Pineapple Pie Recipe - cookallfood.com

Pineapple Pie: A Sweet and Simple Dessert

Introduction

Pineapple Pie is a delightful dessert that combines the sweet and tangy flavor of pineapple with a buttery, flaky crust. This easy-to-make pie is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, a holiday gathering, or just as a special treat for your family. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, Pineapple Pie is one of the easiest desserts you’ll ever make, yet it never fails to impress.

This recipe uses canned pineapple for convenience, but you can also use fresh pineapple if you prefer. The filling is sweetened with sugar or a sugar substitute like erythritol for a low-sugar option, and thickened with cornstarch to create a smooth, luscious texture. For added flavor and texture, you can mix in shredded coconut or a layer of cream cheese. Whether you opt for the baked version or the no-bake variation, this Pineapple Pie is sure to become a favorite.

The Appeal of Pineapple Pie

Pineapple Pie is a versatile dessert that brings a taste of the tropics to your table. The natural sweetness of pineapple, combined with a hint of tartness, creates a balanced flavor that’s both refreshing and satisfying. The simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation make this pie a great choice for busy bakers who want to whip up something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

This pie is also highly customizable. You can keep it simple with just the pineapple filling or add a layer of cream cheese for extra richness. The addition of shredded coconut gives it a more tropical flair, making it perfect for summer gatherings or when you want to evoke the feeling of a beach vacation. Whether you serve it warm from the oven or chilled from the fridge, Pineapple Pie is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to leave everyone wanting more.

Ingredients Breakdown

This Pineapple Pie is made with simple, easy-to-find ingredients that come together to create a delicious and satisfying dessert.

Canned Pineapple (or Fresh Pineapple): The star of the pie, pineapple adds sweetness and a touch of tartness. Canned pineapple is convenient and readily available, but you can also use fresh pineapple if you prefer. You’ll need about 20 ounces of pineapple, which is equivalent to roughly 2 ¼ cups when chopped.
Sugar or Erythritol: Sugar is used to sweeten the pineapple filling, enhancing its natural flavor. You can use regular granulated sugar or a sugar substitute like erythritol if you want to reduce the sugar content.
Salt: A small amount of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the pie.
Cornstarch: Cornstarch is used to thicken the pineapple filling, giving it a smooth, creamy texture that holds up well when sliced.
Shredded Coconut (Optional): Adding shredded coconut to the filling gives the pie a more tropical flavor and adds a bit of texture. It’s an optional ingredient but highly recommended if you enjoy the combination of pineapple and coconut.
Cream Cheese (Optional): For an extra layer of richness, you can add a layer of cream cheese to the pie. This adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet pineapple filling.
Pie Crust: The crust is the base of the pie, holding the filling and providing a flaky, buttery texture. You can use a store-bought crust for convenience or make your own if you prefer. A 9-inch pie crust is ideal for this recipe.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake the pie, helping to achieve a perfectly cooked crust and filling.
Prepare the Pineapple Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the 20 ounces of canned pineapple (or fresh pineapple), ½ cup of sugar (or erythritol), ¼ teaspoon of salt, and 4 tablespoons of cornstarch. Stir the mixture well until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the ingredients are evenly combined. The cornstarch will thicken the filling as it bakes, creating a smooth, creamy texture.
Prepare the Pie Crust: If you’re using a store-bought crust, simply unroll it and place it in a 9-inch pie pan, pressing it gently into the bottom and up the sides. If you’re making your own crust, roll out the dough to fit the pie pan, then trim any excess dough from the edges. If you’re adding a layer of cream cheese, spread 8 ounces of softened cream cheese evenly over the bottom of the crust before adding the filling.
Add the Pineapple Filling: Pour the prepared pineapple filling into the pie crust, spreading it out evenly. If you’re adding shredded coconut, mix it into the filling before pouring it into the crust. The filling should reach just below the top of the crust.
Bake the Pie: Place the pie on the center rack of the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. The filling will thicken as it bakes, and the top should have a slight sheen from the cornstarch.
Cool the Pie: Once the pie is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. It’s important to let the pie cool completely before slicing, as this allows the filling to set fully and ensures clean slices.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the pie has cooled, slice it into 8 pieces and serve. You can enjoy it as is, or top it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Tips for Perfect Pineapple Pie

