The Best Pineapple Bake

### Instructions:

#### Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or similar-sized pan with butter or cooking spray to ensure the pineapple bake doesn’t stick.

#### Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained crushed pineapple, melted butter, beaten egg, vanilla extract, and reserved pineapple juice. Stir everything together until well combined.

#### Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
To the wet ingredients, add the sugar, flour, and salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and evenly mixed. If you’re using shredded coconut and chopped nuts, fold them into the batter at this stage for added flavor and texture.

#### Step 4: Bake the Pineapple Mixture
Pour the pineapple mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bake is set. The edges should be slightly crispy, while the center will remain soft and gooey.

#### Step 5: Let It Cool and Serve
Once the pineapple bake is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This gives the bake a chance to firm up slightly, making it easier to cut into squares or serve in scoops.

### Tips for the Best Pineapple Bake:
– **Use Fresh or Canned Pineapple:** Canned crushed pineapple works well for this recipe, but fresh pineapple can also be used if you prefer a more natural option. If using fresh, just chop it finely and drain the juice before adding it to the batter.
– **Add Toppings:** Feel free to top the pineapple bake with a dollop of whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for an extra touch of indulgence.
– **Texture Variations:** For a smoother texture, you can blend the pineapple slightly before mixing it into the batter. For more texture, keep the pineapple chunks as they are.
– **Make Ahead:** This pineapple bake can be prepared a day ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes before serving.

### Why You’ll Love The Best Pineapple Bake:
– **Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory:** The natural sweetness of pineapple is complemented by the richness of the butter and the lightness of the flour, creating a deliciously balanced flavor.
– **Quick and Easy:** With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this pineapple bake is incredibly easy to make, even on a busy day.
– **Versatile:** Whether served as a side dish with a roast dinner or as a dessert at a party, this bake can fit any occasion and please any crowd.
– **Customizable:** The option to add coconut and nuts allows you to tailor the recipe to your taste and texture preferences.

### Conclusion:
**The Best Pineapple Bake** is a simple, satisfying dish that brings together the tropical sweetness of pineapple with a buttery, golden finish. Its delightful texture, combined with a hint of coconut and crunch from the nuts (if you choose to add them), makes it a versatile and irresistible treat. Whether you serve it as a dessert or side dish, it’s a guaranteed hit. Give it a try and enjoy the sweet, comforting flavors that everyone will love!