Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie

Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie is a luscious, tropical dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweet, tangy flavor of pineapple. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth cream cheese filling, and a refreshing pineapple topping, this pie is the perfect treat for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a stress-free dessert.
• Creamy & Refreshing – A smooth, tangy cream cheese filling pairs beautifully with the sweetness of pineapple.
• No-Bake Option – You can bake the crust for extra crispness or keep it completely no-bake.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for summer parties, holidays, or a sweet treat anytime.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup melted butter

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

For the Pineapple Topping:

• 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Directions

1. Prepare the Crust:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) (optional for a baked crust).
2. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie pan.
4. Bake for 8-10 minutes for a firmer crust or chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes for a no-bake version.

2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:

1. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
4. Spread the filling evenly over the cooled crust.

3. Prepare the Pineapple Topping:

1. In a saucepan, combine drained crushed pineapple, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 5 minutes).
3. Let the pineapple mixture cool completely before spreading it over the cream cheese layer.

4. Chill and Serve:

1. Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
2. Slice and serve chilled.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes (if baking crust)
• Chill Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
• Servings: 8

Variations

• No-Bake Version: Skip baking the crust and chill it instead.
• Tropical Twist: Add shredded coconut to the crust or garnish with toasted coconut.
• Lighter Option: Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a tangier, lower-fat filling.
• Extra Creamy: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top before serving.

Storage and Reheating

Storage:

• Store the pie in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

Freezing:

• Freeze the pie (without pineapple topping) for up to 2 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before adding the topping and serving.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes! Just finely chop and cook it down slightly to remove excess moisture.

How do I prevent a runny filling?

Ensure the cream cheese is fully whipped, and chill the pie for at least 4 hours before serving.

Can I use a store-bought graham cracker crust?

Yes, a pre-made crust works great for an even quicker dessert.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes! This pie is best made a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld.

What can I use instead of graham crackers for the crust?

Try vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, or digestive biscuits for a different twist.

Is this pie overly sweet?

No, the balance of tangy cream cheese, tart pineapple, and lightly sweetened crust keeps it perfectly balanced.

Can I use Cool Whip instead of heavy cream?

Yes! Use 1 cup of Cool Whip in place of whipped heavy cream for convenience.

How do I make the topping thicker?

Increase the cornstarch to 1 ½ tbsp for a firmer pineapple layer.

Can I use a different fruit topping?

Absolutely! Try strawberries, peaches, or mangoes for a fruity variation.

What’s the best way to slice this pie cleanly?

Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water and wipe it clean between slices.

Conclusion

Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie is a refreshing, creamy, and easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cheesecake filling, and sweet pineapple topping, this pie is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Try this tropical-inspired dessert today and enjoy a slice of sunshine in every bite!

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