If you’ve been on the hunt for a dessert that’s both refreshingly tropical and decadently creamy, you’re going to adore this Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie Recipe. It combines the tangy sweetness of crushed pineapple with a luscious cream cheese filling, all nestled on a buttery graham cracker crust. Every bite offers a perfect balance of smooth, fruity, and slightly tangy flavors that will have you reaching for seconds (or thirds) without a second thought. Whether it’s a family gathering, a summer picnic, or just a weeknight treat, this pie brings sunshine to your table in the most delicious way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie Recipe lies in how simple, yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients come together to create an unforgettable dessert. Each item is essential, bringing its own texture, flavor, or richness to the mix.
- Graham cracker crumbs (1 ½ cups): This forms the crunchy and buttery base that holds everything together beautifully.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup + ½ cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness to both the crust and the filling.
- Unsalted butter, melted (½ cup): Helps bind the crust crumbs and adds a rich, smooth flavor.
- Cream cheese, softened (8 ounces): The creamy heart of the pie, giving it that luscious, tangy texture you’ll love.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth, elevating the overall flavor.
- Crushed pineapple (1 can, 20 ounces, well-drained): Brings a juicy, tropical brightness that refreshes your palate.
- Heavy whipping cream (1 cup, whipped to stiff peaks): Fluffy and lightens the cream cheese filling, making every forkful melt in your mouth.
- Whipped cream: Perfect for topping, adding a cloud-like lightness.
- Toasted coconut flakes: Optional but highly recommended for a nutty crunch and an island-inspired flair.
- Maraschino cherries or pineapple slices: For a colorful, eye-catching garnish that signals deliciousness at first glance.
How to Make Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by combining the graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and look like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish to create a solid crust. Place it in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling – chilling helps the crust set firmly and gives it that satisfying crunch.
Step 2: Whip the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the ½ cup granulated sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is crucial as it ensures the filling is silky without any lumps, making your Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie Recipe truly indulgent.
Step 3: Fold in Pineapple and Whipped Cream
Gently fold the well-drained crushed pineapple into the cream cheese mixture. Be careful to keep the texture light and airy. Next, fold in the whipped heavy cream until fully incorporated. This combination makes your filling incredibly fluffy and bright, capturing that irresistible tropical vibe while being rich and satisfying.
Step 4: Assemble and Chill
Pour the creamy pineapple filling into the chilled graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until firmly set. The chilling time allows all the flavors to meld perfectly and the texture to solidify, delivering that perfect slice every time.
Step 5: Garnish Before Serving
Just before serving, adorn your Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie Recipe with dollops of whipped cream. Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the top and add maraschino cherries or pineapple slices for a classic finishing touch that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
How to Serve Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing this pie is where you can get creative and add a little extra wow factor. The toasted coconut flakes give a delightful crunch and nutty aroma, while the maraschino cherries or pineapple slices bring pops of vibrant color. Whipped cream adds a soft, shiny contrast that invites everyone to dig in.
Side Dishes
Since this Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie Recipe is rich and creamy, it pairs beautifully with light and fresh sides. A simple fruit salad with berries or citrus segments complements the tropical flavor. Alternatively, a cup of herbal tea or a chilled glass of sparkling water with a lemon wedge cleanses your palate after each satisfying bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra special occasion, turn this pie into individual servings by using small ramekins or dessert glasses. Layer crushed graham crackers, filling, and pineapple chunks for a parfait-style treat. Or serve alongside a scoop of coconut or vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert mashup that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing any fridge odors while keeping that creamy texture intact.
Freezing
While freezing this pie is possible, it’s best avoided to maintain the pie’s creamy texture. If you do freeze it, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving; however, the whipped cream topping may lose some of its fluffiness.
Reheating
Since this is a chilled, no-bake dessert, reheating is not recommended. Serve it straight from the fridge for the best flavor and texture. Warm temperatures will soften the crust and cause the filling to lose its signature firmness.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! If using fresh pineapple, make sure to chop it finely and drain any excess juice to avoid a runny filling. Fresh pineapple brings a bright, natural sweetness that works wonderfully in this pie.
Is there a way to make this pie dairy-free?
You can substitute the cream cheese and heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives like vegan cream cheese and coconut whipped cream. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, but the tropical flavors will still shine through.
How long does the pie need to chill?
It’s best to chill the pie for at least 4 hours, but if you have more time, overnight chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the filling to set perfectly for clean slices.
Can I make this pie gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or substitute them with crushed gluten-free cookies or nuts for the crust. This way, you won’t miss out on the delicious crispy base.
What’s the best way to get the whipped cream to stiff peaks?
Ensure your heavy cream is very cold before whipping. Use a chilled bowl and beaters, and whip on medium-high speed. When the cream holds firm peaks that don’t flop over when the beaters are lifted, you’ve reached stiff peaks perfect for folding into the filling.
Final Thoughts
This Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie Recipe is the kind of dessert that becomes a beloved classic at any table. It’s easy to make, bursting with tropical charm, and luxuriously creamy without being overwhelming. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your regular rotation for celebrations big and small. Go ahead and give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (no baking required) plus 4 hours chilling time
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie combines a buttery graham cracker crust with a luscious cream cheese and pineapple filling, topped with whipped cream, toasted coconut flakes, and maraschino cherries or pineapple slices. It’s a cool, creamy dessert perfect for warm weather or any occasion that calls for a tropical twist.
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
Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks
- Whipped cream for garnish
- Toasted coconut flakes
- Maraschino cherries or pineapple slices for decoration
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish to form the crust. Refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to set.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, ½ cup granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. Gently fold in the well-drained crushed pineapple until evenly combined.
- Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese and pineapple mixture, being careful not to deflate the cream.
- Assemble the pie: Spoon the pineapple cream cheese filling into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly. Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until firm and chilled.
- Garnish and serve: Before serving, top the pie with additional whipped cream, sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the top, and decorate with maraschino cherries or pineapple slices for a festive look.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the crushed pineapple very well to prevent the filling from becoming too watery.
- For a quicker set, place the pie in the freezer for 2 hours instead of refrigerating for 4 hours, but allow it to soften slightly before serving.
- To toast coconut flakes, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown.
- This pie is best served chilled and should be kept refrigerated until ready to serve.
