• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Sweet Occasion

Learn. Bake. Enjoy.

  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Breads
    • Breakfast
    • Dessert
      • All Categories
      • Brownies & Bars
      • Cakes & Cupcakes
      • Cookies
      • Custards, Parfaits & Pudding
      • Frostings & Fillings
      • Frozen
      • Pies, Tarts & Crisps
    • Pastry
  • Guides
    • Baking Techniques
    • Baking Tips
    • Ingredient Guides
  • About
  • Contact
Home » Breakfast » Pineapple Cinnamon Rolls

Pineapple Cinnamon Rolls

May 31, 2020 By Maria Leave a Comment

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Pineapple cinnamon rolls have a sweet, gooey pineapple filling and are topped with a pineapple cream cheese frosting.  Serve these warm for a delicious breakfast treat that the whole family will love.

Pineapple Cinnamon Rollss-1

It’s funny how I was inspired to make this recipe. I had a to-do list on my desk, and as I sat there looking at the list, the top two items were to create a pineapple dessert and bake cinnamon rolls. Since I hadn’t yet decided on the pineapple recipe, I thought, why not combine the two!

In general, I prefer to eat fresh pineapples as opposed to cooked or baked into foods.  For example, I believe a carrot cake shouldn’t have pineapple or mix-ins into the cake.  But of course, that is entirely my preference.

This month I was challenged to use pineapple in a recipe.  I decided to go out of my comfort zone and prepare a dessert with pineapples baked inside as opposed to topping something such as a tart with fresh pineapple.  Little did I know that I would surprise myself and like the baked pineapple.

These pineapple cinnamon rolls turned out to be a hit with my family.  The filling consists of delicious pineapple, cinnamon, and sugar filling, making for a gooey center.  And what’s a cinnamon roll without a topping of cream cheese frosting.  Pineapple adds the perfect sweetness and balance of flavor in the frosting.

Pineapple Cinnamon Rolls-5

Before you begin

Take out the following baking equipment.

Digital kitchen scale
Medium saucepan
Silicone Spatula
Medium bowl
Stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment
Dough hook attachment
2 large bowls
Small bowl
Plastic wrap
9 x 13-inch baking pan
Rolling pin
Small offset spatula
Serrated knife

Allow all your ingredients to come to room temperature.
Read the recipe through from start to finish.

Understanding Ingredients

Pineapple is the star of the show in this recipe.  I highly suggest using fresh pineapple as is it will have the purest flavor.  Do not use the core of the pineapple for this recipe.  Instead, only use the soft flesh to puree for the filling.  Cooking the pineapple in a saucepan with the other filling ingredients will concentrate the pineapple flavor and produce a delicious filling.  In addition to the filling, you will also need 14–28 g (1-2 tablespoons) of pineapple juice to thin and flavor the cream cheese frosting.  You can use a juicer for this, but save yourself the hassle for such a small amount and instead puree extra pineapple to use in the frosting.

Sour cream is traditionally not added to bread.  However, because these cinnamon rolls are an enriched dough, I have added sour cream for a couple of reasons.  The acidity and tanginess of sour cream add a more complex flavor to the dough.  Additionally, the extra fat adds another layer of richness.  And finally, sour cream adds moisture to the dough.

There are a variety of yeasts on the market.  There is fresh yeast, instant yeast, rapid rise yeast, and active yeast.  Which one to use?  I know it can be confusing.  To make things easier, I always use instant yeast (here is the brand I prefer). It’s simple to work with compared to other yeast.  All you have to do is add it straight to your mixer and mix.  No initial hydrating and having to worry about how warm the water is or how long you have to let it sit.  Skip all those variables with instant yeast.  If a recipe does call for another yeast, make sure to convert the amount to instant yeast (if you prefer to use it).  Keep any leftover yeast in the refrigerator to maximize its shelf life and ensure it maintains its leavening power.

