Silky Tropical Pie Recipe

Dreamy No Bake Tropical Pie Recipe for Sunny Days

Summers sizzle with sweet, refreshing flavors that dance across your palate.

This no-bake tropical delight pie captures the essence of sunshine in every creamy bite.

Luscious coconut, tangy pineapple, and smooth cream blend together like a tropical vacation on a plate.

Cool and dreamy, the dessert requires zero oven time, making it perfect for lazy afternoons.

Fresh ingredients merge into a decadent treat that whispers of island breezes and relaxation.

Each slice promises a burst of tropical bliss that will transport you to a beachside paradise.

Dive into this effortless dessert and let your taste buds sail away on a delicious culinary adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 9

No Bake Tropical Pie Ingredient Musts

For Crust:
  • Graham Spliter Crust: Provides a crunchy, sweet foundation that complements the creamy filling perfectly.
For Filling Base:
  • Cream Cheese: Delivers a rich, tangy backbone that helps bind the filling together.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds luscious sweetness and helps create a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavors and prevents browning of ingredients.
For Tropical Mix-Ins:
  • Crushed Pineapple: Brings vibrant tropical sweetness and juicy texture to the pie.
  • Shredded Coconut: Adds delightful tropical essence and interesting texture.
  • Maraschino Cherries: Provides bursts of color and sweet-tart flavor.
  • Cherry Juice: Enhances the fruity profile and adds moisture.
For Nutty Crunch:
  • Toasted Pecans: Introduces a warm, rich nuttiness and delightful crunch to contrast creamy filling.
For Whipped Topping:
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a light, airy crown for the pie.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream.
For Garnish:
  • Extra Chopped Pecans: Offers additional crunch and visual appeal.
  • Additional Cherries: Provides a pop of color and extra fruity accent.

Utensils for a Dreamy No Bake Tropical Pie

  • Electric mixer: Essential for beating cream cheese smoothly and whipping cream to perfect consistency.
  • Clean mixing bowls: Two required – one for cream cheese mixture, another for whipping cream.
  • Measuring spoons and cups: Precise measurement of ingredients like powdered sugar and lemon juice.
  • Rubber spatula: Perfect for gentle folding of whipped cream into filling and spreading mixture evenly.
  • Pie dish or serving plate: Used for assembling and presenting the no-bake tropical pie.
  • Sharp knife: Needed for chopping pecans and maraschino cherries.
  • Cutting board: Provides stable surface for chopping ingredients.

Assemble a Tropical Pie in Minutes

  • Creamy Tropical Base

Grab your mixer and whip the cream cheese until silky smooth. Blend in tropical fruits, nutty pecans, sweet milk, and a splash of zesty lemon for a dreamy filling that’ll transport you to a beachy paradise.

  • Whipped Cloud Topping

Whisk heavy cream into fluffy clouds, adding a whisper of powdered sugar until peaks stand tall and proud. This pillowy layer will crown your tropical masterpiece.

  • Layered Tropical Dream

Gently marry half the whipped cream with your luscious fruit mixture. Pour this sunset-colored filling into a crispy Graham cracker crust, creating layers of pure delight.

  • Final Flourish

Crown your pie with the remaining cloud-like cream. Scatter chopped pecans and vibrant cherries on top for a playful finish. Tuck the pie into the refrigerator and let it chill for several hours, allowing flavors to mingle and texture to set perfectly.

Add Coconut or Citrus Kicks to Your Pie

  • Tropical Twist Techniques: Elevate your No Bake Tropical Delight Pie with these expert tips and delicious variations!
  • Fruit Freshness Hack: For a brighter flavor, drain pineapple completely to prevent excess moisture that might make the pie runny. Pat fruit chunks dry with paper towels before mixing.
  • Crust Creativity: Swap graham cracker crust with toasted coconut or shortbread crust for an extra layer of tropical texture and flavor. Crush cookies finely and mix with melted butter for perfect binding.
  • Boozy Tropical Upgrade: Add a splash of rum or coconut liqueur to the filling for an adult-friendly version that brings Caribbean vacation vibes to your dessert. Start with 1-2 tablespoons for a subtle kick.
  • Nutty Alternatives: Replace pecans with macadamia nuts or toasted almonds for a different crunch. Lightly toast nuts beforehand to enhance their rich, deep flavor profile.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: This pie actually tastes better after 24 hours of chilling, allowing flavors to meld and develop a more intense tropical essence. Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serve Tropical Pie with a Chill

  • Tropical Paradise Presentation
  • Serve chilled slices on elegant white plates to showcase the pie's vibrant colors and tropical essence. The contrast will make the dessert look even more appetizing.
  • Beachy Accompaniment
  • Pair this pie with a refreshing piña colada or a chilled coconut mocktail to enhance the tropical flavor profile. These drinks will complement the pie's sweet and tangy notes perfectly.
  • Textural Garnish Boost
  • Sprinkle extra toasted pecans and maraschino cherries just before serving to add a delightful crunch and burst of color. The additional toppings will elevate the pie's visual appeal and provide a delicious textural contrast.
  • Summer Celebration Centerpiece
  • Use this no-bake pie as a stunning dessert for summer gatherings, pool parties, or backyard barbecues. Its light, creamy texture and tropical flavors will make it an instant crowd-pleaser that screams warm-weather celebration.

Fridge Tips to Keep Pie Fresh and Firm

  • Chilling Charm: Refrigerate the pie for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and texture to firm perfectly. The longer it rests, the more delightful the taste becomes.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this tropical dessert up to 2 days in advance, keeping it tightly covered in the refrigerator. This strategy saves time and lets the flavors develop more intensely.
  • Freezing Finesse: Wrap the pie securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to freeze for up to 3 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for best texture and taste.
  • Leftover Love: Store remaining slices in an airtight container within the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cover with plastic wrap directly touching the pie's surface to prevent moisture buildup and maintain freshness.
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Silky Tropical Pie Recipe

Silky Tropical Pie Recipe


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4.6 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Tropical delight pie combines creamy coconut filling with tangy pineapple in a graham cracker crust. Chilled layers meld sweet and tart flavors, creating a refreshing dessert you’ll crave after one delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large (10-inch) graham cracker crust
  • 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 14 oz (397 g) sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whipping or heavy cream, whipped until stiff peaks form and sweetened with 3 tbsps powdered sugar
  • 1 cup (80 g) dried shredded or desiccated coconut, unsweetened
  • 8 oz (236 ml) can or 1 cup crushed pineapple, undrained
  • ½ cup chopped toasted pecans, plus extra for garnish
  • ⅓ cup maraschino cherries, drained and coarsely chopped
  • ¼ cup plus 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 ½ tbsps cherry juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare Filling: Whip cream cheese until velvety smooth using an electric mixer, eliminating any lumps for a silky foundation.
  2. Combine Tropical Elements: Integrate crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, maraschino cherries, cherry juice, toasted pecans, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice into the cream cheese mixture, creating a vibrant and complex flavor profile.
  3. Craft Whipped Cream: Beat heavy cream in a clean bowl, gradually incorporating powdered sugar until achieving stiff, billowy peaks that will provide luxurious texture.
  4. Merge Ingredients: Gently fold half of the whipped cream into the fruit and nut mixture, ensuring even distribution and maintaining the airy consistency.
  5. Assemble Pie: Pour the tropical filling into the Graham cracker crust, spreading evenly and creating a smooth surface that promises a delectable tropical experience.
  6. Finish and Decorate: Top the pie with remaining whipped cream, artfully spreading across the surface, then garnish with chopped pecans and additional maraschino cherries for visual appeal and textural contrast.
  7. Chill and Set: Refrigerate the pie for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight, allowing flavors to meld and the dessert to achieve optimal consistency and taste.

Notes

  • Chill for Perfect Texture: Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and achieve the ideal creamy consistency.
  • Whip Cream Carefully: Ensure heavy cream is cold and use a clean, chilled bowl to create stiff peaks that provide the ultimate light and airy texture.
  • Blend Gently: Fold whipped cream into the fruit mixture with a gentle hand to maintain the airiness and prevent deflating the delicate cream.
  • Decorate Strategically: Sprinkle chopped pecans and maraschino cherries just before serving to preserve their crunch and vibrant color.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: Global

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 28 g
  • Sodium: 190 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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