Bite-sized Mini Pineapple Tartlets are a delightful, easy-to-make dessert: flaky phyllo shells filled with caramelized pineapple and finished with a light whipped topping.
These mini pineapple tartlets are perfect for parties, casual get-togethers, or anytime you want a bite-sized sweet treat. The recipe is quick to prepare and relies on store-bought mini phyllo shells for convenience. A short sauté caramelizes the pineapple, concentrating its sweetness and adding a hint of caramel flavor that pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream.
I recently made these for a small celebration and took a shortcut by using canned pineapple chunks—drained and sautéed with a touch of butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. The pan filled the kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma, and the pineapple caramelized beautifully in just a few minutes. If you like, add a splash of rum while sautéing for an adult twist. The finished tartlets were a hit: crisp phyllo shells holding tender, slightly caramelized pineapple, topped with a light whipped topping.
Mini Pineapple Tartlets
Flaky phyllo dough cups filled with caramelized pineapple and finished with whipped cream—perfect for parties and easy to prepare in minutes.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 5 mins | Total Time: 10 mins
Servings: 15 tartlets
Ingredients
- 2 boxes mini phyllo shells
- 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks, drained (or use fresh pineapple, cut into small pieces)
- 1/2 Tbsp light butter
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- Lite Reddi-wip, for topping
Instructions
- Heat a small skillet over medium heat and add the light butter. Once the butter melts, add the drained pineapple chunks.
- Stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon. Cook the pineapple for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally and breaking apart larger chunks with a spatula. Continue until the pineapple is golden and slightly caramelized.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the pineapple to cool briefly so it’s warm but not piping hot.
- Spoon the sautéed pineapple into the mini phyllo shells, placing about one or two small chunks in each shell depending on size.
- Top each tartlet with Lite Reddi-wip (or your favorite whipped cream) and serve immediately.
Tips and Variations
- If you have fresh pineapple, use it for a brighter flavor—cut it into small, uniform pieces so it fits nicely in the phyllo shells.
- For a boozy note, add a splash (1–2 teaspoons) of dark rum or spiced rum to the pineapple while sautéing, then let it cook off for a minute to meld the flavors.
- To deepen the caramel flavor, let the pineapple cook a little longer over medium heat, stirring carefully to avoid burning the sugar.
- Top the tartlets with toasted shredded coconut, a tiny mint leaf, or a sprinkle of finely chopped macadamia nuts for texture and visual appeal.
- Use stabilized whipped cream or pipe whipped cream into the shells for a neater presentation if serving at a party.
Serving and Storage
Serve these tartlets right after assembling. The phyllo shells are crispest when filled and eaten immediately—if they sit too long, the shells can soften from the filling. To prepare in advance, store the caramelized pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Fill the phyllo shells and add the whipped topping just before serving.
Nutrition (Approximate)
Serving: 2 tartlets • Calories: 68 kcal • Carbohydrates: 10.5 g • Fat: 2.4 g • Fiber: 0.3 g
Nutrition information is an approximation and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.
These Mini Pineapple Tartlets are a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert that brings tropical flavor to any gathering. They’re simple enough for weeknight baking and elegant enough for special occasions—give them a try and adapt the toppings to match your event or season.
