Low-Calorie Baked Cinnamon Pineapple Rings

So you want dessert… but also want to pretend you’re being healthy? Same. Enter Low-Calorie Baked Cinnamon Pineapple Rings—sweet, warm, juicy pineapple baked with cinnamon until it smells like you’ve done something impressive in the kitchen (spoiler: it’s ridiculously easy). No frying, no heavy sugar syrup, no guilt spiral afterward.

Basically, this is fruit pretending to be dessert—and doing a very convincing job.

Why This Recipe Is Awesome

• Low-calorie but dessert-y – Sweet enough to satisfy cravings.
• Only a few ingredients – Nothing weird or hard to find.
• Naturally sweet – Pineapple does most of the work for you.
• Quick & oven-baked – No standing over a stove like a stressed-out chef.
• Versatile – Eat it plain, with yogurt, or as a fancy topping.

Also, your kitchen will smell like cinnamon heaven. Not mad about it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Fresh pineapple rings (1 medium pineapple) – Juicy = better caramelization
• Ground cinnamon (½–1 tsp) – Warm, cozy vibes
• Honey or maple syrup (1–2 tsp, optional) – Only if your pineapple isn’t sweet
• Vanilla extract (¼ tsp, optional) – Tiny addition, big payoff
• Cooking spray or parchment paper – So nothing sticks (or burns… tragic)

Bold tip: Fresh pineapple works best. Canned rings are okay, but they won’t caramelize as nicely.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven.
   Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly spray it.
2. Prep the pineapple.
   Peel the pineapple, remove the core, and slice into rings about ½-inch thick. Not perfect circles? Who cares—it’ll still taste amazing.
3. Season lightly.
   Arrange pineapple rings on the tray in a single layer. Sprinkle with cinnamon and drizzle lightly with honey or maple syrup if using. Add vanilla if you’re feeling fancy.
4. Bake.
   Bake for 15 minutes, then flip the rings and bake another 10–15 minutes until lightly caramelized and golden.
5. Cool slightly & serve.
   Let them cool for a few minutes (they’re lava-hot). Serve warm or chilled—both work.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overloading cinnamon – You want cozy, not cough-inducing.
• Skipping the flip – One-sided browning is sad.
• Using watery pineapple – Too much moisture = steaming, not baking.
• Overbaking – Burnt pineapple is… not the vibe.
• Crowding the pan – Give those rings space to caramelize.

Alternatives & Substitutions

• Spice swap: Try nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a fall twist.
• Sweetener swap: Skip sweetener entirely if pineapple is ripe enough.
• Extra flavor: Add a pinch of chili powder for sweet-heat energy.
• Serving ideas:
  • On top of Greek yogurt
  • With cottage cheese
  • As a topping for oatmeal or pancakes
• Air fryer option: 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping once. FYI, this is FAST.

IMO, pineapple + cinnamon is wildly underrated.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Is this really low-calorie?
Yep. Pineapple is naturally sweet, and you barely need added sugar.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat lightly.

Can kids eat this?
Absolutely—sweet, soft, and fun to eat.

Can I use canned pineapple rings?
You can, but drain and pat them dry first. Otherwise, soggy city.

Is this good for weight loss?
Totally. It satisfies dessert cravings without wrecking your calorie goals.

Can I eat it cold?
Yes—and honestly, it slaps both ways.

Final Thoughts

Low-Calorie Baked Cinnamon Pineapple Rings are proof that dessert doesn’t need butter, sugar, or regret to be good. They’re warm, juicy, lightly spiced, and insanely easy to make.

Bake them for yourself, for guests, or just because you want something sweet without the side of guilt. Now go enjoy fruit pretending to be dessert—you’ve earned it. 🍍