Hawaiian Cheese Pie
A tropical-inspired no-bake pie featuring toasted coconut, creamy cheese, pineapple, and orange flavors, perfect for summer gatherings or any special occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups flaked coconut, lightly toasted ⓘ
- 1/3 cup margarine or butter, melted ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/3 cup frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can crushed pineapple, well drained
- 1 1/2 teaspoons grated orange rind ⓘ
- yellow food coloring (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Combine toasted coconut and melted margarine or butter.
- Press the coconut mixture into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie plate.
- Bake for 4 to 5 minutes, then cool.
- In a large mixer bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until fluffy.
- Gradually beat in the sweetened condensed milk, then add the thawed orange juice concentrate.
- Stir in the well-drained crushed pineapple, grated orange rind, and optional food coloring.
- Fold in whipped topping until well blended.
- Chill the pie for 3 hours or until set.
- Garnish as desired and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before beating. You can substitute the sweetened condensed milk with coconut milk for a dairy-free version. If you want extra coconut flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of coconut extract. Toasting the coconut enhances its flavor, so don't skip that step! This pie is a great way to use leftover crushed pineapple from other dishes.
Serving Suggestions
This Hawaiian Cheese Pie pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Consider serving it alongside a tropical salad or grilled shrimp for a complete meal. For an extra touch, garnish with additional toasted coconut or citrus slices. It makes a delightful dessert for summer gatherings or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the pie's texture, avoid freezing it, as the whipped topping can separate upon thawing. If you need to reheat, allow the pie to come to room temperature before serving, as this enhances the flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hawaiian Cheese Pie contains roughly 415 calories, with 8g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value) and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A.
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 pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but make sure to drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the pie. Fresh pineapple adds a vibrant flavor, making it a great choice for this tropical dessert.
How can I make this pie gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn't use traditional flour. Just ensure that all other ingredients, like the margarine or any whipped topping, are labeled gluten-free. It's an excellent option for those following gluten-free diets.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pie can be made a day or two in advance. Just remember to keep it refrigerated until you're ready to serve. Chilling it 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).