Ambrosia Pie
Ambrosia Pie is a luscious and tropical dessert featuring a creamy filling combined with coconut, pineapple, and mandarin oranges. Its refreshing flavors make it perfect for warm weather gatherings or special occasions, appealing to those who love fruity, creamy treats with a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and pineapple juice in a mixing bowl. Beat until smooth.
- Add Cool Whip to the mixture and fold gently until well combined.
- Fold in the flaked coconut, drained crushed pineapple, and drained mandarin oranges.
- Pour the mixture into the chilled cookie crust pie shell.
- Chill in the refrigerator until the pie is firm and set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt and use a sugar substitute instead of powdered sugar. If you prefer a tropical twist, try adding diced mango or swapping the coconut for chopped nuts. Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in your filling. Chill the pie for several hours to achieve the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Ambrosia Pie chilled, garnished with additional flaked coconut or mandarin orange slices for a decorative touch. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a delightful brunch option, consider serving it alongside Outrageous Blueberry Muffins or Cut-Out Sugar Cookies.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Ambrosia Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pie can be enjoyed cold, but if you prefer a firmer texture, allow it to chill for a bit longer before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ambrosia Pie contains roughly 481 calories, with 4g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value) and iron (10% of the Daily Value).
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 use fresh fruit, but be sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the pie. Fresh pineapple and mandarins will provide a vibrant flavor, though canned fruit is more convenient and ensures consistency in sweetness.
How do I make the crust from scratch?
To make a homemade cookie crust, crush about 24 cookies (like graham crackers or vanilla wafers) and mix them with 1/2 cup of melted butter. Press the mixture into a pie dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes. Allow to cool before filling.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! Ambrosia Pie can be made a day in advance. Just be sure to cover it well with plastic wrap or foil to keep it fresh. Chilling it overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
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).