps them keep their shape and concentrates the flavors.
After chilling, transfer the bites to an airtight container or plate and enjoy these refreshing bites as a healthy snack or dessert!

Notes on ingredients and technique:

Fresh pineapple is recommended for brightness; canned pineapple tends to be too syrupy and can overwhelm the coconut. If you must use canned, drain thoroughly and pat dry.
Shredded coconut: fine desiccated coconut will create a different texture than longer, flaked coconut. Choose based on how chewy or textured you want the bites.
Almond flour is optional but helpful: it soaks up moisture, adds a subtle nuttiness, and keeps the bites from falling apart. If you’re nut-free, substitute finely ground oats or additional coconut flour (use sparingly — coconut flour is very absorbent).
If the mixture is too sticky to handle, chill it for 10–15 minutes to firm up before rolling.

Storage Tips for Coconut Pineapple Bites

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep the container sealed to prevent the bites from absorbing other fridge odors.
Freeze: Place bites on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid (about 1 hour), then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge for 30–60 minutes before serving.
Room temperature: If you plan to serve within a few hours, keep them chilled until just before serving; at room temperature they’ll stay fine for 2–4 hours depending on ambient heat.

How to Present Coconut Pineapple Bites (Serving Suggestions for Coconut Pineapple Bites)

Snack plate: Arrange on a small platter with fresh mint leaves, lime wedges, and extra toasted coconut sprinkled on top for a bright, elegant presentation.
Dessert trio: Serve alongside a small scoop of coconut yogurt or vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of warmed honey or maple syrup for a light, tropical dessert trio.
Party bites: Thread them on small cocktail picks alternately with cubes of fresh mango or kiwi for colorful skewers.
Lunchbox-friendly: Wrap individually in parchment or place in a divided container. They’re great for kids and adults alike as a naturally sweet, portable snack.

Tips to Make Coconut Pineapple Bites
One key focus: control moisture. Because fresh pineapple is juicy, managing moisture is the most important factor in successful bites. After chopping, blot pineapple pieces with paper towels to remove excess liquid. If the mixture seems watery, add almond flour or extra shredded coconut a tablespoon at a time until it holds together when pressed. Chill the mixture briefly before rolling if you have trouble shaping the bites.

Additional guidance:

If you prefer a sweeter treat, use sweetened shredded coconut or the optional honey/maple syrup; for a less-sweet, more natural snack, omit the sweetener.
For a firmer texture, increase almond flour slightly (in small increments) or fold in a tablespoon of chia seeds to absorb moisture and add fiber.
For maximum flavor, toast the shredded coconut lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant before mixing.

Variations

Coconut-chocolate drizzle: After chilling, dip half of each bite in melted dark chocolate and allow to set on parchment. This adds richness and makes them feel indulgent without a lot of added sugar.
Tropical mix-in: Fold in small pieces of dried mango or shredded dried pineapple (reconstituted briefly in warm water and drained) for extra chew and concentrated fruity flavor.

FAQs
Q: How can I make these bites less sticky?
A: Blot the pineapple with paper towels after chopping, add almond flour or shredded coconut as a binder, and chill the mixture before rolling.

Q: Can I use canned pineapple?
A: You can, but drain and pat it very dry. Fresh pineapple gives the best texture and flavor.

Q: Are these bites gluten-free and vegan?
A: They are naturally gluten-free; to make them vegan, use maple syrup instead of honey.

What to expect in texture and flavor
These bites should be slightly chewy with an initial burst of pineapple juice followed by the mellow richness of coconut. The almond flour softens the chew and provides body, while optional honey or maple syrup tames tartness. Chilling firms them up and makes them pleasantly dense rather than mushy. If you toast the coconut first, you’ll also get a toasty, nutty counterpoint to the fruity sweetness.

Occasions and pairings

Beach or pool snacks: Their tropical profile makes them ideal for sun-filled gatherings.
Post-workout or hiking snack: Compact and energy-dense with natural sugars and healthy fats.
Kid-friendly lunches: Cut into halves for younger children or include with cheese cubes for a balanced snack.
Coffee or tea accompaniment: Serve with green or jasmine tea to complement the tropical flavors without overpowering them.

Troubleshooting common issues

Mixture too wet: Add small amounts of almond flour or shredded coconut, or chill before rolling.
Bites fall apart after chilling: Press them a little firmer when shaping and allow adequate chilling time; if they still fall apart, add another tablespoon of almond flour.
Overly sweet: Skip the honey/maple syrup and use unsweetened shredded coconut.

Nutrition and ingredient swaps

To lower sugar: Omit the honey/maple syrup and use unsweetened shredded coconut. Rely on the pineapple’s natural sugars and enjoy smaller portions.
Nut-free option: Replace almond flour with oat flour (1:1) or finely ground sunflower seed flour to keep things nut-free while maintaining binding power.
Add protein: Stir in a tablespoon of protein powder (neutral flavor) or finely chopped roasted nuts for a protein boost.

Safety and hygiene tips

Pineapple handling: Use a clean cutting board and knife; wash hands and surfaces after cutting fresh fruit to avoid cross-contamination.
Make-ahead advice: Keep bites refrigerated until serving to maintain texture and food safety. Don’t leave at warm room temperatures for extended periods.

More creative serving ideas

Make mini parfaits by layering chopped bites with coconut yogurt and toasted granola in small glasses.
Crumble over smoothie bowls instead of granola for a tropical crunch.
Press into small tart molds and chill to make mini crustless tarts — top with a dollop of whipped coconut cream.

Frequently Asked Questions (different format)

Q: Can I make these in advance?
A: Yes — keep them in the refrigerator up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
Q: What if I don’t have almond flour?
A: Substitute oat flour or extra shredded coconut; add binding ingredients gradually to avoid dryness.
Q: Can I roll these in anything for extra texture?
A: Yes — roll in additional shredded coconut, finely chopped pistachios, toasted sesame seeds, or crushed freeze-dried pineapple for contrast.
How many does this recipe make?
Typically this yields about 12–16 bite-sized balls, depending on how large you roll them.
Can I use dried pineapple?
If using dried pineapple, rehydrate briefly in warm water and drain well. Dried fruit will be chewier and sweeter, and you may need less or no additional sweetener.

Final thoughts on making them consistently well
The secret to repeatable success is measuring loosely but minding moisture. Fresh pineapple will vary in juiciness; adjust almond flour or coconut by feel rather than rigid measurement. Keep your hands slightly damp or floured when rolling to prevent sticking, and don’t skimp on the chill time — it transforms a loose mixture into tidy, travel-ready bites.

Conclusion

If you want a store-bought inspiration for coconut-pineapple snacks, check out this packaged option from Entree Bites Coconut Pineapple – Dulzura Borincana Snacks for a ready-made take on the same flavor pairing. For a chocolatey variation you can explore products like Coconut Chocolate Pineapple Bites | Lonohana Estate Chocolate which combine coconut, pineapple, and chocolate in a single bite.