If you are looking for a delightful twist on a classic dessert, this Island Pecan Pie Recipe blends the rich, buttery flavor of pecans with the tropical sweetness of pineapple and coconut. The combination creates an irresistible, moist pie that’s both familiar and exciting, making it perfect for any occasion where you want to wow your guests or treat yourself to something special. This pie feels like a mini vacation on your plate with every bite, bringing sunshine and warmth no matter the season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Island Pecan Pie Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role—from providing texture to adding layers of flavor that balance perfectly. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before getting started.
- Pie crust: A flaky crust serves as the sturdy base that holds all the delicious filling together; store-bought works just fine for convenience.
- Sugar (1 3/4 cups): Brings sweetness and helps create that delightfully sticky consistency essential in pecan pies.
- Pecans (1 cup, roughly chopped): Adds crunch and nutty richness, a signature ingredient that makes this pie truly shine.
- Crushed pineapple (1 cup, drained): Infuses tropical sweetness and moisture, brightening the flavor profile uniquely.
- Shredded coconut (1 cup): Provides chewy texture and a subtle island-inspired aroma.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Enhances richness and melds all flavors with its creamy goodness.
- Eggs (5, room temperature): Helps set the filling perfectly while adding a tender structure.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Stabilizes the filling to give it a smooth, sliceable texture.
- All-purpose flour (1 tablespoon): Works with cornstarch to thicken and support the filling during baking.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A pinch of salt balances sweetness and enhances all the natural flavors.
How to Make Island Pecan Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 300º F (150º C). This lower temperature allows the filling to cook evenly without scorching the crust or drying out the pie, laying the perfect foundation for that luscious texture.
Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat together the sugar, eggs, cornstarch, flour, and salt until thoroughly combined. This mixture forms the backbone of your pie’s filling, creating a silky custard that holds the tropical sweetness and nutty crunch together beautifully.
Step 3: Add Butter and Island Flavors
Next, mix in the melted unsalted butter to add richness and smoothness. Then gently fold in the pecans, crushed pineapple, and shredded coconut. This step brings the signature island-inspired ingredients into the mix, making the filling vibrant and full of character.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Place the pie crust in a round baking dish, ensuring it fits snugly. Pour the pecan mixture evenly over the crust, allowing it to settle naturally. Crimp the edges of the crust to seal the filling inside, giving your pie a charming homemade look.
Step 5: Bake the Pie
Put the assembled pie into your preheated oven and bake for 55 minutes, or until the filling is almost set but still slightly jiggly in the center. This careful timing prevents the filling from overcooking while ensuring it firms up just right.
Step 6: Finish Baking with Foil
Cover the pie loosely with aluminum foil to protect the crust edges from burning, then bake for another 15-20 minutes. This step lets the center set completely while the crust bakes to golden perfection without burning.
Step 7: Garnish and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, top your pie with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted coconut. These garnishes add a cool, creamy contrast and a toasty crunch that perfectly complement the warm, tropical filling.
How to Serve Island Pecan Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Whipped cream is a classic addition that lightens each bite, while toasted coconut adds a beautifully nutty flavor and extra texture. Fresh pineapple slices or a drizzle of caramel sauce also make for fun, flavorful garnishes that elevate the presentation and taste even further.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with simple vanilla ice cream, which melts over the warm filling and enhances its sweetness. For a refreshing contrast, serve alongside a light fruit salad or a crisp green salad with citrus dressing to keep things bright and balanced after indulgent bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the pie in individual tart shells to create personal-sized treats perfect for parties. You can also slice and plate pieces with a sprinkle of toasted pecans or a dusting of powdered sugar for a refined, inviting look that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Island Pecan Pie can be stored in the refrigerator covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil. It will keep its flavor and texture well for up to 4 days, making it a fantastic dessert option to enjoy over several occasions.
Freezing
If you want to save your pie for longer, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without significant loss of texture or taste—just thaw it in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to indulge again.
Reheating
To enjoy your reheated pie with a freshly-baked feel, warm slices gently in a low oven (around 275º F) for 10-15 minutes. This method helps bring back the softness and melds the flavors while maintaining that perfect sliceable consistency.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pie crust for this Island Pecan Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought pie crust is a great time-saver and works wonderfully for this recipe. Just make sure it’s a good-quality crust that holds up well during baking.
Do I have to drain the pineapple?
Yes, draining the crushed pineapple is important to prevent the pie filling from becoming too watery, which could affect the texture and baking process.
Can I use maple syrup instead of sugar?
While you can experiment with maple syrup, it will change the texture and sweetness level of the pie. It’s best to stick to sugar for the signature consistency and flavor of this Island Pecan Pie Recipe.
Is it necessary to cover the pie with foil in the second baking phase?
Covering with foil after the initial bake protects the crust edges from over-browning while allowing the filling center to set evenly, which is highly recommended for the best results.
How can I make this pie nut-free?
You can simply omit the pecans and add extra coconut or even toasted seeds for crunch. The pineapple and coconut flavors will still give you that delightful island-inspired treat.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about biting into a slice of this Island Pecan Pie Recipe—the blend of textures and tropical flavors takes a classic pie to new heights. Whether you’re bringing it to a celebration or enjoying a quiet night in, this pie will quickly become a beloved favorite. Give it a try and let the sweet island vibes sweep you away!
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Island Pecan Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Island Pecan Pie is a tropical twist on the classic dessert, combining rich pecans with sweet crushed pineapple and shredded coconut in a buttery pie crust. Baked to perfection, this pie offers a luscious filling with a delightful texture and a hint of island flavor, perfect for any occasion that calls for a special treat.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Filling
- 1 3/4 cups sugar
- 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 5 eggs, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300º F (150º C) to prepare for baking the pie.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the sugar, eggs, cornstarch, all-purpose flour, and salt until the mixture is thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Add Butter and Mix-ins: Stir in the melted unsalted butter, then gently fold in the chopped pecans, drained crushed pineapple, and shredded coconut, ensuring even distribution.
- Prepare Pie Crust: Place the pie crust into a round baking dish, pressing it evenly. Pour the pecan and fruit mixture over the crust. Crimp the edges of the crust to seal.
- Bake the Pie: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 55 minutes or until the filling is almost set, with only a slight jiggle remaining in the center.
- Continue Baking Covered: Cover the pie loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the center is just set and the filling is cooked through.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool. Garnish with whipped cream and toasted coconut before serving. Enjoy your flavorful island-inspired pecan pie!
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs to ensure better mixing and texture.
- Drain the crushed pineapple well to avoid excess moisture making the pie soggy.
- Covering the pie with foil in the final baking stage helps prevent the crust from burning while ensuring the filling cooks thoroughly.
- For a more pronounced coconut flavor, toast the shredded coconut before adding it to the filling or as a garnish.
- Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing; this helps the filling to set properly for cleaner slices.