Use the Right Pineapple: Canned pineapple is convenient, but make sure to drain it well to avoid a watery filling. If you’re using fresh pineapple, chop it finely and measure out 2 ¼ cups for the filling.
Thickening the Filling: Be sure to stir the cornstarch thoroughly into the pineapple mixture to avoid any lumps. The cornstarch should dissolve completely to create a smooth filling.
Customize the Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar or erythritol to suit your taste. If your pineapple is particularly sweet, you can reduce the sugar slightly.
Add Extra Flavor: For a more tropical flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a splash of coconut extract to the filling.
Cool Before Slicing: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing to ensure the filling sets properly. If you’re in a hurry, you can place the pie in the refrigerator to speed up the cooling process.

Serving Suggestions

Pineapple Pie is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:

Classic Style: Serve the pie as is, allowing the sweet and tangy pineapple filling to shine. This simple presentation is perfect for showcasing the flavors of the pie.
With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream to each slice for a classic, creamy topping. The lightness of the whipped cream complements the rich filling.
A La Mode: For an extra indulgent treat, serve the pie warm with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream. The combination of warm pie and cold ice cream is irresistible.
Garnished with Coconut: Sprinkle some toasted shredded coconut over the top of the pie before serving for added texture and flavor. This adds a nice crunch and enhances the tropical theme of the dessert.
Holiday Dessert: Pineapple Pie is a great option for holiday gatherings, offering a refreshing alternative to more traditional pies like apple or pumpkin.

Variations of Pineapple Pie

This Pineapple Pie recipe is a great base for experimenting with different flavors and variations:

No-Bake Pineapple Pie: For a no-bake version, use a pre-made graham cracker or cookie crust and refrigerate the pie instead of baking it. Mix the pineapple filling with cream cheese for a creamy, no-bake filling.
Coconut Pineapple Pie: Add ½ cup of shredded coconut to the filling and top the baked pie with toasted coconut flakes for a more tropical version of this dessert.
Creamy Pineapple Pie: Mix the pineapple filling with 8 ounces of softened cream cheese for a creamier texture. This version is rich and smooth, perfect for those who love creamy desserts.
Pineapple Upside-Down Pie: Arrange pineapple slices on the bottom of the pie crust before adding the filling. After baking, flip the pie upside down to reveal the pineapple slices on top.
Spiced Pineapple Pie: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the filling for a spiced version of this pie. The warm spices complement the sweetness of the pineapple and add depth to the flavor.

Storing and Freezing Pineapple Pie

Pineapple Pie is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored and frozen for later:

Storing in the Refrigerator: Store the pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, for up to 3 days. The filling will stay fresh and the crust will remain crisp.
Freezing: To freeze the pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, place the pie in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating: If you prefer to enjoy your pie warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will soften the filling and warm the crust.

Conclusion

Pineapple Pie is a sweet and simple dessert that brings the tropical flavor of pineapple to your table in a delicious way. With its easy preparation and versatile ingredients, this pie is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or just enjoying a slice on a lazy afternoon. The combination of sweet pineapple filling and buttery crust is sure to please everyone, and the optional additions of coconut or cream cheese allow you to customize the pie to suit your taste.

The simplicity of the ingredients and the quick preparation make this recipe accessible to bakers of all skill levels. Plus, the versatility of the pie allows you to experiment with different flavors and variations, making it a dessert that you can enjoy again and again.

So why not give this Pineapple Pie recipe a try? It’s a delicious way to enjoy the bright, sweet flavor of pineapple in a dessert that’s both easy to make and sure to impress. Whether you serve it plain, with whipped cream, or a la mode, this pie is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy!