Jim’s Famous Pineapple Cheese Pie: A Sweet and Savory Delight

This recipe, affectionately known as Jim’s Pineapple Cheese Pie, has been a family favorite for generations. It’s a delightful combination of sweet pineapple and tangy cream cheese, baked to golden perfection in a flaky pie crust. The result? A unique dessert that’s both comforting and surprisingly refreshing. Prepare to impress your friends and family with this easy-to-follow, crowd-pleasing recipe.

Why You’ll Love Jim’s Pineapple Cheese Pie

* **Unique Flavor Combination:** The sweetness of the pineapple perfectly complements the tanginess of the cream cheese, creating a balanced and irresistible flavor profile.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply craving a sweet treat, Jim’s Pineapple Cheese Pie is guaranteed to be a hit.
* **Versatile:** Enjoy it warm, cold, or at room temperature. It’s a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed any time of year.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can prepare the filling a day in advance and simply bake the pie when you’re ready to serve it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather the following ingredients:

* **Pie Crust:** 1 (9-inch) pre-made pie crust, or homemade crust (your preference).
* **Cream Cheese:** 8 ounces, softened to room temperature.
* **Sweetened Condensed Milk:** 1 (14-ounce) can.
* **Crushed Pineapple:** 1 (20-ounce) can, well-drained.
* **Eggs:** 2 large eggs.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1 teaspoon.
* **Lemon Juice:** 1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed is best).
* **Optional Toppings:** Whipped cream, maraschino cherries, toasted coconut flakes.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

* **Pie Crust:** Using a pre-made crust saves time, but a homemade crust always adds a special touch. If making your own, use your favorite recipe. A graham cracker crust also works well for a slightly different flavor profile.
* **Cream Cheese:** Full-fat cream cheese provides the best flavor and texture. Reduced-fat cream cheese can be used, but the pie may be slightly less rich.
* **Sweetened Condensed Milk:** Do not substitute evaporated milk, as sweetened condensed milk provides the necessary sweetness and thickness.
* **Crushed Pineapple:** Ensure the pineapple is well-drained to prevent a soggy pie. You can also use pineapple tidbits, but be sure to chop them slightly finer.
* **Lemon Juice:** Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavor of the pie. Bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, but the flavor may not be as vibrant.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Jim’s Pineapple Cheese Pie

Follow these easy steps to create your own delicious Jim’s Pineapple Cheese Pie:

**Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust**

* If using a pre-made pie crust, remove it from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before starting. This will allow it to soften slightly and prevent cracking.
* If making your own pie crust, prepare it according to your recipe and pre-bake it according to the recipe instructions. Let it cool completely before filling.

**Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling**

* In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. This is crucial to prevent lumps in the final pie. Ensure your cream cheese is properly softened to room temperature.
* Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk, beating until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is thoroughly mixed.
* Add the drained crushed pineapple, eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon juice to the bowl. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the filling tough.

**Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Pie**

* Pour the cream cheese filling into the prepared pie crust. Spread it evenly to ensure a uniform thickness.
* Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. The center of the pie should be slightly jiggly but not liquidy. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil.
* Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This is important to allow the filling to set properly. Do not cut into the pie while it’s still warm.

**Step 4: Chill and Serve**

* Once the pie has cooled completely, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and the filling to firm up even more. For best results, chill overnight.
* Before serving, top with whipped cream, maraschino cherries, or toasted coconut flakes, if desired.
* Slice and enjoy! Jim’s Pineapple Cheese Pie is delicious served cold or at room temperature.

Tips for Perfecting Your Pineapple Cheese Pie

* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking can result in a dry or cracked pie. Keep a close eye on it and remove it from the oven when the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
* **Drain the Pineapple Thoroughly:** Excess moisture from the pineapple can make the pie soggy. Use a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to ensure all the liquid is removed.
* **Use Room Temperature Ingredients:** Softened cream cheese and room temperature eggs will blend more easily and create a smoother filling.
* **Chill Completely:** Chilling the pie allows the flavors to meld and the filling to set properly. Resist the temptation to cut into it too soon!
* **Get Creative with Toppings:** While whipped cream and maraschino cherries are classic toppings, feel free to experiment with other options like toasted nuts, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
* **Prevent Crust Burning:** If you find the crust is browning too quickly, you can cover it with foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
* **For a Graham Cracker Crust:** Use about 1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs, 1/3 cup of melted butter, and 1/4 cup of sugar. Press into the bottom of a pie plate and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes before filling.

Variations and Adaptations

Want to put your own spin on Jim’s Pineapple Cheese Pie? Here are a few ideas:

* **Coconut Pineapple Cheese Pie:** Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the filling for a tropical twist. Sprinkle extra coconut on top before baking.
* **Macadamia Nut Pineapple Cheese Pie:** Mix 1/4 cup of chopped macadamia nuts into the filling or sprinkle them on top for added crunch and flavor.
* **Spiced Pineapple Cheese Pie:** Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the filling for a warm and cozy flavor.
* **Key Lime Pineapple Cheese Pie:** Add 2 tablespoons of key lime juice to the filling for a tangy and refreshing twist.
* **Chocolate Chip Pineapple Cheese Pie:** Fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the filling for a decadent treat.

Serving Suggestions

Jim’s Pineapple Cheese Pie is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your serving experience:

* **With Coffee or Tea:** The pie pairs perfectly with a cup of hot coffee or tea.
* **With Ice Cream:** Serve a slice of pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or coconut sorbet for a refreshing treat.
* **As Part of a Dessert Platter:** Include the pie on a dessert platter with other sweet treats like cookies, brownies, and fruit.
* **At a Potluck:** Jim’s Pineapple Cheese Pie is a great dish to bring to a potluck or family gathering.

Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freeze:** To freeze the pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Recipe Card: Jim’s Pineapple Cheese Pie

**Yields:** 8 servings
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 35-45 minutes
**Chill Time:** 2 hours (or overnight)

**Ingredients:**

* 1 (9-inch) pre-made pie crust, or homemade crust
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
* 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, well-drained
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* Optional: Whipped cream, maraschino cherries, toasted coconut flakes

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. If using a pre-made pie crust, remove it from the refrigerator 15 minutes prior to assembly.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
4. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk, beating until well combined.
5. Add the drained crushed pineapple, eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Mix on low speed until just combined.
6. Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust. Spread evenly.
7. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
8. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
9. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
10. Top with whipped cream, maraschino cherries, or toasted coconut flakes, if desired.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 350-400
* Fat: 20-25g
* Saturated Fat: 12-15g
* Cholesterol: 80-100mg
* Sodium: 200-250mg
* Carbohydrates: 40-45g
* Sugar: 30-35g
* Protein: 5-7g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

Conclusion

Jim’s Pineapple Cheese Pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a cherished family tradition. With its unique flavor combination, easy preparation, and crowd-pleasing appeal, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household too. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and prepare to indulge in a slice of sweet and savory perfection. Happy baking!