If you’re dreaming of a dessert that perfectly balances tangy sweetness and rich, comforting flavors, this Southern Pineapple Pie Recipe is ready to delight your taste buds and become a new favorite in your kitchen. Bursting with tropical pineapple goodness wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust, this pie is a loving nod to Southern hospitality and simple, satisfying baking. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or craving a slice just for yourself, this pie promises an unforgettable experience full of bright citrus notes and a creamy, luscious texture you simply can’t resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, making this Southern Pineapple Pie Recipe incredibly approachable. Each element brings something special: the pineapple provides refreshing sweetness, the eggs and cornstarch create that perfect creamy texture, and the pie crust offers the buttery foundation every great pie needs.
- Pre-made pie crust: A quick shortcut that still delivers a flaky, golden base for your pie; homemade also works beautifully.
- Crushed pineapple (20 oz can), drained: Brings vibrant tropical flavor and juiciness that makes every bite sing.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the filling just right without overpowering the pineapple.
- All-purpose flour (3 tbsp): Helps thicken the filling so it holds together nicely when sliced.
- Cornstarch (2 tbsp): Adds extra thickening power for that perfect, custard-like consistency.
- Vanilla extract (½ tsp): Introduces a warm, inviting aroma that complements the fruity pineapple.
- Lemon juice (½ tsp): Just a hint of tartness to brighten the flavors.
- Large eggs (2, lightly beaten): Bind the filling and give it that delicate richness.
- Unsalted butter (1 tbsp, cubed): Melts into the filling, adding silkiness and depth.
- Whipped cream or ice cream (for serving): Optional but highly recommended for that extra touch of indulgence.
How to Make Southern Pineapple Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you’re using a store-bought crust, press it gently into a 9-inch pie dish and set it aside. This step ensures that the crust will be ready to embrace the luscious filling without missing a beat.
Step 2: Combine and Cook the Pineapple Filling
In a medium saucepan, stir together the drained crushed pineapple, sugar, flour, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Place the pan over medium heat and stir constantly as the mixture cooks. This careful whisking lets the filling thicken beautifully, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it starts to bubble and coat the back of a spoon.
Step 3: Cool and Incorporate the Eggs
Remove the thickened pineapple mixture from heat and give it about 5 minutes to cool slightly. This pause is crucial because when you add the lightly beaten eggs, it prevents them from cooking instantly and turning into scrambled bits. Whisk the eggs into the filling until it’s completely smooth and uniformly creamy.
Step 4: Finish the Filling with Butter
Add the cubed unsalted butter to the warm filling and stir it in until it melts completely. This final touch enriches the texture, giving the filling a glossy, irresistible finish that makes each slice shine.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Pie
Pour the pineapple filling evenly into your prepared pie crust, smoothing the top gently. Place the pie in your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Watch closely toward the end – the filling should be set, and the crust should reach a lovely golden brown. If the edges of the crust brown too quickly, cover them with foil to keep everything perfectly balanced.
Step 6: Cool Before Serving
Once out of the oven, let your Southern Pineapple Pie Recipe cool to room temperature. This cooling phase is important for slicing clean pieces and allowing the flavors to fully meld. For an even more refreshing treat, pop it into the fridge for a few hours before cutting into it.
How to Serve Southern Pineapple Pie Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, consider a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The creamy contrast complements the tangy pineapple flavor beautifully, turning each bite into pure bliss. A sprinkle of toasted coconut or a few pineapple leaves can add a charming touch for guests.
Side Dishes
This pie shines best on its own as a dessert but pairing it with some light, citrusy side dishes such as a crisp green salad with vinaigrette or fresh fruit salad can round out a meal wonderfully. The freshness of the sides won’t compete but will harmonize pleasantly with this Southern Pineapple Pie Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual mini pies or tartlets using ramekins for an adorable, personal-sized treat at parties. Another delightful option is layering chunks of the pie filling over vanilla pound cake or as a filling for crepes, giving a fresh twist to this classic Southern Pineapple Pie Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover Southern Pineapple Pie refrigerated in an airtight container or covered tightly with plastic wrap for up to 3 days. This ensures the filling stays moist and the crust retains some crispness without becoming soggy.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this pie later, it freezes well! Wrap the cooled pie thoroughly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. It can stay frozen for up to 1 month without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To warm up a slice, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then heat gently in a 300°F oven for about 10 to 15 minutes. This reheating will revive the crust’s flakiness and bring back the rich, comforting warmth of the filling.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you have fresh pineapple, chop and crush it finely, then drain excess juice before using. You might need to adjust the sugar slightly depending on how sweet your fresh pineapple is.
Is it possible to make the pie crust from scratch?
Yes, a homemade pie crust will add a wonderful personal touch. Just be sure to chill the dough well before rolling it out for the best flaky texture in your Southern Pineapple Pie Recipe.
Can I make this pie vegan or dairy-free?
With some swaps, yes! Use plant-based butter and a vegan pie crust, and replace eggs with a suitable egg substitute like flaxseed meal mixed with water. It might slightly alter texture but still tastes delicious.
What if my filling is too runny after baking?
Make sure you cook the filling long enough on the stove until thickened before baking and use the right proportions of thickening agents like flour and cornstarch. Cooling the pie fully also helps it set firmly.
How do I prevent the crust edges from burning?
Cover the edges with aluminum foil or use a pie crust shield after the first 20 minutes of baking to protect them from over-browning while the filling finishes cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Southern Pineapple Pie Recipe is truly a treasure of sweet and tangy flavors wrapped in a buttery crust, perfect for any occasion that calls for a homemade touch. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s cherished in Southern kitchens, bringing smiles and warm memories with every bite. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and make this delightful dessert a new tradition — you deserve it!
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Southern Pineapple Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Southern Pineapple Pie offers a delightful twist on traditional fruit pies, featuring a luscious pineapple filling thickened with flour and cornstarch, nestled in a flaky pie crust, then baked to golden perfection. Served warm or chilled, it’s a sweet and tangy dessert perfect for gatherings or a comforting treat.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade, if preferred)
Filling
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp lemon juice
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed
Serving
- Whipped cream or ice cream, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If using a store-bought pie crust, place it in a 9-inch pie dish and set aside.
- Make the pineapple filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the drained crushed pineapple, sugar, flour, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Stir well to combine.
- Cook the filling: Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and begins to bubble, about 5-7 minutes.
- Cool slightly: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the filling to cool slightly for 5 minutes.
- Add eggs: Whisk in the beaten eggs until fully combined, ensuring the mixture is smooth.
- Add butter: Stir in the cubed butter until melted and fully incorporated into the filling.
- Assemble the pie: Pour the pineapple filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake the pie: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. If the crust edges brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Cool the pie: Allow the pie to cool to room temperature before serving. For an extra chilled dessert, refrigerate for a few hours.
- Serve: Serve the pie with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, if desired.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the pineapple thoroughly to prevent a watery filling.
- Using a fork, prick the bottom of the pie crust before adding filling to prevent sogginess.
- If you prefer a stronger pineapple flavor, use fresh crushed pineapple.
- To avoid over-browning, tent the crust edges with foil halfway through baking if needed.
- Leftover pie can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.