Pineapple Cinnamon Rolls-3

How to select a pineapple

Have you ever stood in the produce aisle of the supermarket and wondered which pineapple to select?  I have.  But with these tips that I have learned from being married to an owner of a produce distribution business, I no longer wonder how to pick the perfect pineapple.

First, find a pineapple that has a firm exterior but also has a small amount of “give” when you squeeze it gently.  Additionally, look for a pineapple that has green leaves.

Second, take note of the smell at the base of the pineapple.  It should smell sweet and have that notable pineapple smell.  If you don’t smell anything, then its an indication that it’s not a sweet, ripe pineapple.

How to make the dough

Kneading.  You can certainly knead the dough by hand.  It just requires more elbow grease and more time.  However, if you have a stand mixer with the dough attachment, I would suggest this option as it is much easier (less of a mess as well)!  Even if you choose to knead by hand, you should mix all the dough ingredients in a bowl first to bring together before kneading it on a work surface.

Proofing.  This dough will proof for about 1 hour once it is mixed.  Alternatively, you can proof the dough in the refrigerator overnight.  I typically like to make the dough the night before and allow it to proof overnight, so the flavors develop.  Additionally, it only leaves me with having to proof once in the morning (30 minutes for the second proof), and that means extra time to sleep in!

Rolling.  Be sure to roll the dough nice and tight to keep your filling from spilling out.  I always prefer to roll the dough away from me.  Using a technique of stretching and rolling the dough helps keep it tight.

Slicing.  Once rolled, trim the ends of the dough and slice the log into 12 equal-sized pieces.  Alternatively, you can slice the log into ten rolls and bake them in a round pan.

Second proof.  Allow your pineapple cinnamon rolls to proof a second time once they are cut and in the pan.  Loosely cover with a kitchen towel and allow them to proof for about 30 minutes, until they are puffed.

Pineapple Cinnamon Rolls-3

How to make the frosting

There is something so delicious about the combination of cinnamon rolls and cream cheese frosting.  Especially when the cinnamon rolls are slightly warm, and the frosting is gooey.  For these pineapple cinnamon rolls, I’ve added a cream cheese frosting with a hint of pineapple for the perfect accompaniment.

Begin by beating your cream cheese and butter on medium speed until completely smooth and creamy. Both ingredients must be at room temperature, or else you will have a lumpy frosting.  Add the powdered sugar and beat until fluffy.  Finally, add the pineapple juice to thin out the frosting to your desired consistency.  Apply the frosting to the cinnamon rolls while they are slightly warm so that it easily spreads.

Tips and takeaways

  • Allow your pineapple filling to cool down and refrigerate for at least an hour before using it as it will thicken up and become easier to spread and fill your cinnamon rolls.
  • If you decide to proof your dough overnight, then once it’s mixed, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it into the refrigerator.  Doing this will encourage the yeast to begin activating.
  • I highly suggest using a 9 x 13-inch baking pan for these rolls.  Place your cut rolls into the pan allowing equal space between each.  Crowding the rolls will not give them enough room to expand during the second proof.  Providing enough room will yield cinnamon rolls that are light in texture.
  • If you are not a fan of cream cheese frosting, you can substitute homemade caramel sauce for a delicious topping to these pineapple cinnamon rolls.  The flavor of caramel would be a lovely complement to the pineapple cinnamon filling.

Pineapple Cinnamon Rolls-4

More breakfast recipes

  • Homemade cinnamon rolls
  • Nutella doughnuts
  • Cinnamon roll coffee cake
  • Chocolate brioche

Make sure to tag me @thesweetoccasion on Instagram and leave me a review below if you make these Pineapple Cinnamon Rolls. I’d love to see your creations and read your feedback.  And if you would like to make this recipe later, be sure to pin this recipe using the button on any of these images. Let’s make every occasion a sweet occasion!

