Escape to the tropics with our tantalizing recipe for Island Pecan Pie. This delightful twist on the classic pecan pie combines the rich flavors of pecans with the tropical sweetness of pineapple and coconut, creating a dessert that is as vibrant as it is delicious. With a buttery crust and a filling that’s bursting with flavor, Island Pecan Pie is sure to transport you to a sunny paradise with each bite. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply craving a taste of the tropics, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. So, let’s dive into the recipe and embark on a culinary journey to paradise!
Ingredients:
For the Pie:
- 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
- 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:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9-inch pie dish by lining it with the pie crust, trimming any excess dough, and crimping the edges.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, chopped pecans, crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, melted butter, eggs, cornstarch, flour, and salt. Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
3. Fill the Pie Crust:
- Pour the filling mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
4. Bake the Pie:
- Place the pie dish on a baking sheet to catch any drips, then transfer it to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
5. Cool and Serve:
- Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
- Serve slices of Island Pecan Pie on their own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Toasted Coconut: For added flavor and texture, toast the shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown before adding it to the filling mixture.
- Nut Variations: Feel free to substitute pecans with other nuts such as macadamia nuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.
- Tropical Fruit Additions: Experiment with different tropical fruits such as mango, papaya, or passion fruit to customize the filling to your taste preferences.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Almond Flour Crust: Replace the traditional pie crust with a low-carb alternative made from almond flour, butter, and a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol.
- Sugar-Free Sweeteners: Use a sugar-free sweetener such as erythritol or stevia in place of sugar in the filling to reduce the carb content of the pie.
- Low-Carb Fruit Options: Opt for low-carb fruits such as berries or avocado in place of pineapple to further reduce the carb content of the pie.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned pineapple?
- Yes, fresh pineapple can be used in place of canned pineapple. Simply dice the fresh pineapple into small pieces and drain any excess juice before adding it to the filling mixture.
- Can I make the pie crust from scratch?
- Absolutely! You can make a homemade pie crust using flour, butter, salt, and water. Simply roll out the dough and line the pie dish before adding the filling.
- Can I freeze leftover pie slices?
- Yes, leftover pie slices can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and serving.
- Can I omit the cornstarch and flour from the filling?
- The cornstarch and flour help to thicken the filling and give it a slightly firmer texture. If you prefer a softer filling, you can omit these ingredients, but the filling may be more liquidy.
Experience the taste of the tropics with Island Pecan Pie, a dessert that combines the richness of pecans with the sweetness of pineapple and coconut. Whether enjoyed as a refreshing treat on a hot summer day or as a comforting indulgence during the colder months, this pie is sure to transport you to a sunny paradise with each bite. With its buttery crust and luscious filling, Island Pecan Pie is a true delight for the senses. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to savor a taste of paradise with this irresistible dessert.
