Southern Pineapple Pie Recipe

Heavenly Southern Pineapple Pie Recipe for Sweet Comfort

Sweet southern pineapple pie captures the essence of nostalgic comfort with its tropical twist.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen flood back when you slice into this delectable dessert.

Sunshine-kissed fruit nestles between buttery, flaky layers of pastry.

Tender pineapple chunks mingle with a silky custard that whispers of southern hospitality.

Every forkful promises a journey through rich, creamy textures and bright, tangy flavors.

Bakers who dare to explore this classic treat will find themselves transported to a world of pure culinary bliss.

Come along and uncover the magic that makes this pie an irresistible southern treasure.

Reasons to Crave Southern Pineapple Pie

  • Harvest Southern Charm: Dive into a dessert that captures the warm, comforting essence of Southern cooking with its rich, creamy pineapple filling and buttery crust.
  • Minimal Prep Magic: Create a stunning pie with just a few simple ingredients and basic mixing steps, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for potlucks, family gatherings, or a sweet weekend treat that appeals to both kids and adults with its tropical, sweet flavor profile.
  • No-Fuss Dessert Delight: Enjoy a delectable pie that requires minimal kitchen skills, comes together quickly, and delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.

Ingredients You Need for Southern Pineapple Pie

Pie Crust:
  • Pie Crust: A buttery and flaky base that provides the foundation for the Southern Pineapple Pie.
Filling Base:
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to balance the tangy pineapple flavor.
  • Cornstarch: Helps to thicken the filling and create a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Evaporated Milk: Provides richness and a creamy consistency to the pie filling.
  • Eggs: Act as a binding agent and contribute to the custard-like texture of the pie.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet notes.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors in the pie.
Fruit and Dairy:
  • Crushed Pineapple: The star ingredient that gives the pie its signature tropical flavor and juicy texture.
  • Butter: Adds richness and a smooth, velvety mouthfeel to the filling.
Optional Topping:
  • Whipped Cream, Toasted Coconut Flakes: Provide a light, creamy, and crunchy garnish that complements the pie's flavors.

How to Bake Southern Pineapple Pie Stepwise

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C), getting ready for a baking adventure.

Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crust

Gently roll out the pie crust and nestle it into a 9-inch pie pan.

Lovingly press the dough into place, trimming any extra edges and creating a beautiful crimped border.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Filling

In a mixing bowl, whisk together your ingredients until they transform into a silky smooth mixture:
  • Sugar
  • Cornstarch
  • Evaporated milk
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract
  • Salt

Step 4: Add Tropical Goodness

Fold in the drained crushed pineapple and melted butter, stirring until everything is perfectly combined.

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Pour the luscious mixture into your prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly to create a dreamy filling. Slide the pie into the preheated oven.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 45-50 minutes, watching for the filling to set and the top to turn a light golden brown.

Step 7: Cool and Rest

Carefully remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely, allowing the flavors to settle and meld together.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Slice and serve the pie chilled or at room temperature. For an extra touch of indulgence, top with fluffy whipped cream and sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes.

Top Tips for Baking Southern Pineapple Pie

  • Pat crushed pineapple completely dry to prevent watery pie filling and ensure a perfect texture.
  • Bring eggs and evaporated milk to room temperature for smoother, more even mixing of the custard base.
  • Cover pie edges with aluminum foil during last 15 minutes of baking to stop over-browning.
  • Refrigerate pie for 2-3 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and filling to set completely.
  • Insert a knife near the center – if it comes out clean, the pie is perfectly baked and ready to cool.

Delicious Ways to Change Southern Pineapple Pie

  • Tropical Coconut Cream Pie: Replace evaporated milk with coconut milk, add shredded coconut to the filling, and top with toasted coconut flakes for an island-inspired version.
  • Gluten-Free Pineapple Custard Pie: Use a gluten-free pie crust made from almond flour or graham cracker crumbs, ensuring the same creamy texture and tropical flavor.
  • Vegan Pineapple Custard Pie: Substitute eggs with silken tofu, use coconut cream instead of evaporated milk, and replace butter with coconut oil for a plant-based alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Pineapple Pie: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and choose unsweetened crushed pineapple to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the classic Southern pie taste.

Great Food Matches for Southern Pineapple Pie

Mix a light, fruity rum cocktail with pineapple and coconut notes to complement the pie’s sweet tropical flavors.

Select a chilled Moscato or Riesling with hints of tropical fruit, enhancing the pie’s pineapple essence and balancing its richness.

Brew a smooth, medium-roast coffee with subtle caramel undertones to provide a warm, rich counterpoint to the pie’s sweet and tangy profile.

Blend a refreshing coconut and vanilla smoothie that echoes the pie’s tropical ingredients and offers a cool, creamy accompaniment.

Proper Storage for Southern Pineapple Pie

  • Store the Southern Pineapple Pie in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain its fresh flavor and texture.
  • Carefully wrap the cooled pie in multiple layers of plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Place a date label on the wrapping to track storage time.
  • Remove the pie from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing prevents soggy crust and helps preserve the pie's original taste.

FAQs

  • Is Southern Pineapple Pie similar to other fruit pies?

Unlike traditional fruit pies, this pie has a custard-like filling that combines pineapple with creamy ingredients like evaporated milk and eggs, creating a unique Southern dessert texture.

  • Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

While canned crushed pineapple works best for consistent moisture and texture, you can use fresh pineapple. Just ensure it’s finely chopped and well-drained to prevent excess liquid in the pie.

  • What makes the filling of this pie different?

The combination of cornstarch, evaporated milk, and eggs creates a smooth, custardy base that sets firmly and provides a rich, creamy consistency unlike typical fruit pie fillings.

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Southern Pineapple Pie Recipe

Southern Pineapple Pie Recipe


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4.7 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Sweet Southern charm meets tropical delight in this irresistible pineapple pie, blending classic Southern baking traditions with luscious island flavors. Buttery crust and caramelized pineapple filling promise a slice of pure comfort that will transport you to sunny kitchen memories.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 can (20 ounces / 567 grams) crushed pineapple
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar

Pie Crust and Thickeners:

  • 1 pre-made pie crust
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1/2 cup evaporated milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Topping:

  • Whipped cream
  • Toasted coconut flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare a 9-inch pie pan by gently positioning the rolled-out pie crust, carefully trimming edges and creating a decorative crimped border.
  2. Create a silky custard base by whisking together sugar, cornstarch, evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until achieving a completely smooth consistency.
  3. Incorporate drained crushed pineapple and melted butter into the custard mixture, stirring until thoroughly combined.
  4. Transfer the pineapple custard mixture into the prepared pie crust, ensuring an even distribution across the surface.
  5. Position the pie in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, monitoring until the filling sets and develops a delicate golden hue.
  6. After removing from the oven, allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature, which helps the filling stabilize and maintain its structure.
  7. For serving, slice the pie and optionally garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes to enhance visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Notes

  • Drain pineapple thoroughly to prevent excess moisture making the pie soggy and ensuring a perfectly set filling.
  • Use room temperature eggs and evaporated milk for smoother blending and more consistent texture in the custard-like filling.
  • Toast coconut flakes quickly in a dry skillet for enhanced nutty flavor and extra crunch as a delightful topping.
  • Consider using a pre-baked pie crust or blind baking for a crisper bottom, preventing potential sogginess from the pineapple’s moisture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 223 kcal
  • Sugar: 29 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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