Maui Pine Cream Pie
A luscious pineapple cream pie with macadamia nuts and a buttery crust, perfect for tropical gatherings and dessert lovers seeking a rich, fruity treat.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 c. flour ⓘ
- 2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 c. butter flavor Crisco ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. unsalted Macadamia nuts, finely chopped ⓘ
- 2 tsp. grated lemon peel ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. cold milk ⓘ
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 1/2 c. confectioners sugar ⓘ
- 1/3 c. Macadamia nuts, chopped ⓘ
- 1/3 c. drained crushed pineapple ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla ⓘ
- 4 egg yolks ⓘ
- 1 c. sugar ⓘ
Instructions
- Put milk, sugar, salt, and drained crushed pineapple in a saucepan; let come to near boil.
- Mix cornstarch and egg yolks together with 1 tablespoon water and add slowly to the milk mixture, stirring constantly until thickened on low heat.
- Add butter and vanilla to the mixture and remove immediately from heat.
- Cool the mixture for about 1/2 hour in the refrigerator.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using real butter instead of butter flavor Crisco. If you need a gluten-free option, substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. To enhance the tropical flavor, try adding a splash of coconut extract. Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing, and chop the Macadamia nuts finely for a better texture.
Serving Suggestions
This Maui Pine Cream Pie pairs beautifully with a light salad, such as a New Salad, for a balanced meal. Serve it chilled as a dessert, garnished with additional crushed pineapple or toasted Macadamia nuts for an added crunch. A dollop of whipped cream on top can also enhance its creaminess and visual appeal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain the pie's texture, avoid freezing it, as the cream filling may separate upon thawing. Before serving leftovers, you can gently re-chill them in the refrigerator for a refreshing treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Maui Pine Cream Pie contains roughly 1507 calories, with 38g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 105g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (76% of the Daily Value), iron (70% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (55% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1985mg per serving (86% 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 other nuts instead of Macadamia nuts?
Yes, you can substitute walnuts or pecans for a different flavor profile. However, keep in mind that this will alter the overall taste of the pie. If you're aiming for a similar richness, pecans might be the best alternative.
How can I make this pie dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and coconut milk instead of regular milk. Ensure that the confectioners sugar is also dairy-free. This will allow you to enjoy a similar texture and flavor while accommodating dietary restrictions.
What is the best way to serve this pie?
Serve the pie chilled, straight from the refrigerator. For added flair, garnish with fresh fruit, such as sliced strawberries or kiwis, and a sprinkle of toasted coconut. This enhances the tropical theme and makes for a visually appealing dessert.
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).