If you are looking for a delightful dessert that perfectly balances tropical freshness with creamy indulgence, this Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine a buttery graham cracker crust cradling a luscious cream cheese filling swirled with sweet pineapple and fluffy whipped cream. This pie is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a charming centerpiece for any gathering. Whether it’s a summer barbecue or a cozy family dinner, this Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie Recipe brings sunshine in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, coming together to create a pie that is fresh, creamy, and satisfyingly textured. You’ll appreciate how each simple component enhances the flavor and appeal of this tropical treat.
- Graham cracker crumbs (1 ½ cups): Provides a crunchy, buttery base that holds the pie perfectly.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup and ½ cup): Adds the right touch of sweetness to the crust and filling.
- Unsalted butter, melted (½ cup): Binds the crust ingredients and adds richness.
- Cream cheese, softened (8 ounces): Creates the silky, tangy filling that’s the heart of the pie.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness with warm, aromatic notes.
- Crushed pineapple, well-drained (1 can, 20 ounces): Brings juicy, tropical brightness and a bit of texture.
- Heavy whipping cream (1 cup, whipped to stiff peaks): Lightens the filling and delivers that dreamy, airy mouthfeel.
- Whipped cream, toasted coconut flakes, and maraschino cherries or pineapple slices (for garnish): Add visual appeal and layers of flavor.
How to Make Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by combining your graham cracker crumbs with ¼ cup sugar in a medium bowl. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture looks like moist sand—this is the perfect texture for pressing into your pie pan. Press it evenly along the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie dish, creating a sturdy yet tender crust. Then pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes to set up firm and ready for the luscious filling.
Step 2: Make the Filling
Now for the creamy heart of the pie. Beat the softened cream cheese with ½ cup sugar until smooth and dreamy. Stir in the vanilla, bringing warmth and depth to the mixture. Gently fold in the well-drained crushed pineapple so every bite bursts with tropical flavor. Finish by folding in the whipped heavy cream carefully, preserving that light, airy texture that makes this pie extra special.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Take your chilled crust from the fridge and spoon in the filling with care. Spread it out evenly and smooth the surface using a spatula for that professional, inviting look. The contrast between the creamy pineapple filling and the crumbly crust is the magic of this pie.
Step 4: Chill the Pie
Cover your pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow everything to firm up nicely — overnight chilling brings out the best flavor and texture, if you can wait that long!
Step 5: Add Toppings and Serve
When it’s time to impress your guests or satisfy your own craving, decorate the pie with a generous dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes, and a few bright maraschino cherries or pineapple slices. Slice it up and watch the smiles appear as you serve up this irresistible dessert.
How to Serve Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Whipped cream is a classic choice that echoes the pie’s creamy filling, while toasted coconut flakes introduce a nutty crunch and tropical flair. Bright cherries or pineapple slices do double duty—they add lovely color and a touch of fresh fruitiness. These simple garnishes elevate your Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie Recipe into a feast for the eyes and palate alike.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs beautifully with light accompaniments. Fresh fruit salad, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a crisp cup of black coffee serve as excellent complements. Their simplicity lets the pie shine as the star while adding refreshing variety to your dessert course.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the pie in individual clear glasses or mini mason jars layered with crushed graham crackers and extra pineapple chunks. You can also swap the standard pie pan for a tart shell for a delicate, elegant look. No matter how you present it, this Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie Recipe is bound to charm everyone’s taste buds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any uneaten pineapple cream cheese pie in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it perfect for enjoying as a sweet treat in the days following your celebration.
Freezing
While this pie is best served fresh, you can freeze it for up to one month. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge and give it a gentle stir before serving to refresh the creamy texture.
Reheating
This dessert is best enjoyed cold, so reheating is not recommended. If you want to soften the pie slightly, simply let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving. That way, the flavors and texture really shine.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just make sure to finely crush and drain fresh pineapple thoroughly to avoid excess moisture that could make the filling runny. Fresh pineapple will add a bright, natural sweetness that’s delightful.
Is there a substitute for the graham cracker crust?
If you want to switch things up, a crushed digestive biscuit crust or even an Oreo crust can work. Just adjust the sugar and butter amounts to match the sweetness and texture you prefer.
How long does the pie need to chill before serving?
At minimum, chill the pie for 4 hours to let it set properly. For the best texture and flavor, overnight chilling is ideal—it gives the filling time to firm up and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Can I make this pie dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut-based whipped cream to replicate the creamy texture while keeping it vegan-friendly. Just be mindful that the flavor will shift slightly, leaning more on coconut notes.
What’s the best way to whip heavy cream for this pie?
Chill your mixing bowl and beaters beforehand and whip the cream on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, or it will become grainy and butter-like instead of light and fluffy.
Final Thoughts
This Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie Recipe is the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, bursting with tropical joy and creamy comfort. I can’t recommend it enough for your next get-together or whenever you want to treat yourself to something special. Go ahead, give this pie a try and watch how it quickly becomes a beloved favorite in your dessert lineup!
Print
Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie is a delightful no-bake dessert featuring a crunchy graham cracker crust filled with a smooth, creamy mixture of cream cheese, whipped cream, and crushed pineapple. Finished with whipped cream, toasted coconut flakes, and fruit garnishes, it offers a tropical flavor perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, well-drained
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks
Toppings
- Whipped cream
- Toasted coconut flakes
- Maraschino cherries or pineapple slices
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and ¼ cup sugar. Add melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set firmly.
- Make the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese together with ½ cup sugar until smooth and creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined. Gently fold in the well-drained crushed pineapple evenly, then carefully fold in the whipped heavy cream to keep the mixture light and airy.
- Assemble the Pie: Spoon the prepared filling into the chilled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Chill the Pie: Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until firm and set.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Before serving, garnish with whipped cream, toasted coconut flakes, and maraschino cherries or pineapple slices as desired. Slice and enjoy the creamy tropical pie.
Notes
- Ensure the pineapple is well-drained to prevent the filling from becoming watery.
- For best texture, chill the pie overnight.
- To toast coconut flakes, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown.
- Use softened cream cheese for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
- Keep the whipped cream at stiff peaks before folding to maintain lightness in the filling.
