Valentine Pineapple Dessert

Pineapple Dessert Recipe with Cherry and Banana | Easy-to-Make Valentine's Day Treat

| Servings: 12

Introduction

Valentine Pineapple Dessert is a delicious and refreshing treat that is perfect for celebrating love and special occasions. This dessert is made with a combination of pineapple juice, gelatin, bananas, ice cream, and vanilla wafers, creating a sweet and fruity flavor that is sure to impress your loved ones.

History

The origins of Valentine Pineapple Dessert are unclear, but it has become a popular choice for Valentine's Day celebrations and other romantic occasions. This dessert is a modern twist on traditional gelatin desserts, incorporating tropical flavors like pineapple and banana for a unique and tasty treat.

Ingredients

4 cups pineapple juice
4 cups water
8 (3 oz / 85 g) packages cherry jell-o or gelatin
5 or 6 ripe bananas, mashed
2 qt / 1.89 liters strawberry ice cream
2 (7.5 oz / 213 g) boxes vanilla wafers, rolled fine or crushed in food processor
0.67 cup melted margarine (for wafers)

How to prepare

Bring pineapple juice and water to a boil.
Add Jell-o and stir until dissolved.
Refrigerate until the mixture is slightly jelled.
In a separate bowl, mix vanilla wafers and margarine.
Press approximately 0.67 of the wafer mixture into the bottom of a pan.
When the Jell-o is slightly jelled, beat it with an electric mixer.
Add mashed bananas and ice cream alternately to the Jell-o mixture while continuing to beat.
Pour the mixture into two pans measuring 9 x 13 inches each.
Sprinkle the remaining crumbs on top of the mixture in the pans.
Cover the pans with plastic wrap and refrigerate until set.

Variations

Try using different flavors of gelatin, such as strawberry or raspberry, for a fun twist on this dessert.
Substitute crushed graham crackers or gingersnap cookies for the vanilla wafers for a different crust flavor.
Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the wafer mixture for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to refrigerate the Jell-o mixture until it is slightly jelled before adding the bananas and ice cream. This will help the dessert set properly and maintain its creamy texture.

- Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness in this dessert.

- Crush the vanilla wafers finely for a smooth and even crust layer.

- Press the wafer mixture firmly into the pan to create a solid base for the dessert.

- Be sure to cover the pans with plastic wrap while refrigerating to prevent any odors from affecting the dessert.

Serving Suggestions

Valentine Pineapple Dessert can be served chilled with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top. It can also be garnished with fresh pineapple slices or mint leaves for a decorative touch.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to beat the Jell-o mixture well with an electric mixer to incorporate air and create a light and fluffy texture.

- Alternate adding the mashed bananas and ice cream to the Jell-o mixture to ensure even distribution of ingredients.

- Refrigerate the dessert until set to allow the flavors to meld together and create a cohesive dessert.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use fresh pineapple juice instead of canned for a more intense pineapple flavor.

- Substitute butter for margarine in the wafer mixture for a richer taste.

- Use frozen bananas instead of fresh for a creamier texture in the dessert.

Make Ahead Tips

Valentine Pineapple Dessert can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving. Be sure to cover the pans with plastic wrap to prevent any odors from affecting the dessert.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Valentine Pineapple Dessert in individual parfait glasses for a fancy presentation. Top each serving with a cherry or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra special touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Valentine Pineapple Dessert pairs well with a glass of sparkling wine or champagne for a romantic and elegant dessert experience. It also goes well with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy and comforting treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Valentine Pineapple Dessert in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, allow the dessert to come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Valentine Pineapple Dessert contains approximately 300 calories. Calories provide the energy needed for daily activities and functions.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Valentine Pineapple Dessert contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy and are essential for fueling daily activities and functions.

Fats

Each serving of Valentine Pineapple Dessert contains approximately 12 grams of fat. Fat is important for providing energy, supporting cell growth, and aiding in the absorption of vitamins and minerals.

Proteins

Each serving of Valentine Pineapple Dessert contains approximately 4 grams of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, as well as supporting immune function and hormone production.

Vitamins and minerals

Valentine Pineapple Dessert is a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and calcium. Vitamin C is important for immune health, potassium helps regulate blood pressure, and calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth.

Alergens

Valentine Pineapple Dessert contains dairy and gluten from the ice cream and vanilla wafers. It may also contain traces of nuts from the margarine used in the recipe.

Summary

Valentine Pineapple Dessert is a sweet and creamy treat that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It also provides essential vitamins and minerals, making it a delicious and nutritious dessert option for special occasions.

Summary

Valentine Pineapple Dessert is a delightful and indulgent treat that is perfect for celebrating love and special occasions. With its sweet and fruity flavors, creamy texture, and crunchy wafer crust, this dessert is sure to impress your loved ones and make any celebration memorable.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a warm summer day, and I was at a farmer's market browsing through different stalls to see what fresh produce I could find. As I was walking past a booth selling pineapples, I overheard two women talking excitedly about a dessert recipe they had just tried.

Intrigued, I approached them and asked what the dessert was. They told me about a delicious Valentine Pineapple Dessert that was light, refreshing, and perfect for summer. They said it was made with fresh pineapple, whipped cream, and a few other ingredients that came together to create a heavenly treat.

I was intrigued by the sound of this dessert and asked them if they would be willing to share the recipe with me. They were more than happy to oblige and scribbled down the ingredients and instructions on a piece of paper for me. I thanked them profusely and headed back home, eager to try out this new recipe.

As I gathered all the ingredients and started working on the dessert, I couldn't help but think about how recipes have a way of bringing people together. Whether it's sharing a family recipe with a loved one or learning a new dish from a stranger at a farmer's market, recipes have a way of connecting us through food.

I carefully followed the instructions, chopping up the pineapple into bite-sized pieces and whipping the cream until it formed soft peaks. I then layered the pineapple and cream in a glass dish, drizzling a sweet syrup over the top for added flavor.

When I took my first bite of the Valentine Pineapple Dessert, I was blown away by how delicious it was. The pineapple was juicy and sweet, the cream was light and airy, and the syrup added just the right amount of sweetness. It was the perfect dessert for a hot summer day, and I knew it would become a staple in my recipe collection.

From that day on, I made the Valentine Pineapple Dessert regularly, serving it to friends and family who always raved about how delicious it was. I shared the recipe with anyone who asked, passing on the joy of this dessert to others just as the two women at the farmer's market had done for me.

Over the years, I've collected countless recipes from various places and people, each one holding a special memory or connection. Whether it's a recipe passed down from my own grandmother or one discovered at a market stall, each recipe has its own story to tell. And the Valentine Pineapple Dessert will always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the day I stumbled upon it at the farmer's market and the joy it has brought to me and those I've shared it with.

So, the next time you're at a farmer's market or browsing through a cookbook, keep an eye out for that one recipe that calls out to you. You never know what delicious surprise might be waiting for you to discover and share with others. Happy cooking!