Grandmother'S Pineapple Pie
Grandmother's Pineapple Pie combines a rich mascarpone filling with layers of soaked ladyfingers and a coffee-brandy infusion, creating a luxurious dessert with bold flavors. Topped with cocoa and chocolate curls, it’s perfect for special occasions or indulgent gatherings, offering a delightful blend of creaminess and coffee aroma.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted and cooled ⓘ
- 3 eggs, slightly beaten
- 1 1/2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 1 heaping tablespoon flour ⓘ
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (not drained)
- 1 uncooked 9 or 10-inch pie shell ⓘ
- 6 egg yolks ⓘ
- 3 egg whites ⓘ
- 1/3 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1 pound mascarpone ⓘ
- 2 cups strong espresso coffee
- 2 tablespoons cognac ⓘ
- 28 ladyfingers ⓘ
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat egg yolks and sugar until thick and pale yellow.
- Beat or fold in mascarpone until thoroughly incorporated. Mixture should be completely smooth.
- Beat egg whites until stiff and fold into mascarpone mixture.
- Combine espresso and brandy. Dip ladyfingers very quickly into coffee-brandy mixture, one at a time, and line the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch rectangular dish.
- Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers and sprinkle with cocoa powder.
- Dip more ladyfingers into the espresso-brandy mixture and make another layer over the mascarpone layer.
- Cover with remaining mascarpone mixture and sprinkle with cocoa powder.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate several hours or overnight.
- Just before serving, peel chocolate into curls with a carrot peeler and sprinkle over the cake.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure the egg whites are beaten until stiff peaks form before folding them into the mascarpone mixture. If you're short on mascarpone, cream cheese can serve as a substitute, though it may slightly alter the flavor. Experiment with flavored liqueurs instead of cognac for a unique twist. For a chocolatey depth, try adding a layer of chocolate ganache between the mascarpone layers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Tiramisu as a delightful finish to a meal, perhaps after a rich dish like Vegetarian Lasagna. Pair it with a fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the flavors. A light dusting of cocoa powder on top can enhance presentation, while espresso or cappuccino complements the dessert beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Cover any leftover Tiramisu with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to a month; however, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. To serve again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and enjoy cold for the best experience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandmother'S Pineapple Pie contains roughly 2837 calories, with 25g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 275g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (79% of the Daily Value), iron (61% of the Daily Value), and protein (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 22g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make this Tiramisu ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, Tiramisu tastes better when made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge.
What can I substitute for ladyfingers?
If you can't find ladyfingers, sponge cake or pound cake can be used as an alternative. Simply slice them into strips and dip them into the espresso-brandy mixture, ensuring they are soaked but not overly soggy.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free ladyfingers or a gluten-free sponge cake. Check the labels carefully to ensure all other ingredients, such as cocoa powder, are also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy a delicious gluten-free Tiramisu without compromising on flavor.
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).