Mrs. Inouye'S Papaya Cheese Pie
A tropical-inspired cheese pie featuring sweet papayas, creamy filling, and fruity toppings, perfect for Hawaii lovers and those craving a refreshing dessert or brunch option.
Ingredients
- 2 Hawaiian papayas ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 lb. cream cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 c. sugar ⓘ
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp. grated lemon peel ⓘ
- 1 (9-inch) baked pastry crust ⓘ
- 1/2 c. melted apple jelly ⓘ
- kiwi slices ⓘ
- mint sprigs ⓘ
- green onions, chopped (optional)
- 1 qt. water ⓘ
- pinch of salt ⓘ
- 10 big dates ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. cut almonds
- 1 pkg. kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 lean ham hock (medium size) ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. oil (canola or other)
- 1/2 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- garlic powder, salt, red pepper and black pepper to taste ⓘ
- 3 1/2 lb. chicken
- 3/4 c. shoyu ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. honey ⓘ
- 1/2 c. brown sugar
- 1/4 c. green onions, chopped (optional to sprinkle over dish) ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare the baked pastry crust if not already baked.
- Peel, halve, and seed the Hawaiian papayas.
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sugar, grated lemon peel, and eggs until smooth.
- Stir in cornstarch until fully incorporated.
- Pour the cheese mixture into the baked pastry crust.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes or until set.
- Remove from oven and let cool.
- Brush melted apple jelly over the cooled pie.
- Garnish with kiwi slices, mint sprigs, and green onions if desired.
- Optional: serve with additional fruit or toppings as preferred.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. You can substitute Hawaiian papayas with ripe cantaloupes or mangoes if needed. If you're looking for a more decadent flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the cheese mixture. If you have leftovers, try using the pie as a topping for yogurt or over pancakes for a breakfast treat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pie chilled for a refreshing dessert, garnished with fresh kiwi slices and mint sprigs. 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 Southern Pork Chops And Rice Casserole for a unique twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or enjoy it chilled straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mrs. Inouye'S Papaya Cheese Pie contains roughly 1667 calories, with 46g protein, 243g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (142% of the Daily Value), iron (111% of the Daily Value), and protein (93% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1185mg per serving (52% 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 a different type of fruit instead of papaya?
Yes, you can substitute Hawaiian papayas with other tropical fruits like mango or ripe peaches. Just ensure that the fruit is sweet and ripe to maintain the pie's flavor profile.
How do I know when the pie is done baking?
The pie is done when the center is set and slightly jiggly. It will firm up as it cools. You can also check for a light golden color on the top, indicating it has baked properly.
Can I freeze the papaya cheese pie?
Freezing is not recommended for this pie, as the texture may change once thawed. However, you can freeze the unbaked filling in a separate container, then bake it fresh when you're ready to enjoy.
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).