Desserts

Pineapple Cream Cheese Cobbler

Name: Pineapple Cream Cheese Cobbler
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained; 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened; 1 cup sugar; 1 cup flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 cup butter, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup milk; Optional: whipped cream for serving

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This Pineapple Cream Cheese Cobbler is a sweet, tangy dessert that blends bright pineapple with a rich, creamy layer. The top bakes to a light golden crust while the pineapple stays juicy and syrupy beneath. It smells tropical and buttery, and the texture mixes soft cream cheese cake with syrupy fruit. If you like easy cream-cheese desserts, you may also enjoy a similar treat like banana bars with cream cheese frosting for another creamy, crowd-pleasing option.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes (bake time 30–40 minutes)
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

(Approximate per serving)

Calories per serving: 400 kcal
Protein: 4 g
Carbohydrates: 47 g
Fat: 24 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 33 g
Sodium: 180 mg

Why Make This Pineapple Cream Cheese Cobbler

This cobbler is fast, forgiving, and full of contrast. The cream cheese layer gives a silky, tangy bite while the pineapple adds bright sweetness and a juicy finish. It’s a great dessert for weeknights, potlucks, and summer gatherings. You get a homemade feel without complicated steps. The aroma of butter and pineapple filling the kitchen is an added bonus.

How to Make Pineapple Cream Cheese Cobbler

The method is simple: mix a smooth cream-cheese batter, spread it over canned crushed pineapple in its juice, then bake until golden. The pineapple steams and sweetens the cream-cheese layer from below, keeping the cobbler moist. Work with softened cream cheese for a smooth texture, and don’t overmix once the dry ingredients are combined to keep the top tender.

Ingredients:

1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk
Optional: whipped cream for serving

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish (9×9-inch or similar) so the cobbler releases easily. Make sure the cream cheese is soft at room temperature for smoother mixing.

Step 2: Mixing

In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the flour, baking powder, melted butter, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix until well combined and the batter is even. Use a spatula to scrape the bowl sides.

Step 3: Baking

Pour the crushed pineapple, with its juice, into the greased baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Spoon or dollop the cream cheese mixture over the pineapple and gently spread to cover as much as possible. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–40 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with only moist crumbs.

Step 4: Finishing

Remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool slightly, about 10–15 minutes. This helps the layers settle and makes serving cleaner. Serve warm or at room temperature. Add a dollop of whipped cream if you like.

How to Serve Pineapple Cream Cheese Cobbler

Serve warm with a spoonful of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm, tangy cream cheese and juicy pineapple pair nicely with cold vanilla notes. For a party, plate in individual bowls and garnish with a mint leaf or toasted coconut for texture and color.

How to Store Pineapple Cream Cheese Cobbler

Room temperature: Cover loosely and store up to 2 hours (best served within this time if not refrigerated).
Refrigerator: Place in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap and store for 3–4 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave before serving.
Freezing: Not recommended for best texture, but you can freeze portions wrapped tightly for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently.

Expert Tips for Perfect Pineapple Cream Cheese Cobbler

Soften the cream cheese: Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes so it blends smoothly with sugar.
Use the pineapple juice: The canned juice adds sweetness and moisture. Pour it in with the pineapple so the cobbler stays juicy.
Grease well: Use butter or nonstick spray so the cobbler releases cleanly.
Watch the bake time: Ovens vary. Start checking at 30 minutes. The top should be golden and set.
Cool a bit before serving: It firms up slightly and slices or scoops more neatly.
Substitute low-fat ingredients: Use low-fat cream cheese and milk, but expect a slightly less rich texture.

Delicious Variations

Coconut Pineapple: Stir 1/2 cup shredded coconut into the pineapple layer and sprinkle some on top before baking.
Crumb Topping: Combine 1/2 cup oats, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 2 tbsp melted butter for a crunchy topping.
Tropical Mix: Add 1/2 cup chopped mango or drained crushed mandarin oranges to the pineapple for more fruit variety.
Spiced Version: Add 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the batter for warm spice notes.
Lighter Option: Use low-fat cream cheese and 2% milk to reduce calories slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
A: Yes. Use about 2 cups of chopped fresh pineapple and a bit of simple syrup or a splash of water if it’s not juicy. Fresh pineapple will add brightness but may change the total moisture slightly.

Q: Do I need to drain the pineapple?
A: No. Leave it undrained. The juice keeps the cobbler moist and creates the syrupy layer that pairs well with the cream cheese.

Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: You can mix the cream cheese batter and store it covered in the fridge for a day. Assemble and bake when ready. Avoid refrigerating the assembled dish before baking, as that can affect bake time.

Q: How do I know when it’s fully baked?
A: The top should be golden and set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free or vegan?
A: For a dairy-free version, use vegan cream cheese, plant-based milk, and a dairy-free butter substitute. Texture and flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be tasty.

Q: Will this work in a larger pan?
A: Yes. If you use a larger pan, the cobbler will be thinner and may bake faster. Reduce bake time and watch for golden color and doneness.

Conclusion

This Pineapple Cream Cheese Cobbler is an easy, comforting dessert that balances creamy tang and bright fruit. It’s quick to pull together, pleases a crowd, and adapts well to simple variations. For an alternate take and step-by-step notes you can compare, see this Pineapple Cream Cheese Cobbler – Amazing 5-Step Dessert Recipe.