Cream Cheese Pineapple Pie

Cream Cheese Pineapple Pie: A Sweet and Creamy Delight

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of tropical pineapple and creamy cream cheese with this delightful Cream Cheese Pineapple Pie recipe. Made with a buttery pie crust, luscious cream cheese filling, and tangy pineapple topping, this pie is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Whether served as a dessert for special occasions or enjoyed as a sweet treat any time of the year, this pie is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to create this decadent dessert!

Ingredients:

• 1 (9-inch) round pie dough
• 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple in juice
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup white sugar (additional)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 cup pecans, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the round pie dough into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it firmly against the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges decoratively. Set aside.
2. Prepare Pineapple Filling: In a saucepan, combine the crushed pineapple (with juice), 1/2 cup white sugar, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the additional 1/2 cup white sugar and salt, and beat until well combined.
4. Add Eggs and Milk: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually add the whole milk and vanilla, and continue to beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
5. Assemble Pie: Spread the cream cheese filling evenly into the prepared pie crust. Spoon the pineapple filling over the cream cheese layer, spreading it out to cover the entire surface.
6. Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
7. Cool and Garnish: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top of the pie for added crunch and flavor.
8. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled. Slice and serve chilled, garnished with additional whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.

Cook’s Tips and Variations:

• Crust Options: Feel free to use a store-bought pie crust or make your own from scratch using your favorite recipe.
• Topping Variation: Instead of pecans, you can top the pie with shredded coconut or maraschino cherries for a colorful and festive presentation.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pie crust or almond flour crust to make this pie gluten-free.

Keto and Low-Carb Adaptations:

Keto Version:

• Substitute the white sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia.
• Use almond flour or coconut flour in place of the cornstarch to thicken the pineapple filling.
• Replace the whole milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk to reduce the carb content.

Low-Carb Version:

• Reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or use a sugar-free sweetener to make this pie lower in carbs.
• Increase the proportion of cream cheese and eggs in the filling to add more protein and reduce the carb content further.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned? Yes, you can use fresh pineapple instead of canned pineapple in this recipe. Simply chop the fresh pineapple into small pieces and cook it with a little water and sugar until softened and slightly thickened.

2. Can I make this pie ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the pie in advance and refrigerate it until ready to serve. It’s best to add the chopped pecans just before serving to maintain their crunchiness.

3. Can I freeze leftover pie? While this pie is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze any leftover slices in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

4. Can I use low-fat cream cheese in this recipe? While full-fat cream cheese will provide the creamiest texture and flavor, you can use low-fat cream cheese if preferred. Just be aware that the texture of the filling may be slightly less rich.

Cream Cheese Pineapple Pie is a delightful dessert that combines the creamy richness of cream cheese with the tropical sweetness of pineapple. With its buttery crust, creamy filling, and tangy pineapple topping, this pie is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether served as the perfect ending to a special meal or enjoyed as a sweet treat any time of the day, this pie is sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor every delicious bite of Cream Cheese Pineapple Pie!