Print
clock clock icon cutlery cutlery icon flag flag icon folder folder icon instagram instagram icon pinterest pinterest icon facebook facebook icon print print icon squares squares icon
Pineapple Cinnamon Rollss-1

Pineapple Cinnamon Rolls

  • Author: Maria; filling inspired by Tasting Table
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
Print
Pin

Description

Pineapple cinnamon rolls have a sweet, gooey pineapple filling and are topped with a pineapple cream cheese frosting.  Serve these warm for a delicious breakfast treat that the whole family will love.


Scale

Ingredients

For the pineapple filling

  • 660 g (4 cups) diced pineapples
  • 147 g (2/3 cup) light brown sugar
  • 2 g (1 teaspoon) ground cinnamon
  • 3.5 g (1 teaspoon) pure vanilla extract
  • 113 g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter

For the dough

  • 530 g (4 1/4 cups) all-purpose flour
  • 7 g (2 1/4  teaspoons) instant yeast
  • 5.6 g (1 teaspoon) salt
  • 75 g (1/3 cup) unsalted butter, melted
  • 65 g (1/3 cup) granulated sugar
  • 60 g (1/4 cup ) sour cream
  • 50 g (1 large) egg
  • 240 g (1 cup) warm whole milk

For the frosting

  • 225 g (1/2 cup) cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 20 g (1 1/2 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 180 g (1 1/2 cups) powdered sugar
  • 14–28 g (1-2 tablespoons) pineapple juice

Instructions

For the pineapple filling

  • In a blender, puree the pineapple until smooth.  Transfer to a medium saucepan and add the sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and butter.  Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.  Reduce to medium and allow the mixture to cook until reduced to 1 1/4 cups, about 25-30 minutes.  Stir occasionally.  Remove from heat and allow to come to room temperature.  Refrigerate until ready to use.

For the dough

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, yeast, and salt.  Set aside.
  2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix melted butter, sugar, sour cream, and the egg.  With the mixture on low speed, add half of the flour mixture followed by the milk and mix until combined.  Switch to the dough hook attachment and add remaining flour mixture.  Beat on medium speed for 5-7 minutes, or until dough is smooth and elastic.
  3. Lightly grease a large bowl with vegetable oil or cooking spray.  Place dough in the bowl.  Rotate the dough so that it is greased on all sides.  Loosely cover and allow to rise in a warm place (75°F/24°C) until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  4. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
  5. Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface and lightly punch down to release some of the gases.  Roll dough into an 18×12-inch rectangle.
  6. Using an offset spatula, spread the pineapple filling on the dough allowing for a ½-inch border along one of the long edges. Brush edge without filling with beaten egg.
  7. Begin with the long edge that has the pineapple mixture and roll the dough into a log.  Pinch seam to seal, trim ends, and slice into 12 rolls. Place in prepared pan.  Allow dough to rise in a warm place (75°F/24°C) until rolls are puffed, about 30 minutes.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F/176°C.
  9. Bake cinnamon rolls 30-35 minutes or until tops are golden brown. Allow rolls to cool 15 minutes before frosting.

For the frosting

  1. In a large bowl using a hand-held mixer or stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and butter on medium speed until completely smooth and creamy, about 5 minutes. With the mixer on low speed, add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy. Add the pineapple juice and mix until combined. Spread onto warm rolls.

Keywords: pineapple breakfast, cinnamon rolls, tropical breakfast

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @thesweetoccasion on Instagram and hashtag it #thesweetoccasion

Filed Under: Breakfast

Previous Post: « Cookie Dough Cake
Next Post: Lemon Cream »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Meet Maria!

Professionally trained pastry chef at your fingertips. I provide the baking knowledge and tools for bakers like you to successfully create in your kitchen. Read More…

