We discovered this mouthwatering Paradise Pie on a trip to our favorite tropical getaway. It’s layered with sweet fruits a creamy filling and a subtle hint of coconut for that sunny vibe.
We love how the delicate crust pairs perfectly with the bright punch of fresh fruit that keeps us coming back for more. It’s a crowd pleaser ideal for pool parties or lazy afternoons.
We’ll show you how to make this tropical dream pie so you can bring a slice of paradise to your own kitchen.
Ingredients
Here we gather our essential Paradise Pie components. Each item supports our tropical dessert layers and boosts the creamy texture and fruity taste.
Crust Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Filling Ingredients
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 2 cups diced fresh pineapple
- 1 cup diced mango
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream chilled
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup toasted coconut flakes
- 1/4 cup chopped macadamia nuts
Tools Needed
| Tool | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Mixing bowls | 2 | Combine the ingredients for the crust and filling |
| Measuring cups | 1 set | Ensure accurate measurements for grains and liquids |
| 9-inch pie dish | 1 | Shape and hold our Paradise Pie |
| Rubber spatula | 1 | Scrape bowls and spread the filling evenly |
| Whisk or hand mixer | 1 | Blend the filling to a smooth consistency |
| Plastic wrap | 1 roll | Cover the pie during chilling and prevent moisture loss |
Directions
We transform simple staples into our Paradise Pie with creamy fruit layers. We follow these steps to build our tropical dessert.
Prep
- Preheat the oven to 350°F
- Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish
- In a mixing bowl we stir together graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, sugar, melted butter, and salt
- Press the crust mixture firmly into the pie dish so it forms an even base
Bake
- Place the crust on the middle rack and bake for 10 minutes
- Remove from the oven and let it cool at room temperature
- In a clean bowl we whisk cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and coconut milk until smooth
- Stir in fresh pineapple, mango, lime juice, and vanilla extract until evenly combined
Assemble
- Pour the filling into the cooled crust
- Smooth the top with a rubber spatula
- Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for 2 hours or until set
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form
- Spread whipped cream over the chilled filling
- Garnish with toasted coconut flakes and chopped macadamia nuts for added crunch
| Step | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Bake Crust | 350°F | 10 minutes |
| Chill Pie | – | 2 hours |
Make-Ahead Tips
We like to prepare parts of our Paradise Pie in advance so assembly is quick on serving day. We follow these steps:
- Bake the crust one day before. Let it cool completely. Wrap it tightly and store at room temperature.
- Combine the filling ingredients and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. We stir the mixture before pouring it into the crust.
- Whip the topping just before serving for the freshest taste. Or prepare it 12 hours ahead and keep it chilled. Give it a gentle stir if it separates.
- Toast the coconut flakes and chop the macadamia nuts. Keep them in sealed bags until we are ready to garnish.
Below is a quick reference table:
| Item | Method | Storage Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Crust | Bake early and keep sealed at room temp | Up to 1 day |
| Filling | Mix and chill in airtight container | Up to 24 hours |
| Whipped Topping | Chill in fridge after whipping | Up to 12 hours |
| Toppings | Toast coconut and chop nuts in advance | Up to 2 days |
We finish assembling by pouring the chilled filling into the crust. Then we top it with whipped cream. We sprinkle toasted coconut and macadamia nuts right before serving.
Conclusion
We love how this recipe brings a taste of the tropics right to our kitchen. A few quick steps and thoughtful preparation can transform simple ingredients into a dessert that feels like a mini-vacation on every plate. It’s guaranteed to brighten any gathering and keep everyone coming back for more. We can’t wait to see how you put your own spin on it and share the joy with friends and family. Let’s keep indulging in sweet escapes one slice at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Paradise Pie?
Paradise Pie is a tropical-inspired dessert with sweet layers of fruit, creamy filling, and a hint of coconut. It has a graham cracker crust for added crunch and is topped with fluffy whipped cream, toasted coconut, and chopped macadamia nuts. Its light texture and tropical flavors make it a refreshing treat perfect for warm weather or fun gatherings.
Which ingredients are essential for Paradise Pie?
You will need graham cracker crumbs, coconut, butter, sugar, and salt for the crust. The filling requires cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, coconut milk, pineapple, mango, lime juice, and vanilla. Whipped cream, toasted coconut flakes, and chopped macadamia nuts complete the topping.
What tools do I need to make it?
You’ll need mixing bowls to combine wet and dry ingredients, measuring cups and spoons for accurate amounts, a 9-inch pie dish, a rubber spatula to smooth the filling, and a whisk or hand mixer. Plastic wrap helps cover the pie while it chills in the fridge, preventing unwanted moisture loss.
How do I prepare Paradise Pie?
First, preheat the oven to 350°F. Mix graham cracker crumbs, coconut, sugar, melted butter, and salt, then press this crust into the pie dish and bake it for 10 minutes. Let it cool. Prepare the filling with cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, coconut milk, fruits, lime juice, and vanilla. After chilling the filling for two hours, top with whipped cream, toasted coconut, and macadamia nuts.
Can I make it in advance?
Yes. Bake the crust a day ahead and store at room temperature. You can also mix the filling ingredients and keep them refrigerated for up to 24 hours. It’s best to whip the topping right before serving, so it stays fresh and airy.
How should I store leftover slices?
Keep remaining slices in the fridge, loosely covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. This helps maintain their creamy texture and prevents them from drying out. Enjoy them within two to three days to ensure the flavors and consistency remain at their best.