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

Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your oven is at the perfect temperature by the time your pie is ready to bake.
Prepare the Filling:

In a large mixing bowl, combine all the filling ingredients: 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of drained crushed pineapple, 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 2 eggs.
Using a hand mixer or a sturdy whisk, beat the ingredients together until they are fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and well combined, although it will appear somewhat liquidy. Don’t worry—this is exactly how it should be.
Fill the Pie Shell:

Pour the pineapple mixture into the unbaked pie shell. The filling will be quite loose, but resist the temptation to add more flour or thickening agents. The magic happens during baking.
Bake the Pie:

Carefully place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50 minutes. The filling will set and the top will turn a beautiful golden brown. When done, the pie should still have a slight jiggle in the center—that’s a sign that it’s perfectly cooked.
Keep in mind that oven temperatures can vary, so it’s wise to start checking your pie at the 45-minute mark. The top should be firm and lightly browned, while the filling should be mostly set with a bit of wobble.
Cool and Serve:

Once the pie is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. This cooling period is crucial as it allows the filling to set completely, ensuring clean slices when you’re ready to serve.
You can serve this pie warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. However, it’s just as delightful on its own, allowing the flavors of pineapple and buttery custard to shine.

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.