Every now and then, a dessert comes along that’s so light, refreshing, and just plain happy that it instantly becomes a family favorite. For me, this Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie is one of those treasures. It’s sunshine on a plate—cool, creamy, sweet, and tangy, with the tropical brightness of pineapple layered over velvety cream cheese filling and a buttery graham cracker crust.
I’m grateful for recipes like this one because they’re deceptively simple yet look like they came straight from a café dessert case. And the best part? You can make it ahead, which makes it perfect for summer gatherings, Sunday lunches, or just keeping in the fridge for when a sweet craving hits.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tropical flavor – The pineapple topping is fresh, bright, and perfectly sweet.
- No-bake ease – The crust sets in the fridge—no oven required.
- Make-ahead friendly – Actually tastes better after chilling.
- Crowd-pleasing – It’s creamy, light, and never too heavy.
What Does It Taste Like?
Imagine a cheesecake’s creaminess without the dense heaviness, topped with a cool pineapple layer that bursts with fruity sweetness. The buttery graham cracker base adds the perfect contrast, making each bite a little bit crunchy, creamy, and juicy all at once.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Minimal ingredients and effort.
- Easy to transport to potlucks or picnics.
- Works for any season—summer-fresh or winter-bright.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1½ cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs or crushed digestive biscuits
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (115g) melted butter
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream, whipped
For the Pineapple Topping:
- 1 can (20 oz / 565g) crushed pineapple, drained
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Tools You’ll Need
- 9-inch pie dish
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Saucepan
- Spatula
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
- Use crushed mango or passion fruit instead of pineapple for a tropical twist.
- Swap graham crackers for vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies.
- Add toasted coconut on top for extra texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Crust
- Crush graham crackers or biscuits into fine crumbs. Mix with sugar and melted butter until it resembles damp sand. Press firmly into the base and sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Chill for at least 15 minutes.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
- Beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and fluffy. Mix in vanilla and lemon juice. In a separate bowl, whip the cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Spread evenly over the chilled crust. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Make the Pineapple Topping
- In a saucepan, combine drained pineapple, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let cool completely.
- Assemble the Pie
- Spread cooled pineapple topping over the cream cheese filling. Chill for at least 2 more hours before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve cold, with extra whipped cream if desired.
- Garnish with fresh mint for a pop of color.
- Pair with iced tea or a tropical fruit punch for a summer dessert table.
Tips for the Best Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie
- Make sure the pineapple topping is completely cooled before spreading to avoid melting the filling.
- For a firmer crust, chill it longer before adding the filling.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest flavor.
Storage Instructions
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- This pie does not freeze well because of the whipped cream filling.
FAQ
Can I use fresh pineapple?
Yes, but it must be finely chopped and well-drained before cooking.
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely—it’s even better after sitting overnight in the fridge.
Can I skip the topping and just have the filling?
Yes, it makes a delicious plain cream cheese pie.
Conclusion
This Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie is the dessert equivalent of a beach vacation—bright, refreshing, and blissfully easy. Whether you make it for a party or just because, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles with every slice.
More Creamy Dessert Recipes
- No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake
- Banana Cream Pie
- Coconut Cream Pudding
📌 If you make this pie, share your photos on Pinterest—I’d love to see your tropical creations!
Nutritional Information (per slice, 1/8 of pie): ~340 calories, 20g fat, 36g carbs, 4g protein
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