Pineapple Victoria Delight: A Taste of Mauritius in Every Bite
It’s been a month since we moved to Mauritius, and what a whirlwind it’s been! We’ve spent much of our time settling in, exploring the island, and trying to soak up as much of the local culture as we can.
One of the best parts has been discovering new ingredients and flavours. Everything brings a new inspiration for cooking – from fragrant spices to fresh tropical fruits. I’ve been experimenting in the kitchen, blending familiar recipes with a Mauritian twist, and loving every new flavour!
If you’ve ever visited Mauritius, you know there’s nothing quite like the vibrant, sun-ripened Victoria Pineapple. This small, fragrant pineapple is sweeter and less acidic than others, making it perfect for desserts, refreshing drinks, and even savoury dishes.
Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that’s easy to make, bursting with tropical flavour, and perfect for bringing a slice of Mauritius into your kitchen. We’re making Pineapple Victoria Delight, a dessert that combines caramelized Victoria Pineapple with vanilla bean, lime, and a touch of rum for that island touch. This can be served with ice cream, yogurt, or just on its own. We’ve just found some great yoghurt over here which is thick and creamy that pairs well with this recipe the kids love it!
Pineapple Victoria Delight Recipe
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
• 1 large Victoria Pineapple (or any sweet, ripe pineapple)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 vanilla bean (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
• 1 lime (juice and zest)
• 2 tablespoons dark Mauritian rum (optional, for an extra island twist)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter
• A pinch of cinnamon
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish
• Vanilla ice cream, coconut yogurt, or Greek yogurt (for serving)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pineapple: Peel the pineapple, remove the eyes, and slice it into rings or bite-sized cubes, depending on how you’d like to serve it.
2. Caramelize: In a medium pan, heat the coconut oil (or butter) over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir until it melts and becomes slightly caramelized, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Pineapple: Place the pineapple pieces in the pan, cooking them until golden on each side, about 4-5 minutes per side. Sprinkle in a pinch of cinnamon to enhance the pineapple’s natural sweetness.
4. Vanilla & Rum: Slice the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape the seeds into the pan (or add vanilla extract if using). Add the lime zest, juice, and rum (if using) to deglaze the pan. Allow the rum to cook off for a minute while coating the pineapple in the sauce.
5. Serve: Transfer the caramelized pineapple to serving bowls. Top with fresh mint leaves and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut yogurt.
6. Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy the tropical flavors of Mauritius with every bite!
A Little About the Victoria Pineapple
The Victoria Pineapple is unique to Mauritius and is smaller and more fragrant than other varieties, with a golden flesh that’s both juicy and sweet. Known for its perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, it’s a popular choice for Mauritian desserts, drinks, and fruit salads. The recipe here captures that tropical essence, marrying traditional flavors with a hint of island-inspired creativity.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is everything we love about Mauritius: simple, tropical, and satisfying. It’s a taste of the island, perfect for a sunny brunch, a light dessert, or an elegant dinner finale.
If you try this recipe, let me know! Tag your recreations with #IslandDelights and share the magic of Mauritian flavors with me.