Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie – glassika recipes

Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie: A Tropical Delight

If you’re looking for a creamy, sweet, and tangy dessert, this Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie is the perfect treat. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth cream cheese filling, and the tropical taste of juicy pineapple, this pie is an absolute delight for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer party, celebrating a holiday, or simply craving something indulgent, this easy-to-make, no-bake dessert will become a family favorite in no time.

Introduction

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a rich and creamy pie that melts in your mouth. The combination of cream cheese and pineapple creates a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, while the graham cracker crust adds a delightful crunch. This Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie is not only easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort.

What makes this dessert even better? No baking is required! This means you can prepare it ahead of time and simply let it chill in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. The smooth, velvety texture and burst of tropical flavor make it the ultimate refreshing dessert.

Ingredients

To make this delicious Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie, gather the following ingredients:

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup melted butter

For the Creamy Pineapple Filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Topping (Optional):

1/2 cup whipped cream
1/4 cup toasted coconut flakes
Maraschino cherries for garnish

How to Make Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie

1. Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

Start by making the buttery graham cracker crust that will serve as the base for your pie:

In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter.
Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and the texture resembles wet sand.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the filling.

2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling

The secret to a perfectly smooth and creamy filling is to ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy.
Add vanilla extract and lemon juice, and continue beating until well incorporated.
Fold in the drained crushed pineapple gently to distribute the flavor evenly.

3. Whip the Cream and Combine

For an extra light and airy texture, the heavy whipping cream is incorporated into the filling:

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well blended.
Pour the pineapple cream cheese mixture into the prepared graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

4. Chill the Pie

To allow the flavors to meld together and the filling to set, refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. This will ensure the perfect firm and creamy consistency.

5. Garnish and Serve

Before serving, add some delicious toppings for extra flavor and visual appeal:

Whipped cream – Pipe or spread a thin layer on top of the pie.
Toasted coconut flakes – Sprinkle for added crunch and tropical flavor.
Maraschino cherries – Place a few on top for a classic touch.

Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy the creamy, tangy, and sweet goodness of this Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie!

Helpful Tips

Drain the Pineapple Well: Excess moisture can make the filling too soft. Use a fine-mesh strainer to drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly.
Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese: This ensures a rich, creamy texture. Low-fat versions may alter the consistency.
Chill for the Best Texture: The longer the pie chills, the firmer and creamier it becomes. Overnight chilling is ideal.
Make Ahead: This pie is perfect for preparing in advance! Store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before serving.

Cooking Tips

Want to enhance your Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie? Try these expert tips:

Extra Crunch: Add chopped pecans or almonds to the crust for a nutty flavor.
Coconut Twist: Substitute half of the graham cracker crumbs with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical taste.
Chocolate Drizzle: A drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate can take this pie to the next level.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free graham crackers for a delicious, gluten-free alternative.

Serving Suggestions

This refreshing and creamy dessert pairs beautifully with:

A scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
A tropical fruit salad with mango, papaya, and kiwi.
Iced coffee or a piña colada for the perfect tropical pairing.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving:

Calories: 320
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Sugar: 26g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 150mg

Storage & Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the pie for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes! Just make sure to finely chop it and drain any excess liquid before using.

Can I make this pie without whipped cream?
Yes! The whipped cream makes it lighter, but you can omit it for a denser filling.

Can I make mini versions of this pie?
Absolutely! Use mini pie crusts or a muffin tin to create individual servings.

Is this pie gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.

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Conclusion

This Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie is the perfect combination of creamy, tangy, and sweet. With minimal effort and no baking required, it’s an ideal dessert for summer gatherings, holidays, or anytime you crave something indulgent. Give it a try today and enjoy a slice of tropical heaven! 🍍🥧