Pineapple Pie Recipe: A Slice of Tropical Sunshine

 If you’ve been craving a dessert that’s sweet, tangy, and bursting with tropical flavors, pineapple pie might just become your new favorite treat. This delicious pie brings the sunny charm of pineapples into a buttery, flaky crust, creating the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. Whether you’re looking to brighten a gloomy day or impress guests at your next dinner party, pineapple pie is a winning choice!

Here’s how to make your own irresistible pineapple pie. Don’t worry—this recipe is simple enough for beginners but produces a pie that even seasoned bakers will rave about!

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, diced
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the Pineapple Filling:

• 1 fresh pineapple (about 4 cups diced) or 2 ½ cups canned crushed pineapple, drained
• ¾ cup granulated sugar (adjust based on the sweetness of the pineapple)
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but it enhances the flavor!)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

For the Topping (Optional):

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 2 tablespoons coarse sugar (for sprinkling)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. Mix Dry Ingredients – Combine the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
2. Cut in Butter – Add the cold, diced butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Ice Water – Gradually sprinkle in the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough holds together when pinched. Be careful not to overwork it!
4. Chill – Divide the dough into two discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Pineapple Filling

1. Prepare the Pineapple – If using fresh pineapple, peel, core, and dice it into small pieces. If you prefer a smoother texture, pulse the pineapple in a food processor until slightly crushed.
2. Cook the Mixture – In a medium saucepan, combine the pineapple, sugars, cornstarch, vanilla, cinnamon (if using), and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the mixture thickens (about 5–7 minutes). Set it aside to cool.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Roll Out the Dough – On a floured surface, roll out one disc of dough. Fit it into a 9-inch pie plate and trim the edges, leaving about a 1-inch overhang.
2. Add the Filling – Pour the cooled pineapple filling into the crust, spreading it out evenly.
3. Top the Pie – Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the filling. You can keep it simple with a solid top or get creative with a lattice design. Seal and crimp the edges.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

1. Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Add Final Touches – Brush the top crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar for a golden, sparkling finish.
3. Bake – Place the pie on the middle rack and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
4. Cool – Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. This helps the filling set and makes it easier to serve.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

• Serve Warm or Chilled – Pineapple pie tastes amazing both warm, fresh out of the oven, or chilled for a more refreshing treat.
• Pair It – Try serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For a truly tropical experience, pair it with coconut-flavored ice cream!
• Beverage Match – A hot cup of coffee, iced tea, or even a refreshing pineapple mocktail makes a perfect accompaniment.

Tips for Success

• Choose the Right Pineapple: Use fresh pineapple for the brightest flavor, but canned pineapple works great in a pinch.
• Chill Your Dough: Keeping the dough cold is key for a flaky crust, so don’t skip the chilling step!
• Prevent Soggy Crust: If the filling seems extra juicy, sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs or crushed graham crackers over the bottom crust to absorb the excess liquid.
• Make It Ahead: You can prepare the crust and filling a day ahead to save time. Just store them separately in the fridge and assemble right before baking.

With its vibrant flavors and stunning appearance, pineapple pie is a dessert that brings the taste of sunny days to your table. Whether it’s a family gathering, a festive celebration, or simply a treat for yourself, you’ll savor every slice of this tropical delight. Get ready to bake, enjoy, and maybe even go back for seconds!