When we make recipes, we always try to make sure to use the freshest ingredients. But with this pineapple casserole, we stick to the the canned pineapple. If you use fresh pineapple it tends to not be as sweet. The texture of fresh pineapple is more on the tough side. The canned pineapple goes through a process that makes it softer and sweeter. We do not recommend fresh pineapple for this recipe.