What's holiday baking without some delicious fruit What's holiday baking without some delicious fruit desserts?  I was excited to make this simple tart using @starrrachgrowers apples, basic pastry dough, and a sprinkling of sugar and butter.  These @juici_apple apples give a beautiful hue of red and have the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavor.  What's your favorite holiday apple recipe?  #EatBakeLove⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#StarrRanchGrowers #JUICIOfficial #thesweetoccasion #apples #applebaking #appletart #holidaybaking #tart #bakingfromscratch #bakinglove #bakersofinstagram #bakingblog #piedough
New Peppermint Cake up on the blog! This three-la New Peppermint Cake up on the blog!  This three-layer white cake is flavored with peppermint and frosted with a white chocolate peppermint swiss meringue buttercream.  Add crushed candy canes for an extra fun holiday cake!  Recipe link in bio!⁠
⁠
✨Pastry pro tip: To check for cake doneness, use the bounce-back test.  Gently press down on the cake.  If an indentation is left in the cake, then it needs more time.  If it bounces back, then it's fully baked.  You will also notice that the sides of the cake begin to pull away from the pan.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#peppermint #cake #whitechocolate #thesweetoccasion #cakesofinstagram #christmascake #layercake #cakelover #bakegram #madefromscratch #holidaybaking #learntobake #learnbakeenjoy #christmascakes #holidaycake #bakingblog #bakingtips #swissmeringuebuttercream #christmasdessert #christmascakedecorating⁠
Coffee Cupcakes are definitely for the coffee love Coffee Cupcakes are definitely for the coffee lover.  Made with a delicious coffee-flavored batter that’s baked to perfection and topped with a light and airy coffee buttercream.  They’re easy-to-make using staple pantry ingredients with the exception of espresso powder that is easily found at your local supermarket.  Recipe link in bio.⁠
⁠
✨Pastry pro tip:  Use a cookie scoop to easily fill your cupcake liners.  Only fill 2/3 full to prevent the cupcakes from spilling or sinking.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#coffeelover #cupcakes #thesweetoccasion #delalloeats #coffeedaily #cupcakesofinstagram #coffeecupcakes #buttercream #coffeebuttercream #learntobake #learnbakeenjoy #sweets #bakingtips #cupcakestagram #bakersofinstagram #cupcakesdaily #cupcakesfordays #bakingfromscratch #bakinglove
Almond cream is such a versatile recipe that's per Almond cream is such a versatile recipe that's perfect for holiday baking.  It can be used for filling pastries like croissants, topping sliced brioche and baking until golden brown, or filling an unbaked tart shell, adding fruit, and baking until set.  Almond cream will become your best friend when creating impressive desserts for your family and friends.  Recipe link in bio!⁠
⁠
✨Pastry pro tip:  If you'd like to make this cream with another nut flour, substitute half of the almond flour with your choice of nut flour.  You will still benefit from using almond flour while also using a stronger flavored nut.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#frangipane #almondcream #almond #filling #thesweetoccasion #holidaybaking #learntobake #learnbakeenjoy #bakersofinstagram #bakingblog #bakingtips #frenchpastry #frenchdesserts #pastrychef #tartfilling
⁠Looking for an easy recipe this holiday season? ⁠Looking for an easy recipe this holiday season?  Try this creamy Coconut Cheesecake made with @naturesgreatestfoods organic coconut cream.  It's a decadent and delicious dessert made with a coconut graham cracker crust.  For extra flavor and texture, top this cheesecake with toasted coconut.  Recipe link in bio.⁠
⁠
✨Pastry pro tip:  Do not overmix your filling, as overmixing can cause your cheesecake to crack.  Only mix until all the ingredients are just combined.  Use the paddle attachment to mix your ingredients on medium-low speed to avoid beating too much air into your filling.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#coconut #coconutcheesecake #thesweetoccasion #learntobake #learnbakeenjoy #lifeofabaker #coconutcream #cheesecakes #coconutcake #toastedcoconut #grahamcracker #grahamcrackercrust #sweets #foodgram #bakegram #bakersofinstagram #cheesecakelove #cheesecakelovers⁠
