Southern Pineapple Pie Recipe
Sweet, tangy, and wrapped up in a flaky, buttery crust, Southern Pineapple Pie is the kind of vintage dessert that brings sunshine to any table. With its sunny golden filling and old-fashioned charm, this pie tastes like a warm hug from your favorite Southern aunt. Each bite is a dreamy blend of caramelized pineapple, vanilla, and melt-in-your-mouth pastry — a true celebration of the comforting, simple flavors that make Southern baking so beloved. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert or a nostalgic slice to savor with coffee, Southern Pineapple Pie is pure, cheerful delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something magical about how a handful of humble ingredients can come together to create a showstopping pie. In this Southern Pineapple Pie, every component plays a vital role — from the juicy fruit to the golden crust and buttery filling, each one brings its own special touch.
- Unbaked 9-inch pie crust: The crisp, flaky base that holds all the luscious filling and provides a gorgeous golden edge.
- Crushed pineapple (20 oz can), well-drained: The star of the show! Make sure it’s thoroughly drained for the perfect, non-soggy texture.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds the right amount of sweetness and helps caramelize the pineapple as it bakes.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): A touch of flour thickens the filling, so every slice holds together beautifully.
- Large eggs (2): Eggs bind the filling and give it that custardy, creamy consistency.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/4 cup): Buttery richness rounds out the flavors and gives the pie a melt-in-your-mouth finish.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A splash of vanilla brings warmth and depth to the filling.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch to balance and brighten all the flavors.
How to Make Southern Pineapple Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pie Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your unbaked 9-inch pie crust in a pie plate, smoothing it out and crimping the edges if you like. This gives you a gorgeous, golden edge and is the perfect vessel for your Southern Pineapple Pie filling to shine.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the well-drained crushed pineapple, granulated sugar, and flour. Once they’re mixed, add in the eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir everything together until it’s fully combined and the mixture looks glossy and smooth. The key here is to make sure the pineapple is well-drained, so your filling sets up beautifully.
Step 3: Fill the Pie Shell
Pour the pineapple filling into your prepared pie crust, using a spatula to smooth out the top. Make sure the filling is evenly spread so it bakes up level and gorgeous. This is where the magic starts — the vibrant pineapple against the pale crust already looks irresistible!
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pie into the preheated oven and bake for 50–55 minutes. You’re looking for the center to be set and the top to turn a lovely golden brown. If you notice the crust edges browning a little too quickly, simply cover them with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking. This keeps your crust perfectly tender and prevents burning.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let your Southern Pineapple Pie cool completely at room temperature. This helps the filling firm up and ensures easy, picture-perfect slices. Serve it chilled for a refreshing treat or at room temperature for a comforting, custardy bite.
How to Serve Southern Pineapple Pie
Garnishes
Southern Pineapple Pie is a beauty all on its own, but a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it to another level. For a little extra flair, try a sprinkle of toasted coconut or a cherry on top for a pop of color. These simple touches make each slice feel like a celebration.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with a light, crisp fruit salad or a simple cup of coffee or sweet tea. If you’re serving it at a big Southern meal, it’s the perfect ending after savory classics like fried chicken or barbecue. The bright pineapple flavor acts as a sweet, tangy palate cleanser.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving Southern Pineapple Pie in individual mason jars or as mini tartlets for parties and potlucks. You can even cut it into small bars for a dessert tray. The sunny yellow filling and rustic crust make it a stunning centerpiece, no matter how you slice it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Simply cover the pie with plastic wrap or foil, and store it in the refrigerator. Southern Pineapple Pie keeps beautifully for up to four days, and the flavors often deepen, making each slice even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the whole pie or individual slices for longer storage. Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place slices in airtight containers. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
If you prefer your Southern Pineapple Pie warm, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds, or place the pie in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. This brings back that just-baked aroma and softens the filling without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just make sure to chop it finely and drain any excess juice thoroughly. You may want to taste for sweetness, as fresh pineapple can be a bit more tart than canned.
Why does my pie sometimes turn out runny?
The most common culprit is not draining the pineapple well enough. Press it gently through a sieve or use a clean kitchen towel to remove as much juice as possible before mixing it into the filling.
Can I make Southern Pineapple Pie ahead of time?
Yes! This pie actually tastes even better after chilling for a few hours, letting the flavors meld together. Make it the day before your gathering for stress-free entertaining.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
You can swap the regular pie crust for a gluten-free version and use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the filling. The texture will be a little different, but the flavor will still be delicious.
What’s the best way to transport this pie?
Let your Southern Pineapple Pie cool completely, then cover it securely with plastic wrap or place it in a pie carrier. Chilling it before traveling helps the filling stay firm and the slices neat when serving.
Final Thoughts
If you’re longing for a dessert that tastes like sunshine and happy memories, Southern Pineapple Pie is the answer. This recipe is easy, heartfelt, and sure to bring smiles at any table. Give it a try — I promise, one slice will have you coming back for more!
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Southern Pineapple Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic Southern Pineapple Pie that features a sweet and tangy pineapple filling baked into a flaky pie crust. This easy-to-make dessert combines crushed pineapple with sugar, eggs, and butter for a rich, custard-like texture, perfect for family gatherings or a nostalgic treat.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
Filling
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple in juice, well-drained
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the pie.
- Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, combine the well-drained crushed pineapple, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, eggs, melted unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated to form the pie filling.
- Fill Pie Crust: Pour the prepared pineapple filling into the unbaked 9-inch pie crust, then smooth the filling evenly with a spatula for uniform baking.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. To prevent the crust edges from over-browning, cover them with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking if necessary.
- Cool: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack at room temperature. This cooling step helps the filling to set properly.
- Serve: Slice the pie into 8 servings and serve chilled or at room temperature. For extra indulgence, top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Ensure the crushed pineapple is thoroughly drained to avoid a soggy pie filling.
- This pie pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for added richness.
- Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
