Indulge in the tropical flavors of Pineapple Pie with this delightful dessert recipe. Creamy and tangy, this pie is a perfect balance of sweet and tart, making it a refreshing treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 package cream cheese (8 oz/250g), softened
- 1 cup sugar, divided
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 cup crushed pineapple with juice
- 1 unbaked frozen 9-inch pie shell
Directions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese, ½ cup sugar, and salt until creamy. Add in eggs, milk, and vanilla extract, and beat until smooth. Set aside.
3. Cook the Pineapple Filling:
In a small saucepan, stir together cornstarch, ½ cup sugar, and crushed pineapple. Bring to a boil and boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Let cool for a few minutes and then pour into the pie shell.
4. Assemble and Bake:
Pour cream cheese mixture on top of the pineapple mixture. Bake for 10 minutes then reduce heat to 325°F and bake an additional 50 to 55 minutes, or until the center is set.
5. Cool and Serve:
Let cool before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 75 minutes | Servings: 6
Enjoy a slice of this Pineapple Pie as a delightful dessert that captures the essence of the tropics in every bite. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply as a sweet indulgence for yourself!
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips:
1. Garnish with Whipped Cream:
Serve each slice of Pineapple Pie with a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top. The light and airy texture of the whipped cream complements the creamy filling of the pie.
2. Sprinkle with Toasted Coconut:
For an extra touch of tropical flavor and texture, sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the whipped cream or directly onto the pie slices. The toasted coconut adds a delightful crunch and enhances the pineapple flavor.
3. Pair with Vanilla Ice Cream:
Serve warm slices of Pineapple Pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combination. The cool, creamy ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, tangy pie filling.
4. Drizzle with Caramel Sauce:
For a decadent twist, drizzle each slice of Pineapple Pie with warm caramel sauce before serving. The caramel adds richness and depth of flavor, elevating the dessert to a new level of indulgence.
Storage Tips:
1. Refrigeration:
Store any leftover Pineapple Pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let the pie cool completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation from forming on the surface.
2. Freezing:
Pineapple Pie can be frozen for longer storage. Wrap individual slices or the entire pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating or serving.
3. Reheating:
To reheat refrigerated or frozen Pineapple Pie, place individual slices on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual slices on low power for 1-2 minutes, checking periodically until warmed to your liking.
4. Enjoy Fresh or Warmed:
Pineapple Pie can be enjoyed cold straight from the refrigerator or warmed slightly in the microwave or oven before serving. Experiment with different serving temperatures to discover your preferred way of enjoying this tropical dessert.
Follow these serving and storage tips to ensure that your Pineapple Pie stays fresh and delicious, whether you’re serving it for dessert or enjoying a slice as a sweet treat any time of day.
Variations:
1. Coconut Pineapple Pie: Add shredded coconut to the pie filling for an extra tropical twist. Mix it into the cream cheese mixture or sprinkle it over the pineapple layer before baking.
2. Pineapple Cream Pie: For a lighter version, replace the cream cheese with whipped cream or whipped topping. Fold the whipped cream into the pineapple mixture before pouring it into the pie shell for a fluffy and airy texture.
3. Pineapple Upside-Down Pie: Turn the classic pineapple upside-down cake into a pie by layering pineapple slices and maraschino cherries on the bottom of the pie crust. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the fruit and bake as directed.
4. Pineapple Coconut Custard Pie: Combine the flavors of pineapple and coconut custard by adding coconut milk to the cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle toasted coconut on top of the pie before serving for an extra crunch.
5. Pineapple Pecan Pie: Mix chopped pecans into the cream cheese filling for added texture and nutty flavor. You can also sprinkle pecans on top of the pie before baking for a decorative touch.
6. Pineapple Key Lime Pie: Incorporate key lime juice and zest into the cream cheese mixture for a refreshing twist on traditional pineapple pie. The tartness of the key lime balances the sweetness of the pineapple perfectly.
7. Pineapple Blueberry Pie: Add fresh or frozen blueberries to the pineapple filling for a burst of color and flavor. The combination of sweet pineapple and juicy blueberries creates a delightful fruity pie.
8. Pineapple Mango Pie: Mix diced mangoes with the crushed pineapple for a tropical flavor explosion. The sweetness of the mango complements the tanginess of the pineapple for a refreshing dessert.
9. Pineapple Meringue Pie: Top the baked pie with a fluffy meringue made from whipped egg whites and sugar. Spread the meringue over the pie filling and bake until lightly browned for an elegant and airy topping.
10. Pineapple Coconut Cream Pie: Layer coconut cream pudding or custard over the pineapple filling for a creamy and decadent dessert. Top with whipped cream and toasted coconut flakes for an irresistible finish.
These variations offer exciting ways to customize your Pineapple Pie and explore different flavor combinations. Whether you prefer classic pineapple or want to experiment with tropical fruits and toppings, there’s a variation to suit every taste preference.
FAQs:
1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned pineapple? Yes, you can use fresh pineapple for this recipe. Simply peel, core, and finely chop the pineapple to replace the crushed canned pineapple. Adjust the sugar quantity accordingly based on the sweetness of the fresh pineapple.
2. Can I use a homemade pie crust instead of a frozen one? Absolutely! You can use your favorite homemade pie crust recipe instead of a frozen one. Just make sure to pre-bake the crust partially before adding the filling to ensure it stays crisp.
3. Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the filling? Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese if you prefer. Keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly, but it will still provide a creamy and tangy base for the pie filling.
4. Can I make this pie ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the pie ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Cover the unbaked pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
5. How do I prevent the pie crust from becoming soggy? To prevent the pie crust from becoming soggy, you can pre-bake it partially before adding the filling. This helps to create a barrier between the crust and the filling, ensuring a crisp and flaky crust.
6. Can I omit the cornstarch in the pineapple filling? The cornstarch helps to thicken the pineapple filling and prevent it from being too runny. If you omit the cornstarch, the filling may be too liquidy and not set properly.
7. Can I use pineapple juice instead of crushed pineapple? While pineapple juice can add flavor, it won’t provide the same texture as crushed pineapple. It’s best to use crushed pineapple with its juice for the filling to achieve the desired consistency.
8. Can I freeze Pineapple Pie? Yes, you can freeze Pineapple Pie for longer storage. Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating or serving.
9. Can I add other fruits to the pie filling? Certainly! You can experiment with adding other fruits like mango, coconut, or berries to the pineapple filling for different flavor combinations. Just ensure the additional fruits are well-drained to avoid excess liquid in the filling.
10. Can I serve Pineapple Pie warm or cold? Pineapple Pie can be enjoyed warm, cold, or at room temperature, depending on personal preference. Some enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, while others prefer it chilled straight from the refrigerator.
These FAQs provide helpful answers to common questions about making and serving Pineapple Pie, ensuring a successful baking experience for all!
For more irresistible dessert recipes and culinary inspiration, explore our collection of mouthwatering dishes.
