Pineapple Chiffon Pie
A light and fluffy pineapple chiffon pie with creamy cottage cheese, fresh fruit flavors, and crunchy walnut topping, perfect for summer gatherings and dessert lovers seeking a refreshing treat.
Ingredients
- 6 oz. cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin ⓘ
- 12 oz. can crushed pineapple packed in juice ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons walnuts ⓘ
- 1/2 lemon grated rind ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract ⓘ
- 4 drops almond extract ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons honey ⓘ
- 2 large egg whites ⓘ
- about 1 cup fresh orange juice ⓘ
Instructions
- Add enough orange juice from the can of crushed pineapple to make 1 1/2 cups of liquid.
- Bring the liquid to a simmering point.
- Add gelatin, stirring to dissolve.
- Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
- Combine cottage cheese, yogurt, and pineapple in a blender.
- Add lemon rind, vanilla extract, and almond extract, then puree on low speed for one minute.
- Pour the mixture into the cooled gelatin mixture and refrigerate until it begins to thicken.
- Beat egg whites until firm.
- Drop one-third of the beaten egg whites into the cheese mixture.
- Blend well with a whisk.
- Pour the remaining egg whites into the mixture and fold gently.
- Cool in the refrigerator until almost set, about 45 minutes.
- Turn the mixture into a baked pie shell.
- Sprinkle with chopped walnuts.
- Refrigerate the pie for two hours to set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the cottage cheese is well-blended before mixing with the other ingredients. If you prefer a sweeter pie, consider adding more honey or using sweetened yogurt. You can substitute the walnuts with pecans or omit them for a nut-free version. For an extra citrus kick, add a bit of orange zest to the filling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Pineapple Chiffon Pie chilled, garnished with additional walnuts or a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. It pairs beautifully with Afternoon Delight for a refreshing dessert experience. Consider serving it alongside fresh fruit or a light salad for a delightful meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pie can be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge, but for a softer texture, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pineapple Chiffon Pie contains roughly 93 calories, with 7g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% 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 pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but make sure to crush it well and measure out the equivalent amount. Fresh pineapple may require additional sweetening, as canned versions are usually sweeter due to added sugars.
Is this pie suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Pineapple Chiffon Pie is suitable for vegetarians, as it contains no meat or fish products. However, ensure that the gelatin used is plant-based if you are looking for a vegetarian or vegan option.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pie can be made a day in advance. Just ensure it's covered well in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. It's a great make-ahead dessert for gatherings or special occasions.
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).