April 20th is Pineapple Upside Down Cake Day but today, since pineapple is so amazing, we want to celebrate more than just one kind of dessert that features it as the star ingredient. Pineapple can be a big pain in the butt to prep and slice if you don’t have a sharp knife, meaning that pineapple is often neglected when we start to think about warmer weather. It’s a shame because pineapple is so delicious! It’s sweet, juicy, a little tart, and if you close your eyes while eating it, you can image that you’re in a tropical paradise — unless you already live in one. Thankfully, many of the sweets we can make using pineapple don’t need fresh produce in order for the results to be delicious. Frozen pineapple chunks and canned pineapple rings are readily available in most stores and they make our pineapple kitchen creations so much easier to make.

So hop aboard the Pineapple Express and travel into a world of tropical deliciousness with these 10 pineapple treats!

1. Piña Colada Sorbet

Don’t you think that tropical treats will keep us in a warmer weather state of mind?? A Piña Colada Sorbet is the perfect thing to do just that. It’s a creamy and refreshing combination of pineapple, banana, and coconut milk. There isn’t a bit of added sugar because the sweetness of the fruit does all the sweetening naturally.

2. Vintage Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

This Pineapple Upside-Down Cake is just like the one that’s probably camping out in the recesses of your dessert memories — but way better than that. Sweet caramelized pineapple rings, fluffy and tender cake, even the Maraschino cherries make an appearance. It’s vintage and everyone knows that that’s what all the cool kids are into.

3. Pineapple Paradise Cups

Introducing: the aptly-named Pineapple Paradise Cups! Pineapple, bananas, cranberries, and pecans are alchemically combined for bliss in each bite. The crust is made with pecans and cranberries, topped with banana slices, pureed pineapple, more banana slices, and cranberry gems for a beautiful dessert. With no refined sugars, dairy, or gluten, you can munch on more than one and still feel great!

4. Pineapple Mango Crisp

Most crisps are made with fruit such as apples, peaches, or berries, but this Pineapple Mango Crisp marches to the beat of its own drum. It’s a delightfully crunchy and sweet snack that can be eaten on its own, sprinkled on top of vegan ice cream, or eaten with some almond milk and a spoon. Just simmer the fruits in spices, crush the almonds and coconut, and feast!

5. Chocolate-Coated Pineapple Pops

Nothing is more refreshing than a big ol’ slab of frozen pineapple coated in chocolate and that’s exactly what these Chocolate-Coated Pineapple Pops are. The two toppings used in this recipe are by no means the only ones. You can opt for different nuts, carob nibs, crushed espresso beans, freeze dried fruit, coconut butter or almond butter — whatever sounds good to you will make these pops fantastic.

6. Healthy Piña Colada

If you like piña coladas … and getting caught in the rain … then you totally need to make this Healthy Piña Colada and say “no” to pre-made mixes! Just sit back, relax, and experience how much tastier this warm weather drink can be when you make it yourself.

7. Pineapple Honey

Pineapple honey? Is that even a thing? Yes, it is — and it’s fantastic. With just two simple ingredients, you can make a sweet and gooey Pineapple Honey that will fill any honey void you may have. This is a tasty honey alternative that’s great for sweetening teas or drizzling over tropical desserts.

8. Pineapple Sorbet

If you’re familiar with Dole Whip, that delicious pineapple soft serve, then you’ll love this. This Pineapple Sorbet is creamy, refreshing, and satisfying. You can make it with fresh pineapple wait for it to set in the freezer overnight, or stick to frozen if you need to get your snack on immediately.

9. Grilled Pineapple and Dark Chocolate Oatmeal

Grilled pineapple with dark chocolate? Yes, please. Fresh pineapple is grilled until tender and sweet and stirred into chocolatey oatmeal, then it’s all topped with even more pineapple. This Grilled Pineapple and Dark Chocolate Oatmeal is like dessert, but for breakfast!

10. Cool Pineapple Basil Pops

If straight pineapple is too sweet for you, don’t give up on the fruit altogether — try these Cool Pineapple Basil Pops first. Fresh basil is blended with pineapple juice until smooth and then frozen in popsicle moulds. These pops are so good that you’ll forget all about the ice cream man.

Any one of these treats is just what you need to satisfy those munchies. Which one are you going to make? Tell us in the comments!

Lead image source: Vintage Pineapple Upside-Down Cake