If you’re looking for a delightful twist on a classic dessert, this Island Pecan Pie Recipe is exactly what you need! It brings together the rich, buttery goodness of pecans and the warm sweetness of caramel-like corn syrup with a tropical flair from shredded coconut and crushed pineapple. The result is a luscious pie that feels like a vacation in every bite — perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want to treat yourself to something truly special. This recipe balances tradition and island-inspired flavors beautifully, making it a new favorite for pecan pie lovers and adventurous dessert seekers alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Cooking up this Island Pecan Pie Recipe is surprisingly simple because the ingredients are straightforward but essential. Each one plays a key role in creating the perfect texture and flavor, from the crunchy nuts to the moist tropical additions.
- Unbaked 9-inch pie crust: Provides a flaky, buttery base that holds the filling perfectly without overpowering it.
- 3 large eggs: Bind the filling together while lending a smooth, custardy texture.
- 1 cup light corn syrup: Adds sweetness and a luscious, sticky consistency that sets the pie.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Offers a deep, caramel flavor to complement the pecans.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances the richness with clean, sweet notes.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Enhances richness and ensures the filling is velvety.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warm aromatic depth to the pie.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Elevates all the sweet flavors and balances the pie perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy spiced aroma that makes this pecan pie unique.
- 1 cup chopped pecans: The star ingredient, providing crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut: Infuses a tropical sweetness and chewy texture.
- 1/4 cup crushed pineapple, well-drained: Adds a tangy-sweet surprise for that island vibe.
How to Make Island Pecan Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pie Crust
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your unbaked 9-inch pie crust into a pie plate and gently crimp the edges. This simple step lays the foundation for a perfectly golden, flaky crust that will hold all those amazing fillings without becoming soggy.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, light corn syrup, brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy — this ensures your filling will set evenly and develop that classic pecan pie silkiness.
Step 3: Fold in the Tropical and Nutty Ingredients
Gently fold in the chopped pecans, shredded coconut, and well-drained crushed pineapple. The pecans bring a buttery crunch, while the coconut and pineapple deliver bursts of tropical sweetness and texture, making this pie unlike any standard pecan dessert.
Step 4: Bake the Pie
Pour the luscious filling into your pie crust and smooth out the top. Pop it into the oven for 50 to 60 minutes. Around the 30-minute mark, check your crust — if it’s browning too fast, cover the edges with foil. You’ll know it’s done when the center is just set and the top turns a gorgeous golden brown. Let it cool completely to allow the filling to firm up before slicing.
How to Serve Island Pecan Pie Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this pie, consider a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The cool, light contrasts beautifully with the sweet, dense filling and enhances every tropical flavor note.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea, especially during cozy holiday celebrations. For a refreshing balance, serve it alongside citrus fruit salad or a crisp green side to cut through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving slices on pretty dessert plates sprinkled with toasted coconut flakes or a light dusting of powdered sugar. You could also drizzle a small amount of caramel sauce over the top to amp up the indulgence and impress guests with your flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover pie covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy those delicious tropical flavors again without losing any texture or taste.
Freezing
If you want to store pie longer, freeze it wrapped in foil and placed in an airtight container. When properly frozen, your Island Pecan Pie Recipe will maintain its flavor and quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
For the best experience, reheat slices gently in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 to 15 minutes. This keeps the crust crisp and warms the filling without drying it out, making every bite taste freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Absolutely! Store-bought crusts work wonderfully with this Island Pecan Pie Recipe and can save you time while still providing a buttery, flaky base.
What if I don’t have shredded sweetened coconut?
You can substitute with unsweetened coconut for a less sweet option, but the sweetened version really enhances the tropical flavor profile of the pie.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Keeping an eye on the crust during baking and covering the edges with foil if they brown too quickly helps. Also, make sure the crushed pineapple is well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
Can I make this pie vegan or dairy-free?
This traditional recipe uses eggs and butter, but you can experiment with vegan substitutes like flax eggs and dairy-free butter alternatives to customize it to your dietary needs.
Is it necessary to let the pie cool completely before slicing?
Yes, letting the pie cool will allow the filling to set firmly, so slices hold together beautifully without a gooey mess.
Final Thoughts
This Island Pecan Pie Recipe is such a joyful way to add a tropical touch to a beloved classic. With its unique blend of pecans, coconut, and pineapple, it invites you to savor each bite like a sunny getaway. Trust me, once you try it, this pie will have a permanent spot at your dessert table. So go ahead, give it a whirl and share the island vibes with your family and friends!
Print
Island Pecan Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Island Pecan Pie is a delightful tropical twist on the classic Southern pecan pie, featuring a luscious filling of chopped pecans, shredded coconut, and crushed pineapple in a rich, sweet syrup. This dessert combines the nutty richness with a burst of tropical flavors, perfect for festive occasions or any time you want to impress with a unique treat.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
Filling
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1/4 cup crushed pineapple, well-drained
Instructions
- Prepare Pie Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the unbaked 9-inch pie crust into a pie plate and crimp the edges neatly to prepare the base for the filling.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the 3 large eggs, 1 cup light corn syrup, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, melted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Nuts and Fruit: Gently fold in the 1 cup chopped pecans, 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut, and 1/4 cup well-drained crushed pineapple, ensuring the filling is evenly combined with the nuts and fruits.
- Fill and Smooth: Pour the prepared filling evenly into the pie crust and smooth the top with a spatula to create an even surface for baking.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is a golden brown color. After 30 minutes, check the pie and cover the crust edges with foil if they are browning too quickly to prevent burning.
- Cool Completely: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling lets the filling set fully, making it easier to slice and serve.
Notes
- This tropical pecan pie is a unique take on the traditional Southern pecan pie, enhanced by pineapple and coconut for added flavor.
- Serve warm or at room temperature with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent finish.
- Cover the crust edges with foil midway during baking to prevent over-browning.
- Ensure pineapple is well-drained to avoid soggy filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Tropical-Inspired
