Southern Pineapple Pie

If you’re craving a dessert that’s both sweet and refreshing, then Southern Pineapple Pie is the perfect treat for you. This pie is a Southern classic that’s been passed down through generations, offering a wonderfully creamy filling with a burst of tropical pineapple flavor. Imagine a velvety, rich custard, brightened by the tangy sweetness of pineapple, all nestled in a golden, flaky pie crust. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll be hooked! It’s the kind of dessert that feels like home and is guaranteed to impress, whether it’s for a casual family dinner or a special holiday gathering.

Why You’ll Love Southern Pineapple Pie

This pie has it all, and here’s why:

• Unique Flavor: The combination of sweet and tangy pineapple with a creamy filling creates a unique, irresistible taste you won’t find anywhere else.
• Creamy Texture: The custard-like filling is smooth and velvety, with just the right balance of sweetness and tartness.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, this pie is an easy but impressive dessert to whip up.
• Southern Charm: This pie is a true Southern favorite, adding a little bit of Southern hospitality to any table.
• Versatile: Whether served warm or cold, it’s a perfect dessert for any season or occasion.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Southern Pineapple Pie:

• Pineapple: Crushed pineapple, well-drained to prevent excess liquid in the pie filling.
• Cream Cheese: Adds a rich and creamy texture to the filling.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: For a smooth, sweet base.
• Eggs: Help bind the filling together and give it a custard-like consistency.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the pineapple’s natural tartness.
• Vanilla Extract: For a touch of sweetness and flavor enhancement.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavors and complements the pineapple.
• Pie Crust: A store-bought or homemade pie crust, ready for your filling.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Making this Southern Pineapple Pie is simple and straightforward. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you’re using a store-bought pie crust, place it in a 9-inch pie dish. If using a homemade crust, make sure it’s already prepped and ready to go.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Use an electric mixer to beat the ingredients until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Add the Pineapple

Stir in the well-drained crushed pineapple. Make sure the pineapple is well-drained so the filling doesn’t become too watery.

Step 4: Pour into the Pie Crust

Pour the mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

Bake the pie for 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden on top. You may want to check after 30 minutes and cover the edges of the crust with foil if it starts to brown too quickly.

Step 6: Let It Cool

Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. It will set further as it cools.

Step 7: Chill Before Serving

For the best texture and flavor, chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!

Slice the pie and serve chilled or at room temperature. It’s perfect on its own, or you can add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 290
Total Fat: 17g

• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 85mg
  Sodium: 160mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 32g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 24g
  Protein: 4g
  Vitamin A: 8% DV
  Vitamin C: 15% DV
  Calcium: 8% DV
  Iron: 4% DV
  Potassium: 150mg (4% DV)

(Note: Exact nutritional values may vary depending on ingredient choices and serving sizes.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Cool Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 3 hours

How to Serve Southern Pineapple Pie

This pie is fantastic on its own, but here are some serving ideas to make it even more special:

• Whipped Cream: Top the pie with freshly whipped cream for an extra creamy texture and beautiful presentation.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the sweet and tangy pie.
• Toasted Coconut: Add a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top for a bit of crunch and extra tropical flair.

Additional Tips

• Make-Ahead: This pie can be made the day before and kept in the fridge. It actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours, as the flavors have time to meld together.
• Storing Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pie keeps its creamy texture and flavor.
• Crust Alternatives: If you prefer, you can use a graham cracker crust for a different texture and flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
A1: Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but be sure to drain it well to avoid excess liquid in the filling. Crushed pineapple is ideal for the texture.

Q2: Can I make this pie ahead of time?
A2: Yes, this pie is perfect for making ahead! It needs at least 2 hours to chill, so you can prepare it the night before and let it sit in the fridge.

Q3: How do I prevent the crust from burning?
A3: If you notice the crust is browning too quickly, you can cover the edges with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking to prevent overbaking.

Q4: Can I freeze this pie?
A4: Yes, you can freeze this pie. Make sure it’s completely cooled, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.

Q5: Can I use a different type of pie crust?
A5: Absolutely! If you prefer a graham cracker crust, that works great with the pineapple filling and gives a slightly different flavor.

Q6: How can I make this pie dairy-free?
A6: You can substitute the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk with dairy-free alternatives, such as coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese.

Q7: Can I make this pie without eggs?
A7: Yes! You can use egg substitutes like flax eggs or commercial egg replacers. The texture may change slightly, but it will still be delicious.

Q8: How long can I keep leftovers?
A8: Leftovers will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its flavor and texture.

Q9: Can I add other fruits to the filling?
A9: While this recipe is best with pineapple, you could experiment by adding small amounts of other tropical fruits like mango or coconut for added flavor.

Q10: What’s the best way to serve this pie?
A10: This pie is great served chilled, but you can also enjoy it at room temperature. It’s perfect with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top!

Conclusion

Southern Pineapple Pie brings a bit of tropical sweetness to your table, with a creamy custard-like filling that’s bursting with pineapple flavor. Whether it’s for a holiday meal or just a special treat, this pie will have everyone asking for the recipe. It’s simple, refreshing, and undeniably delicious. Enjoy!

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