Pina Colada Fruit Squares

Pina Colada Fruit Squares: A Rich and Creamy Tropical Dessert from Nigeria

Region / culture: Nigeria | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 3 hours | Servings: 9

Introduction

Pina Colada Fruit Squares are a delicious and refreshing dessert that combines the tropical flavors of pineapple and coconut. These squares are perfect for a summer gathering or a sweet treat any time of year.

History

The Pina Colada Fruit Squares recipe is a modern twist on the classic Pina Colada cocktail, which originated in Puerto Rico in the 1950s. The cocktail is made with rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice, creating a tropical and refreshing drink. This dessert takes those same flavors and transforms them into a delightful and easy-to-make treat.

Ingredients

1 can (8 oz (227 g)) pineapple chunks in juice, undrained
1 and a half cup boiling water
1 package (8-serving size) or 2 packages (4-serving size each) jell-o Brand Pina Colada Flavor gelatin
1 and a quarter cup ice cubes
1 and a half cup thawed cool whip whipped topping

How to prepare

Drain the pineapple, reserving the juice.
In a large bowl, stir boiling water into the dry gelatin mix for at least 2 minutes or until completely dissolved.
Add the reserved pineapple juice and ice cubes to the gelatin mixture.
Stir until slightly thickened, ensuring that any unmelted ice is removed.
Take out 1.5 cups of the gelatin mixture and place it in a medium bowl.
Stir in the pineapple and set it aside.
Refrigerate the remaining gelatin mixture for 15 minutes or until slightly thickened.
Add the whipped topping to the refrigerated gelatin mixture.
Stir with a wire whisk until well blended.
Pour the mixture into an 8-inch square pan and refrigerate for 10 minutes or until set but not firm.
Carefully spoon the creamy layer over the set gelatin in the pan.
Refrigerate for 3 hours or until firm.
Cut into 9 squares and serve.
Store any leftover dessert in the refrigerator.

Variations

Add chopped maraschino cherries to the creamy layer for a pop of color and extra sweetness.
Use coconut milk instead of water for a richer coconut flavor.
Top the squares with a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to stir the gelatin mixture for at least 2 minutes to ensure it is completely dissolved.

- Refrigerate the creamy layer for 10 minutes before adding it to the set gelatin to ensure the layers stay separate.

- Cut the squares with a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean and neat edges.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Pina Colada Fruit Squares chilled with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top for an extra tropical touch.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking technique for this recipe is properly dissolving the gelatin and allowing the layers to set in the refrigerator before adding the next layer.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use fresh pineapple instead of canned pineapple for a fresher flavor.

- Substitute coconut milk for the whipped topping for a dairy-free version.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make Pina Colada Fruit Squares up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Pina Colada Fruit Squares on a platter garnished with fresh mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Pina Colada Fruit Squares with a glass of sparkling wine or a tropical cocktail for a delightful dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Pina Colada Fruit Squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Do not freeze as the texture may change.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Pina Colada Fruit Squares contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Pina Colada Fruit Squares contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Pina Colada Fruit Squares contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Pina Colada Fruit Squares contains approximately 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Pina Colada Fruit Squares are a good source of Vitamin C from the pineapple.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy in the form of whipped topping.

Summary

Pina Colada Fruit Squares are a light and fruity dessert that is relatively low in calories and fats. They are a sweet treat that can be enjoyed in moderation.

Summary

Pina Colada Fruit Squares are a tropical and refreshing dessert that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With the flavors of pineapple and coconut, these squares are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy this sweet treat and transport yourself to a sunny beach with every bite.

How did I get this recipe?

. The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately captivated. It was a hot summer day, and I had just arrived at a family gathering at my cousin's house. As soon as I walked through the door, I was hit with the most delicious aroma - a sweet and tropical scent that seemed to beckon me towards the kitchen. Curious, I made my way over to where my cousin, Maria, was busy preparing a batch of Pina Colada Fruit Squares.

Maria noticed my interest and with a smile, she handed me a piece of the square to try. As soon as I took a bite, I knew I had to learn how to make this delectable treat for myself. The combination of pineapple, coconut, and rum was like a taste of paradise in my mouth, and I couldn't get enough of it.

I asked Maria for the recipe, and she happily obliged. She told me that she had learned it from her grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. I was thrilled at the prospect of adding this delicious dessert to my repertoire of recipes, and I couldn't wait to give it a try.

The next day, I gathered all the ingredients I needed and set to work in my own kitchen. As I mixed the pineapple, coconut, rum, and other ingredients together, I felt a sense of connection to my family's culinary heritage. The smell of the squares baking in the oven brought back memories of summers spent with my grandparents, sharing meals and stories around the kitchen table.

When the squares were finally done, I couldn't wait to taste them. The first bite brought a flood of memories rushing back - the sweetness of the pineapple, the richness of the coconut, the warmth of the rum. It was like I had been transported back in time to those carefree days of my youth, surrounded by loved ones and delicious food.

I shared the squares with my family, and they were an instant hit. Everyone raved about how delicious they were, and I felt a swell of pride knowing that I had successfully recreated Maria's recipe. From that day on, Pina Colada Fruit Squares became a staple at all of our family gatherings, a sweet reminder of our shared heritage and the joy of cooking together.

As the years went by, I continued to make the squares for special occasions and holidays. I experimented with different variations, adding new ingredients and tweaking the recipe to make it my own. Each time I made them, I felt a connection to my past and to the generations of women who had come before me, passing down their knowledge and love of cooking.

Now, whenever I make Pina Colada Fruit Squares, I can't help but think of Maria and her grandmother, and the bond that we share through our shared love of food. The recipe has become more than just a dessert - it's a link to my family's history, a way to honor the traditions that have shaped me into the cook I am today.

And so, I continue to make Pina Colada Fruit Squares, sharing them with friends and family and passing down the recipe to the next generation. Each time I take a bite of that sweet, tropical treat, I am reminded of the love and connection that food can bring, and I am grateful for the lessons I have learned from those who came before me. Cooking is not just about nourishing the body - it's about nourishing the soul, and I am thankful for the gift of sharing that nourishment with others.