I love making pineapple pie! It’s a classic dessert that’s perfect for any occasion — and its colors are just like made for spring. This sweet and tangy pie is a crowd-pleaser and always gets rave reviews.
There are many variations of homemade pineapple pie, but the most popular one is made with crushed pineapple, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. The pineapple pie filling is cooked until thickened and then poured into a pie crust. Some people like to add whipped cream or meringue on top, while others prefer to keep it simple and enjoy it as is.
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dessert, pineapple pie is a great choice. It’s a perfect dessert for a summer barbecue, a potluck, or just a cozy night in. So why not give it a try and see for yourself why pineapple pie is such a beloved dessert?
History of Pineapple Pie
Pineapple pie is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. It is believed to have originated in the United States during the early 20th century, and has since become a beloved treat across the country.
While the exact origins of pineapple pie are unclear, it is thought to have been inspired by other popular fruit pies, such as apple and cherry. Pineapple was a relatively new and exotic fruit at the time, and its sweet and tangy flavor made it a perfect addition to pies and other desserts.
Over the years, many different variations of pineapple pie have emerged. Some recipes call for fresh pineapple, while others use canned pineapple. Some pies are made with a graham cracker crust, while others use a traditional pastry crust. Regardless of the recipe, however, the sweet and tropical flavor of pineapple remains the star of the show.
Today, pineapple pie can be found on the menus of diners, bakeries, and restaurants across the country. It is often served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and is the perfect ending to any meal.
Ingredients
Crust
For the crust, I prefer to use a double-crust pie pastry. You can either make your own or use a pre-made crust. If you decide to make your own, here are the ingredients you’ll need:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening, chilled (this makes the crust flaky!)
- 6—8 teaspoons ice-cold water
Filling
Now, let’s move on to the pineapple filling. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
- 20 oz canned crushed pineapple with juice
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed tastes best!)
You can also add shredded coconut to the filling for extra flavor and texture. Cream cheese can be added to the filling for a creamier texture. See the variations further down in this post.
Preparation
Making the Crust
First, make the crust. I usually use a pre-made graham cracker crust, but if I’m feeling ambitious, I’ll make my own. To make you own crust:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Add 1 cup of chilled, cubed unsalted butter and 1/2 cup of chilled vegetable shortening to the bowl. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter and shortening into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add 6—8 teaspoons of ice-cold water to the mixture, one tablespoon at a time, stirring with a fork after each addition. Add only enough water to make the dough come together.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions and form each into a disk. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- When ready to use, remove one of the dough disks from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 5—10 minutes to soften slightly.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a circle that’s about 12 inches in diameter and 1/8 inch thick.
- Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie pan and trim the edges, leaving about 1/2 inch of overhang.
- Fill the pie crust with the pineapple filling you’ll make next.
Note: For a pre-baked crust, preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Line the pie crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment paper and bake for an additional 10—15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. (Get more ideas from Sally’s Baking Addiction and Epicurious.)
Preparing the Filling
Next, prepare the filling. There are many different ways to make pineapple pie filling, but my favorite recipe involves using crushed pineapple, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
Here’s how to prepare the pineapple pie filling:
- Combine all filling ingredients (20 oz crushed pineapple with juice, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice) in a medium saucepan.
- Cook, all the time stirring, over medium heat until the mixture thickens.
- Once thickened, boil for 1 minute.
- Allow filling to cool a bit and then pour it onto the prepared pie crust..
If I’m feeling adventurous, I might add some other ingredients to the filling, such as coconut flakes or crushed macadamia nuts. These can add some extra texture and flavor to the pie.
Baking
Finally, bake the pie:
- Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
- While the oven is preheating, cover the pie with remaining crust disk.
- Press the edges and flute them to seal.
- Cut some steam vents on top.
- Bake the pie for about 30—40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
- Let the pie cool for a few minutes before serving.
Overall, making pineapple pie is a fairly simple process. With just a few ingredients and some basic baking skills, anyone can create a delicious and impressive dessert that is sure to please.
Tips for Making the Best Ever Pineapple Pie
- Use fresh pineapple if possible for the best flavor. If you’re using canned pineapple, make sure to choose pineapple that is preserved in pineapple juice. Heavy syrups result in too sweet pie..
- Add some acidity to your filling to balance the sweetness of the pineapple. This can be done by adding lemon juice or another acidic ingredient like a pinch of cream of tartar.
- Use a combination of brown sugar and white sugar in your filling for a deeper, more complex flavor.
- Add some spices like star anise, cinnamon, or nutmeg to your filling for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
- Make sure to properly seal your pie crust to prevent any filling from leaking out during baking. You can also brush the top of your crust with an egg wash for a shiny, golden finish. (Get more ideas from Allrecipes, Simply Stacie, and Taste of Home.)
