There’s something downright irresistible about a slice of Southern Pineapple Pie: it’s the perfect blend of sunny, tropical flavor and that classic, cozy comfort we all adore in Southern desserts. This pie features a luscious, sweet pineapple filling nestled in a tender, flaky crust, finished with a golden-brown top that begs to be cut into. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pie aficionado, this beloved treat will steal the show at family gatherings, picnics, or just a quiet afternoon with coffee. Once you taste that creamy, tangy, buttery bite, you’ll understand why Southern Pineapple Pie has long been a cherished recipe passed down through generations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things beautifully simple, relying on pantry staples and bright pineapple to create that signature flavor. Each ingredient plays an important role, working together to create a pie that is sweet, rich, and utterly memorable.
- Pie Crust: An unbaked 9-inch pie crust provides a buttery, flaky foundation for the filling; use homemade or store-bought for ease.
- Crushed Pineapple: One 20-ounce can, well-drained, delivers the juicy, tangy flavor and keeps the pie moist without turning the crust soggy.
- Granulated Sugar: One cup balances pineapple’s tartness and caramelizes beautifully in the oven for sweetness in every slice.
- All-Purpose Flour: Two tablespoons help thicken the filling just enough, so you get a creamy texture instead of runny.
- Eggs: Two large eggs bring richness and structure, binding the filling as it bakes.
- Unsalted Butter: A quarter cup, melted; butter adds depth, a velvety mouthfeel, and that unmistakable Southern charm.
- Vanilla Extract: One teaspoon infuses warmth and rounds out the fruit’s vibrant notes with a delicate aroma.
- Salt: Just a quarter teaspoon, but it’s vital for enhancing all the other flavors and keeping the pie balanced.
How to Make Southern Pineapple Pie
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F so it reaches the perfect temperature while you prep the filling. A properly preheated oven ensures the pie cooks evenly, leading to a perfectly set, golden crust and a luscious interior.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the well-drained crushed pineapple, sugar, flour, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir everything together until the mixture is well blended and smooth, making sure there are no pockets of flour left behind. A thorough mix means every bite will have that signature creamy, tropical filling.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Pour the pineapple filling into your unbaked pie crust and use a spatula to smooth the top evenly. This step is essential for a uniform bake and ensures the filling sets beautifully right to the edge of the crust.
Step 4: Bake
Set the pie on the middle rack of your oven for 50 to 55 minutes. Watch for the top to turn a gorgeous golden brown, and check that the filling is set—give it a gentle shake, and the center should be a little firm but still have a slight jiggle. The aroma will fill your kitchen with hints of butter and pineapple, making it terribly hard to wait.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for at least one hour. This cooling time is key: it helps the filling firm up and makes slicing easy and clean. Serve Southern Pineapple Pie warm if you love a gooey center or chilled for a firmer, set texture—either way, it’s pure delight!
How to Serve Southern Pineapple Pie
Garnishes
A slice of Southern Pineapple Pie already shines, but a few simple garnishes take it over the top. Try a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream to highlight the tropical flavors. A sprinkle of toasted coconut or chopped pecans on top adds a lovely crunch and Southern flair in every bite.
Side Dishes
Serve your pie with light, refreshing sides that complement its sweetness. Freshly cut fruit like mango or berries makes a beautiful, colorful plate. For a classic Southern touch, offer sweet tea or a frosty lemonade. If you’re planning a bigger dessert spread, biscuits with honey or a mini cheese board are fun pairings that let the pie take center stage.
Creative Ways to Present
You can get playful with presentation: slice the pie into bite-size squares for dessert bars at parties, or make mini Southern Pineapple Pies in muffin tins for grab-and-go treats. Serve each slice with a pineapple wedge or a twist of lime on the side for a tropical look that’s just as cheerful as the flavor inside.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Southern Pineapple Pie keeps wonderfully for several days. Simply cover the cooled pie tightly with plastic wrap or place slices in an airtight container, then refrigerate. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to four days, making it perfect for make-ahead dessert planning.
Freezing
If you’d like to make this pie well in advance, Southern Pineapple Pie can be frozen after it has fully cooled. Wrap the entire pie (or individual slices) tightly in foil and then place in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving; it will taste just as lovely as the day it was baked.
Reheating
To rewarm slices for that fresh-from-the-oven taste, pop individual pieces in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, or microwave for 15–20 seconds. This revives the buttery texture and dreamy aroma, especially if you’re serving it with ice cream on the side.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just be sure to chop the pineapple very finely and drain it thoroughly so your filling doesn’t turn soupy. If your fresh pineapple is especially tangy, you might want to taste and adjust the sugar to keep the pie sweet and balanced.
Why does my crust sometimes get soggy?
Most often, this happens if the pineapple isn’t drained well enough. Make sure to press out as much juice from the canned pineapple as possible, or the excess liquid will seep into your crust during baking.
Can I make this pie gluten-free?
Yes! Just use a gluten-free pie crust and substitute the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free baking mix or cornstarch. The flavor and texture will still be scrumptious.
Is it possible to reduce the sugar?
It is! You can safely reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup if you’d like a less sweet pie, but keep in mind the pineapple brings plenty of natural sweetness too. The pie’s creamy texture will remain even with less sugar.
What are some fun add-ins for this pie?
For a fun twist, you can add a handful of chopped pecans or shredded coconut—these classic Southern ingredients bring extra crunch and personality to your Southern Pineapple Pie. A pinch of cinnamon also pairs beautifully with the juicy pineapple filling.
Final Thoughts
This Southern Pineapple Pie is pure comfort on a plate, bursting with cheery flavor and Southern nostalgia. Whether you bake it for a special occasion or just for a little weekday magic, you’ll love how simple, sunny, and joy-filled this pie is. Give it a whirl and share a slice of sweet Southern tradition with those you love!
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Southern Pineapple Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the tropical flavors of the South with this delightful Southern Pineapple Pie. A sweet and tangy dessert that’s a perfect ending to any meal.
Ingredients
Pie Crust:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
Filling:
- 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple (drained)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix filling: In a large bowl, combine drained pineapple, sugar, flour, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well.
- Fill pie crust: Pour filling into unbaked pie crust, smooth the top.
- Bake: Bake on middle rack for 50–55 minutes until golden brown and set.
- Cool and serve: Allow to cool for 1 hour before slicing. Serve warm or chilled.
Notes
- This pie pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Ensure to drain the pineapple thoroughly to avoid a soggy crust.
- For added crunch, mix in ¼ cup chopped pecans or shredded coconut.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 31g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
