Ambrosia Cookie Pie
A creamy, tropical-inspired pie featuring pineapple, mandarin oranges, and coconut, perfect for a refreshing dessert that suits gatherings, potlucks, or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the cream cheese with the confectioners' sugar and pineapple liquid until smooth.
- Beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
- Add in the drained pineapple, Mandarin oranges, and coconut, folding gently to combine.
- Pour the mixture into a baked or graham cracker crust.
- Chill in the refrigerator until the pie is firm and ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese and reducing the sugar. If you want to enhance the tropical flavor, add a splash of coconut extract. Ensure your heavy cream is very cold for better whipping, and fold gently to maintain the airy texture. If using a store-bought crust, opt for a graham cracker or cookie crust for the best flavor pairing.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the Ambrosia Cookie Pie and serve chilled. It pairs beautifully with fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries on the side. For an extra touch, drizzle with chocolate syrup or sprinkle with additional coconut flakes. This pie is a delightful dessert for potlucks and family gatherings, just like Grandma'S Sweet Bread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change. To enjoy later, simply serve chilled directly from the fridge. If the pie is firm, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes for easier slicing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ambrosia Cookie Pie contains roughly 309 calories, with 4g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute fresh pineapple and mandarins for the canned versions. Just be sure to chop them into small pieces. Fresh fruit will offer a brighter flavor but may require draining excess juice to maintain the pie's texture.
How can I make this pie more colorful?
To enhance the visual appeal, consider adding a layer of fresh berries on top before serving. You could also mix in some diced kiwi or strawberries with the mandarin oranges for an eye-catching effect that complements the tropical theme.
Is this pie suitable for special diets?
The Ambrosia Cookie Pie is vegetarian-friendly but not gluten-free or dairy-free. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free crust. To make it dairy-free, substitute the cream cheese and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives, ensuring they whip well for the desired texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).