Variations
Tropical Pineapple Pie
I love adding a tropical twist to my pineapple pie by incorporating other fruits like mango, papaya, and coconut. To make a tropical pineapple pie, use the same recipe for classic pineapple pie but reduce the pineapple by half and add 1 diced mango and 1 diced papaya to the filling. You can also use a coconut crust or top the pie with shredded coconut for added flavor and texture.
Pineapple Cream Pie
For a creamier, more decadent version of pineapple pie, try making a pineapple cream pie. To make this variation, beat 8 oz cream cheese until smooth. Fold in 1 cup whipped cream and 1 (20-can) drained (important!) crushed pineapples. Pour the filling into a pre-baked 9-inch pie crust and refrigerate until set, at least 2 hours. You can also add a layer of sliced bananas or strawberries to the bottom of the crust before adding the filling for a nice surprise and naturally fo extra flavor and texture.
Pineapple Chess Pie
If you’re looking for a more traditional, Southern-style dessert, try making a pineapple chess pie. This variation uses a mixture of eggs, sugar, butter, and cornmeal to create a custard-like filling. Add crushed pineapple to the filling for a fruity twist on this classic dessert. Here’s how to make the filling for the Pineapple Chess Pie:
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 eggs
- 1 small can (8.25 oz.) crushed pineapple, drained
- Milk (see instructions)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, and flour until well combined.
- Add the eggs to the mixture and beat until smooth.
- Stir in the drained crushed pineapple and vanilla extract.
- Add enough milk to the mixture to make it pourable. Start with 1/4 cup of milk and add more as needed.
- Pour the filling into the unbaked pie crust.
- Bake the pie at 350 °F (175 °C) for 45—50 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
- Let the pie cool completely before slicing and serving.
Pineapple Coconut Pie
For a pie that’s reminiscent of a tropical vacation, try making a pineapple coconut pie. This variation uses a coconut crust and a filling made with crushed pineapple, coconut milk, and shredded coconut. Top the pie with whipped cream and toasted coconut flakes for extra flavor and texture. Here’s how to make the Pineapple Coconut Pie filling:
Ingredients
- 1 cup cold coconut milk
- 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 can (8 ounces) unsweetened crushed pineapple, well drained
- Whipped topping, optional
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cold coconut milk and instant vanilla pudding mix until well combined.
- Stir in the sweetened shredded coconut and drained crushed pineapple.
- Pour the filling into the pre-baked 9-inch pie crust.
- Chill the pie for at least 2 hours, or until the filling is set.
- Serve the pie with whipped topping, if desired.
Vegan Pineapple Pie
To make vegan pineapple pie, you can use a homemade crust or a store-bought one. If you’re making your own crust, make sure it’s vegan by using vegetable shortening or vegan butter instead of regular butter. The filling in this recipe is vegan, so you can simply use it. Bake as directed. Note: You can also use alternative ingredients for the filling such as coconut milk, arrowroot powder, and dried apricots.
Overall, there are endless variations of pineapple pie that you can try. Whether you prefer a classic recipe or want to mix things up with a tropical twist, pineapple pie is a delicious and versatile dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your delicious pineapple pie, there are a variety of options to choose from. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Top with Cool Whip, whipped topping, or whipped cream for a delicious and balancing creaminess.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combination.
- Garnish with toasted coconut or chopped toasted macadamia nuts for a tropical twist and crunch.
- For a more elegant presentation, slice the pie into individual servings and serve on dessert plates with a sprig of mint or a slice of fresh pineapple. Dust with powdered sugar right before serving.
Another fun way to serve pineapple pie is to turn it into mini pies or tarts. Simply use a mini pie or tart pan and follow the recipe as directed, adjusting the baking time as needed. This is a great option for parties or gatherings where guests may prefer smaller portions.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to get creative with your serving suggestions! Pineapple pie pairs well with a variety of flavors and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Experiment with different toppings, garnishes, and serving styles until you find the perfect combination for you.
Conclusion
After researching and trying out various pineapple pie recipes over the years, I can confidently say that this dessert is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. The combination of juicy pineapple chunks and a flaky, buttery crust is simply irresistible.
One thing that I found particularly interesting is the variety of ways that pineapple pie can be made. From traditional recipes that use canned pineapple to more modern versions that incorporate fresh pineapple and unique flavor and spice combinations, there is a recipe out there for everyone.
While some recipes require a bit more effort and time, such as making your own crust or using fresh pineapple, others are quick and easy, perfect for when you want a delicious dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
Overall, I highly recommend giving pineapple pie a try. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, it’s sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it.