The holidays are a time for lots of baking. Add c The holidays are a time for lots of baking.  Add carrot bundt cake to your list.  It's filled with a layer of cream cheese and topped with a cream cheese frosting for a delicious spiced cake that's a real crowd-pleaser.⁠
⁠
✨Pastry pro tip:  Do not use store-bought shredded carrots, as it will affect your cake's moisture content.  They are very dry and lack sweetness compared to shredding your own carrots. ⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#carrotcake #creamcheesefrosting #bakedfromscratch #lifeofabaker #bakefeed #instayummy #delish #thebakefeed #holidaybaking #holidaycake #thesweetoccasion #fromscratch #easyrecipe #bakingblog #bakersofinstagram #bakingtips #learntobake #learnbakeenjoy #scratchbaking #bakingblog #carrotbundtcake
⁠Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls are a holiday favori ⁠Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls are a holiday favorite.  They’re made with molasses and filled with a brown sugar spiced filling for a gooey and delicious winter-inspired roll.  As if these soft and fluffy rolls aren't enough, they're topped with a brown sugar cream cheese frosting for a real treat.⁠ Recipe link in bio.⁠
⁠
⁠✨Pastry pro tip:⁠ To reheat cinnamon rolls in the microwave, place a microwave-safe cup containing water in the microwave and heat thoroughly.  Add the cinnamon rolls next to the water and heat.  The steam from the hot water will prevent the rolls from becoming too dry or too soggy.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#gingerbread #cinnamonrolls #holidaybaking ##breakfastideas #thesweetoccasion #learntobake #bakingblog #learnbakeenjoy #bakingtips #scratchbaking #bakinggoals #christmasbreakfast #holidaybreakfast #creamcheesefrosting #bakefeed #foodgram #thefeedfeed #bakegram #bakersofinstagram #lifeofabaker #scratchbaking #ilovebaking #sweets #bakinglove⁠
Holiday baking can get overwhelming. To help ⁠e Holiday baking can get overwhelming.  To help ⁠ease the stress, head on over to the blog for my tips on how to freeze cookie dough.  It's convenient to do, perfect for gifting, and allows you to get ahead for all your cookie baking.⁠ Grab these tips from the link in my profile.⁠
⁠
✨Pastry pro tip:  For cookies that call for rolling in sugar, such as snickerdoodle cookies, prepare the dough as directed without rolling in the sugar and add it just before baking.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#cookiedough #cookiesofinstagram #thesweetoccasion #learntobake #learnbakeenjoy #bakingtips #bakingtechniques #bakinglove #madefromstratch #giftgiving #cookiegifts #bakingfromscratch #bakingcookies #freezingcookies #housewarmingcookies
⁠Dessert or breakfast? Coconut rice pudding can ⁠Dessert or breakfast?  Coconut rice pudding can certainly be either.  It's a simple-one pot pudding that is creamy and perfectly tender without being mushy.  Add a bit of granola and you have a simple yet flavorful breakfast ready in no time.⁠
⁠
✨Pastry pro tip:  When making this coconut rice pudding, do not rinse the rice.  The starchiness is key to creating a creamy and thick mixture.⁠
⁠
Recipe link in bio!⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#coconutrice #ricepudding #thesweetoccasion #learntobake #bakingblog #bakersofinstagram #bakedfromscratch #learnbakeenjoy #bakingtips #pudding #instapudding #lifeofabaker #foodgram #bakegram #onepot #lovetobake #onepot
Follow on Instagram

Categories

Latest Posts

  • Brown Butter Toffee Cookies
  • Peppermint Cake
  • Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls
  • Zucchini Puff Pastry Tarts
  • Birthday Cake Cookies

Archives

Footer

Follow Me

  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Meet Maria!

Professionally trained pastry chef, wife, and a mom to two. Sharing my recipes, tips & techniques so that any occasion can be a sweet occasion. Read More…

  • Privacy Policy

The Latest Recipes!

Stack of brown butter cookies with toffee bits on a French wire cooling rack with milk in the backgroud.
Peppermint flavored cake with white chocolate peppermint swiss meringue buttercream on a marble round board.
Pan with frosted gingerbread flavored cinnamon rolls in a baking pan with some cinnamon rolls.

Copyright © 2021 · thesweetoccasion.com