Ina Garten’s Tropical Paradise Pineapple & Coconut Gelato Recipe

Tropical desserts burst with vibrant flavors, and this Ina Garten roasted pineapple with coconut gelato recipe delivers pure summer magic.

Caramelized edges and golden-brown surfaces make this sweet treat irresistible.

The combination of warm roasted fruit and cold, creamy gelato creates a sensational contrast that delights the palate.

Fresh pineapple transforms into a luxurious dessert with simple roasting techniques.

coconut gelato adds a rich, smooth counterpoint to the tangy fruit.

Each spoonful promises a delectable journey through sweet and tropical notes.

Get ready to wow your guests with this elegant, effortless dessert that screams sunshine and indulgence.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients List for Ina Garten’s Roasted Pineapple & Coconut Gelato

• Pineapple: Select a ripe, golden pineapple with a sweet fragrance and firm yet slightly soft texture, ensuring maximum natural sweetness and juiciness.
• Lime: Choose firm, bright green limes with smooth skin, providing vibrant citrus notes and aromatic zest to enhance the pineapple's flavor.

• Agave Syrup: Pick a high-quality, pure agave syrup that adds smooth, delicate sweetness without overpowering the natural pineapple taste.

• Coconut Gelato: Select a creamy, authentic Italian-style gelato with rich coconut flavor, complementing the roasted pineapple's tropical character and providing a luxurious cold contrast.

What You’ll Need to Make Roasted Pineapple with Coconut Gelato

• sheet pan: large, flat baking tray essential for roasting pineapple evenly.
• sharp knife: crucial for precisely cutting and trimming pineapple.
• microplane: perfect for zesting limes and capturing delicate citrus oils.
• cutting board: sturdy surface for safely preparing pineapple.
• dessert bowls: elegant serving dishes for presenting the roasted pineapple.
• measuring spoon: helps accurately add agave syrup.
• mixing bowl: used for tossing pineapple with lime zest and syrup.

Ina Garten’s Method for Roasted Pineapple with Gelato

Tropical Roasted Pineapple Delight

• Pineapple Prep

Remove the tough outer skin and core of the pineapple, creating clean slices that showcase the golden fruit’s natural beauty. Carefully trim away any brown spots, revealing the sweet, juicy interior.

• Oven Transformation

Spread the pineapple pieces on a baking sheet, allowing the high heat to caramelize and intensify their natural sweetness. The roasting process brings out deep, rich flavors that elevate this simple fruit.

• Zesty Finishing Touch

Drizzle the roasted pineapple with a touch of agave nectar and brighten the dish with fresh lime zest. The citrus notes will dance across the warm, caramelized fruit, creating a vibrant flavor profile.

• Creamy Indulgence

Nestle a generous scoop of silky coconut gelato alongside the roasted pineapple. The cool, creamy texture provides a luxurious contrast to the warm, caramelized fruit, creating a perfect balance of temperatures and tastes.

Tips to Tweak Ina Garten’s Tropical Dessert

• Ensure pineapple quarters are evenly spaced on the sheet pan for consistent caramelization and beautiful golden edges.
• Swap agave syrup with honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar to adjust the dessert's sweetness profile and add complex flavor notes.
• Garnish with toasted coconut flakes, fresh mint leaves, or a drizzle of dark rum to transform this simple dessert into a restaurant-worthy experience.
• Replace coconut gelato with vanilla bean, passion fruit, or rum raisin gelato for exciting flavor combinations that complement the roasted pineapple.
• Roast pineapple up to a day in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, bringing to room temperature before serving to maintain optimal texture and flavor.

Serve Ina Garten’s Pineapple & Gelato Like a Star

• Elevate Your Dessert Presentation: Arrange the roasted pineapple slices in a rustic, fanned-out pattern on elegant white plates to create a visually stunning dessert display.
• Garnish with Tropical Flair: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes or chopped macadamia nuts over the gelato for added crunch and a delightful nutty flavor that complements the pineapple.
• Create a Cocktail Pairing: Serve alongside a chilled glass of coconut rum cocktail or a crisp prosecco to enhance the tropical notes and elevate the entire dessert experience.
• Add Fresh Herb Twist: Scatter a few fresh mint or basil leaves on top for a surprising burst of herbal freshness that cuts through the sweetness of the pineapple and gelato.

Storing Ina Garten’s Roasted Pineapple Treat

• Quick Chill & Store
• Refrigerate Leftovers: Place remaining roasted pineapple in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The fruit will maintain its sweet, caramelized flavor and juicy texture.
• Freeze Smart: Seal the pineapple pieces in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen pieces stay delicious for 2-3 months and work perfectly in smoothies or future desserts.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Roast pineapple up to one day before serving. Keep seasoned pieces covered in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and intensify overnight.
• Gelato Care Tip: Always keep coconut gelato in the freezer, tightly sealed. Scoop directly from frozen state to maintain its creamy consistency and prevent ice crystal formation.

Tropical Ina Garten Roasted Pineapple With Coconut Gelato Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s roasted pineapple with coconut gelato brings tropical elegance to dessert tables. Caramelized fruit and creamy coconut gelato create a delightful contrast you’ll savor with each refreshing spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 large pineapple (5 lbs / 2.27 kg), ripe golden
• 1–2 pints coconut gelato (473–946 ml), Talenti Caribbean Coconut
• 6 tbsps (90 ml) light agave syrup
• 2 limes, juiced

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Position oven rack in middle and preheat to 400°F (200°C) for optimal roasting environment.
2. Pineapple Trimming: Remove crown and base, stand fruit upright, and meticulously slice away exterior rind with a sharp chef’s knife, eliminating all brown spots and fibrous “eyes”.
3. Segmenting: Divide peeled pineapple into quarters by cutting lengthwise through central core, then halve each quarter into eight wedges, carefully removing tough central core from each segment.
4. Roasting: Arrange pineapple wedges in single layer on rimmed baking sheet without overlapping. Roast for 20 minutes until edges caramelize and develop rich golden color, creating intense flavor profile.
5. Cooling and Seasoning: Remove from oven and cool completely at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Cut cooled wedges crosswise into ½-inch slices, transfer to mixing bowl, drizzle with agave syrup, and zest two limes directly over fruit, gently tossing to ensure even coating.
6. Serving: Plate roasted pineapple in individual dessert bowls, crown with a scoop of coconut gelato, and garnish with an additional sprinkle of fresh lime zest for a vibrant, elegant presentation.

Notes

• Precision Cutting Technique: Remove all fibrous parts and core meticulously to ensure smooth, tender pineapple wedges without tough stringy textures.
• Caramelization Secret: Roast at high temperature and single layer to achieve golden edges that enhance natural sweetness and develop rich flavor complexity.
• Flavor Boost Trick: Drizzle agave syrup and fresh lime zest immediately after roasting to intensify tropical notes and add bright citrusy undertones.
• Serving Pro Tip: Allow pineapple to cool completely before cutting to help natural sugars concentrate and prevent losing delicious juice during slicing.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 15 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg