If you’ve ever dreamed of transporting your taste buds to a sun-kissed beach with every bite, this Island Pecan Pie Recipe is your perfect escape. Packed with the warm, nutty flavors of pecans, the tropical sweetness of pineapple and shredded coconut, and a subtle splash of rum, this pie is a delightful twist on a beloved classic. It’s rich, luscious, and carries just the right hint of island magic that will instantly become a favorite in your dessert rotation. Trust me, once you try this Island Pecan Pie Recipe, it’ll be your go-to whenever you want to impress friends or simply treat yourself to something deliciously different.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Island Pecan Pie Recipe lies in its combination of simple yet meaningful ingredients. Each component plays a role in crafting a perfect balance of textures and flavors—whether it’s the crispness of the pecans, the creamy sweetness of the filling, or that tropical burst of pineapple and coconut.
- Pie crust: Use a 9-inch unbaked pie crust, either homemade for a personal touch or store-bought for convenience.
- Eggs (3 large): These bind everything together and give the filling that custardy texture.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create that signature golden top.
- Light corn syrup (3/4 cup): Keeps the filling smooth and glossy with a perfect chewiness.
- Dark or coconut rum (1/4 cup): Brings authentic island flavor and depth to this tropical-inspired pie.
- Melted butter (1/4 cup): Adds richness and helps set the pie’s silky texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall sweetness with floral, aromatic notes.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the flavors and prevents the pie from tasting overly sweet.
- Chopped pecans (1 cup): The crunchy star ingredient that offers a toasted, nutty contrast.
- Shredded sweetened coconut (1/2 cup): Infuses a subtle tropical texture and flavor.
- Crushed pineapple (1/4 cup, drained): Adds juicy bursts of citrus sweetness that make this pie unique.
- Whole pecan halves (optional): For that classic, eye-catching garnish on top.
How to Make Island Pecan Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pie Crust
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take your 9-inch pie crust and place it into your pie dish, gently pressing it down and crimping the edges to your liking. This crust will act as the sturdy yet tender base that holds all the yumminess together. Make sure it’s neatly placed so it bakes evenly.
Step 2: Whisk the Filling Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, light corn syrup, rum (either dark or coconut for that tropical twist), melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until everything is beautifully smooth and well combined. This mixture sets the flavor foundation and luscious texture so take a moment to make sure it’s perfectly blended.
Step 3: Fold in the Tropical and Nutty Goodness
Time to bring in the star players! Gently stir in the chopped pecans, shredded sweetened coconut, and well-drained crushed pineapple. These ingredients add crunch, chew, and that unmistakable island flair. The filling should look rich and inviting at this point.
Step 4: Pour and Decorate
Slowly pour the filling into your prepared pie crust, smoothing the top gently with a spatula. If you want an extra fancy finish, arrange whole pecan halves on top in a decorative pattern. This not only looks stunning but adds an extra layer of toasted pecan flavor.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the pie in your preheated oven for about 50–60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center is set and the top has turned a beautiful golden brown. To keep your edges from getting too dark, cover them with foil after about 40 minutes. Patience here really pays off because your pie will come out perfectly cooked without burnt crust.
Step 6: Cool and Set
Once baked, let the Island Pecan Pie cool completely at room temperature before slicing. This allows the filling to set properly, giving you those clean, satisfying pie slices everyone loves.
How to Serve Island Pecan Pie Recipe
Garnishes
To complement the pie’s rich, tropical flavors, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is absolutely heavenly. For a subtle citrus highlight, a sprinkle of lime zest on top can brighten each bite and add a fresh twist.
Side Dishes
This pie is a perfect dessert for any gathering, especially when paired with fresh fruit or a light citrus salad. The brightness of oranges or a pineapple mango salsa can offset the richness beautifully, making the whole meal feel balanced and festive.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, serve each slice atop a small bed of toasted coconut flakes for extra texture and visual appeal. Alternatively, set out some mini glasses of rum punch alongside the pie to echo the pie’s tropical spirit and delight your guests with complementary sips.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover Island Pecan Pie at room temperature, covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil, for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate it to keep the flavors fresh and the filling firm.
Freezing
This pie freezes well! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and freeze for up to a month. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy your Island Pecan Pie warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or place the whole pie in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Just be sure not to overheat to avoid drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use a store-bought pie crust for this Island Pecan Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought crusts work perfectly and save time. Just make sure to choose a high-quality crust for the best taste and texture.
What type of rum is best for the pie?
Both dark rum and coconut rum add wonderful flavors, but coconut rum really enhances the tropical vibe. Choose whichever suits your preference or what you have on hand.
Is it necessary to drain the crushed pineapple?
Yes, draining the pineapple well is important to avoid making the pie filling too watery and to keep the crust from becoming soggy.
Can I make this pie vegan or dairy-free?
This recipe relies on eggs and butter, so to make it vegan or dairy-free, you’ll need suitable substitutes like flax eggs and dairy-free butter alternatives. The texture might vary slightly but it can still be delicious!
How long does the Island Pecan Pie stay fresh?
Stored properly in the fridge, this pie stays fresh for up to 4 days. For best flavor and texture, enjoy it within that time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a celebration of the islands in every bite, this Island Pecan Pie Recipe is a brilliant choice. It’s sweet, nutty, and bursting with delightful tropical flavors, perfect for sharing with family and friends or savoring as your own little slice of paradise. Give it a try—you’ll find it as comforting as it is exciting, making every occasion just a bit more special.
Print
Island Pecan Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern, Tropical-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Island Pecan Pie is a tropical twist on the classic Southern pecan pie, featuring a luscious filling made with chopped pecans, shredded sweetened coconut, crushed pineapple, and a splash of dark or coconut rum for exotic flavor. The pie boasts a rich, gooey texture with a golden brown top, nestled in a flaky unbaked 9-inch pie crust. Perfectly baked to set the filling while preserving a tender crust, this dessert is ideal for gatherings, offering a delightful balance of sweet, nutty, and tropical flavors.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Filling
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup dark rum or coconut rum
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1/4 cup crushed pineapple (drained well)
Garnish (Optional)
- Whole pecan halves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready by the time your pie is assembled.
- Prepare Pie Crust: Place the unbaked 9-inch pie crust into a pie dish and crimp the edges neatly to your liking, creating a decorative border that also helps seal the crust.
- Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, light corn syrup, rum (dark or coconut), melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are fully combined.
- Add the Mix-ins: Gently fold in the chopped pecans, shredded sweetened coconut, and well-drained crushed pineapple into the filling mixture, distributing them evenly throughout.
- Fill the Pie Crust: Pour the prepared filling into the pie crust, smoothing the surface gently with a spatula. Optionally, arrange whole pecan halves on the top in a decorative pattern for an elegant finish.
- Bake the Pie: Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the filling’s center is set and the top is a rich golden brown. To prevent the crust edges from over-browning, cover them with foil during the last 15 to 20 minutes of baking if necessary.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature before slicing. This resting time allows the filling to fully set for clean, neat slices.
Notes
- For an enhanced tropical taste, substitute dark rum with coconut rum and add a teaspoon of lime zest to the filling mixture.
- This pie pairs beautifully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving.
- You can make the pie a day ahead and store it covered at room temperature or refrigerated.
