Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie

This Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie is a delightful dessert that combines the tropical sweetness of pineapple with the creamy richness of cream cheese. It’s a perfect treat for summer gatherings, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a delicious and refreshing dessert. This no-bake pie is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient choice for any host.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Chilling Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup granulated sugar

For the Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained (reserve juice)
• 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping (Optional):

• Additional whipped topping
• Pineapple slices or chunks
• Maraschino cherries
• Shredded coconut

Equipment Needed

• 9-inch pie dish
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer (optional, but recommended)
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat the Oven: If you prefer a baked crust, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Mix the Crust Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand.

3. Form the Crust: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. If baking, bake the crust for about 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Allow it to cool completely before adding the filling. If you prefer a no-bake crust, simply refrigerate it for 30 minutes to set.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. Beat the Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.

2. Add Sugar and Pineapple: Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until combined. Then, fold in the crushed pineapple (make sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture).

3. Incorporate Whipped Topping: Gently fold in the whipped topping and vanilla extract until fully combined. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Fill the Crust: Pour the cream cheese filling into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly with a rubber spatula.

2. Chill: Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow it to set properly.

Step 4: Serve

1. Add Toppings: Just before serving, you can add additional whipped topping on top of the pie for a decorative touch. Garnish with pineapple slices, maraschino cherries, or shredded coconut if desired.

2. Slice and Enjoy: Cut into slices and serve chilled. Enjoy the refreshing flavors of this delightful Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie!

Tips for Perfect Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie

• Use Fresh Pineapple: If you prefer, you can use fresh pineapple instead of canned. Just make sure to chop it finely and drain any excess juice.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste the filling before pouring it into the crust. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more powdered sugar if desired.
• Make It Ahead: This pie is perfect for making ahead of time. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or crushed nuts.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional information per slice (1/8 of the pie):

• Calories: 230
• Protein: 3g
• Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 18g
• Sodium: 150mg

Note:

Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. Always consult a nutritionist for personalized dietary advice.

Conclusion

This Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie is a deliciously sweet and creamy dessert that is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Its refreshing pineapple flavor and light texture make it a perfect choice for warm weather or any time you crave a tropical treat. With its easy preparation and no-bake option, this pie is not only delightful but also convenient. Enjoy this tropical delight with family and friends