Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie is a delicious, no-bake dessert that combines the rich creaminess of cream cheese with the bright, tropical flavor of pineapple. The smooth, tangy filling is perfectly complemented by a sweet, buttery crust. This pie is incredibly easy to make and is a crowd-pleaser, especially during warm weather or when you want a light, refreshing dessert.
Here’s how to make it:
Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs (about 10-12 graham crackers, crushed)
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (120g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 can (20 oz / 567g) crushed pineapple, drained well (reserve the juice)
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional, for a tangy kick)
For Garnish (optional):
- Whipped cream
- Chopped pineapple or pineapple chunks
- Toasted coconut flakes or maraschino cherries
Instructions:
1. Make the Crust:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and cinnamon (if using).
- Add the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture starts to hold together.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan. You can use the back of a spoon or your fingers to press it down evenly.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely before filling.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice (if using) and beat until fully combined.
- Add the drained crushed pineapple to the cream cheese mixture, stirring gently to combine. Be sure to press out as much excess juice from the pineapple as possible before adding it to avoid making the filling too runny.
- In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with the powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the pineapple and cream cheese mixture, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream too much.
3. Assemble the Pie:
- Spoon the creamy pineapple filling into the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Cover the pie with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the filling to set and the flavors to meld together.
4. Serve:
- Once chilled, garnish the pie with whipped cream, extra pineapple chunks, toasted coconut flakes, or maraschino cherries, if desired.
- Slice and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie:
- Draining the Pineapple: Make sure to drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the filling. You can even press it with a paper towel to get out any remaining juice.
- No-Bake Option: The pie is naturally no-bake, which makes it perfect for warm weather or when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen.
- Make Ahead: This pie is great for make-ahead desserts. In fact, letting it sit overnight in the fridge helps the flavors develop even more!
- Crust Alternatives: If you prefer, you can use a store-bought graham cracker crust or even a cookie crust (like vanilla wafer or shortbread) for variety.
Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie:
- Refreshing Flavor: The combination of tangy cream cheese and sweet pineapple is perfectly balanced, making each bite light and refreshing.
- No-Bake: This is a super easy, no-bake dessert that’s perfect for hot days or when you need something quick and simple.
- Versatile: You can adjust the sweetness or add extras like toasted coconut, nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.
This Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie is a tropical, creamy treat that everyone will love. It’s sweet, slightly tangy, and has just the right amount of richness. Enjoy!