Description

This delightful pie, often referred to as "Johnny Cash's Pineapple Pie," is a true Southern classic that brings together the simple yet irresistible flavors of pineapple, sugar, and butter. Although it wasn’t Johnny Cash himself who came up with the recipe, it’s said to have been one of his favorites, passed down from his mother. This pie captures the essence of Southern baking: straightforward, unapologetically sweet, and designed to bring comfort with every bite.

The charm of this pie lies in its simplicity. With only six basic ingredients (plus a pie crust), it’s the kind of recipe that you can whip up with pantry staples. The star of the show is the crushed pineapple, which infuses the pie with a natural sweetness and a slight tartness that balances the sugar. The other ingredients—sugar, butter, eggs, flour, and vanilla extract—come together to create a custard-like filling that bakes into a golden, slightly jiggly delight.

This pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a piece of nostalgia, a taste of the past that connects you to a simpler time. It’s easy to understand why Johnny Cash had a soft spot for it—it’s the kind of pie that makes you feel at home, no matter where you are.

Ingredients

• 1 unbaked pie shell
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 eggs

Preparation Method

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix 1 and 1/2 cups sugar, 1/2 cup softened butter, 1 cup drained crushed pineapple, 3 tablespoons flour, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 eggs until smooth.
3. Pour the mixture into an unbaked pie shell.
4. Bake for about 50 minutes, checking at 45 minutes for doneness.
5. Let the pie cool on a wire rack before serving.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with ice cream or whipped cream.

Tips and Conclusion

Bonus Tip:

For a slight twist on this classic recipe, you can add a handful of sweetened shredded coconut to the filling mixture before baking. The coconut will add a subtle texture and enhance the tropical flavor of the pineapple, making the pie even more irresistible. Another variation is to sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the pie before baking, which will add a warm, spiced note to each bite.

Conclusion:

This Southern-style pineapple pie is the epitome of comfort baking—simple, sweet, and full of flavor. It’s a dessert that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction. The combination of buttery custard and tangy pineapple wrapped in a flaky pie crust is nothing short of heavenly. Whether you’re making it because you’re a fan of Johnny Cash, or simply because you love a good, old-fashioned pie, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

The beauty of this pie lies in its straightforward preparation and the nostalgic feelings it evokes. It’s a reminder that sometimes the simplest recipes are the best, especially when they come with a history as rich as this one. So next time you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, give this pineapple pie a try—it’s bound to win you over with just one bite.