The Ultimate Pineapple Pie Recipe: A Sweet & Tangy Delight
Are you ready to bake the most amazing pineapple pie? This recipe will guide you through creating a sweet and tangy dessert that's sure to impress your family and friends. We'll cover everything from the flaky crust to the vibrant pineapple filling, ensuring a perfect pie every time. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and get baking!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, ensuring you can whip up this delicious pie without any hassle.
For the Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ½ cup ice water
For the Pineapple Filling:
- 2 cups crushed pineapple, drained (fresh or canned)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Let's dive into the process of creating this delectable pineapple pie. Each step is detailed to ensure a smooth and successful baking experience.
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add ice water: Gradually add ice water, mixing lightly until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll and bake: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent bubbling. Blind bake (bake the crust empty) for 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
Preparing the Pineapple Filling:
- Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the drained crushed pineapple, sugar, cornstarch, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
- Cook the filling: Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Temper the eggs: Remove the saucepan from the heat and slowly whisk in a few spoonfuls of the hot pineapple mixture into the beaten eggs. This tempers the eggs and prevents them from scrambling.
- Combine and stir: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining pineapple mixture. Stir in the lemon juice and butter. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
Assembling and Baking the Pie:
- Pour filling: Pour the hot pineapple filling into the pre-baked pie crust.
- Bake: Bake the pie at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
- Cool: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This allows the filling to set properly.
Tips for the Perfect Pineapple Pie:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better your ingredients, the better your pie will taste!
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing the pie crust dough will make it tough.
- Blind baking prevents a soggy bottom: This crucial step ensures a flaky, delicious crust.
- Let the pie cool completely: This is essential for the filling to set properly.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your delicious pineapple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra decadent treat. Enjoy!
This comprehensive guide ensures a successful and delicious pineapple pie. Remember to adjust sweetness and spices to your liking. Happy baking!