Savory Tweaks: 5 BEST Crushed Pineapple Substitutes

Do you need a substitute for crushed pineapple but have no idea what to use? You’re in the right place.

Find out here the five top ingredients perfect to replace crushed pineapple – a must-know for any curious cook.

What’s Crushed Pineapple?

Crushed pineapple is simply canned or fresh pineapple that has been chopped into smaller pieces for easier cooking and baking.

You can buy pre-crushed versions of this ingredient or make your own crushed pineapple at home by draining off the juice from canned types or chopping fresh varieties into small pieces with a knife or food processor.

When using crused pieappe in recipes make sure to drain off excess liquid beforehand as too much moisture will negatively affect the dish’s texture.

If a recipe calls for crushed pineapple then make sure to adjust other ingredients accordingly if you choose to replace it with one of the suggested substitutes listed below.

Be careful not to put too much of this ingredient as it could overwhelm other flavors in the dish as well as turn whatever you are making soggy due to its high sugar content.

Additionally, be sure not combine acidic ingredients such as lemons with this type of ingredient in order prevent any unwanted acidity from affecting the final product.

5 Best Crushed Pineapple Substitutes to Consider

If you’re reaching for canned crushed pineapple and realizing it’s out of stock or non-existent right now, don’t worry.

Here are the five best substitutes for crushed pineapple.

1 – Banana Puree

Banana puree is a great substitute for crushed pineapple because it has a similar texture and sweetness, as well as a hint of tropical flavor.

To make the puree, mash ripe bananas with a fork until you achieve the desired consistency — add in some lemon juice and honey to taste.

You can also try adding some pineapple juice for an extra punch of flavor.

Banana puree works especially well in cakes and other baked goods.

2 – Crushed Strawberries

Crushed strawberries can be an excellent substitute for crushed pineapple when you’re making desserts and other recipes.

Strawberries are sweet and fruity, but they don’t have the same acidic taste that pineapple has.

If you want to reduce acidity in your recipe, crushed strawberries could be a great choice.

As with any fruit, make sure to use fresh or frozen organic strawberries if possible.

You can easily buy pre-crushed frozen strawberries in most grocery stores, or you can make your own by blending whole fresh or frozen strawberries with a few tablespoons of water.

A good rule of thumb is to use two-thirds cup of chopped strawberries for every one cup of crushed pineapple that the recipe calls for.

You may need to adjust the amount slightly depending on how sweet or sour your other ingredients are, but this is a great place to start.

3 – Unsweetened Apple Sauce

Unsweetened apple sauce is a good substitute for crushed pineapple, as it brings a sweet, fruity flavor to the dish.

The canned variety of unsweetened apple sauce is easy to find in supermarkets and won’t add too much sweetness to the dish.

It’s best to use plain, unsweetened apple sauce if possible, rather than the flavored varieties.

Apple sauce pairs well with many desserts like pies and cakes, but it also works well in savory dishes as a tart and juicy addition.

Keep in mind that due to its creamy texture and shorter cooking time, apple sauce may not be a suitable replacement for recipes that call for crushed pineapple that has been cooked or simmered.

In those cases, use one of the other substitutes on this list instead.

4 – Mango Puree

Mango puree is a refreshing, sweet, and tropical way to add flavor to your dishes.

It’s made from fully ripened mangoes that have been peeled, pitted and blended into a smooth paste.

It is an excellent substitute for crushed pineapple in smoothies, pies, or other desserts.

Because mango puree provides less water content than crushed pineapple, you may need to add a bit of water to make it the ideal consistency.

Make sure to taste the mixture before serving and adjust as needed for sweetness or tartness.

Mango puree packs plenty of flavor so you won’t miss out on the tartness from the crushed pineapple.

5 – Apricots

Apricots are a good substitute for crushed pineapple in a variety of recipes.

Similar to pineapple, apricots have an unmistakable flavor and sweetness that complements other ingredients.

Apricots can be found dried, canned or fresh and are more available than pineapples during certain months of the year.

Depending on the size of the recipe, it’s recommended to use a ratio of 1/2 cup of chopped apricots for every cup of crushed pineapple.

Dried apricots work best in baked goods such as cakes, crumbles and pies while fresh apricot or canned works better in salads and dishes like cobblers.

Apricots do not contain any added sugar so it may be necessary to add additional sweetener when using them as a substitute for crushed pineapple.

Conclusion

In conclusion, to substitute crushed pineapple in recipes, you should consider using other canned fruit such as apricots, peaches and plums.

If those canned fruits are unavailable, you can use canned apple sauce or mangoes and papayas.

For a tart flavor, you can try lemon or lime juice.

Finally, if you want a more neutral flavor with the addition of sweetness, try pineapple juice concentrate.

No matter which type of substitute you use for crushed pineapple in recipes, be aware that it will likely change the texture and/or taste of the final dish.

Add a little at a time in order to get the desired taste and consistency that you’re going for.

With some experimentation and practice, you’ll soon have dishes incorporating crushed pineapple substitutes that your friends and family won’t be able to resist.