There are two types of people in this world–those that like pie, and those that don’t. I’m a fan of pie, but it has to be just right. The perfect crust, a tasty filling, and a good crumble topping never hurt anyone either. Today I’m sharing a recipe for a tropical pie crumble bake that I’m hoping you’ll love. It can be made in either a pie tin, or a baking pan. So, if you have family members that aren’t pie fans, just tell them they’re tropical dessert bars so they give them a fair chance.
recipe for tropical pie with a graham cracker crust
This recipe is a refreshing twist on a fruit pie, with tropical flavors like pineapple and coconut. And if you feel intimidated by the thought of making pie, this might be a good recipe to start with. Since it uses an easy graham cracker crust as a base, you don’t have to worry about pie dough.
It might seem like there are a lot of ingredients and steps for this tropical pie crumble bake recipe, but I promise it actually comes together very quickly.
The first time I made this dessert, I got a big smile on my face when I pulled it out of the oven. It smelled so good. And not only can you smell the tropical vibes, but you can taste each flavor. The strawberries, pineapple, and coconut each stick out and bring back memories of sitting poolside in Oahu.
some baking notes
This recipe calls for fresh pineapple and strawberries. I recognize I come from a place of produce privilege–in California we have access to fresh fruits and veggies basically year round. If you can’t source fresh you could make it work with frozen strawberries (that are defrosted and patted as dry as possible), and canned pineapple (that is well-drained). However, fresh is definitely better if you can get it.
Make sure for the filling you’re using cream of coconut, not coconut milk. There is a big difference as cream of coconut is very thick. If you’ve never bought it before you can usually find it in the aisle with drink mix-ins. If it’s not there, you can find it either in the baking aisle, or with ethnic foods.
This crumble bake recipe features refreshing tropical flavors like pineapple and coconut.
- 10 full sheets of graham crackers
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 5 tbsp butter (melted)
- 3 cups fresh pineapple, cubed & drained (canned in juice, well drained, can work)
- 1 lb. fresh strawberries, de-stemmed and quartered
- ¼ cup cream of coconut
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 4 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp salt
- ⅓ cup sweetened coconut flakes
- ⅓ cup nuts (any type you prefer)
- ½ cup oats
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup cold butter, cubed
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Prepare you graham cracker crust and press into the bottom only of a square baking pan, or pie tin. I prefer to line my baking pan with parchment paper, but you don't have to. Bake at 350℉ for 8 minutes, then remove from oven.
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In a saucepan, heat pineapple, cream of coconut, and sugar together until melted.
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MIs cornstarch and salt, then stir into fruit mixture. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Add in strawberries and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes while you prepare the crumble topping.
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Add all ingredients for crumble topping to a food processor and pulse several times until well incorporated.
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Pour filling into baking pan, then add crumble topping on top. Bake at 350℉ for 25-30 minutes.
Does your family like pie? As long as its got a good crust, I’m a fan!
You might also like these pie recipes:
Lemon Blueberry Piecaken Cupcakes
Find more tasty recipes on my Pinterest boards!
22 comments
Looks delicious!
Wasn't too sure when I first clicked, but it actually looks pretty good.
Looks good, and now you have me wanting to go to some tropical island instead of Tahoe this weekend, LOL
Mmmm mmm, that does look delicious. Glad to hear things are kind of getting back on track for you guys!
WOW!!! That pie looks so amazing!!! Some of my favorite fruits, Pineapple, coconut and strawberries…great on a warm summer day! I have been feeling antsy as well, I am ready for some beach-relaxation time, just time out in the warm sun would be GREAT!!! Thanks for sharing, I am going to be baking this pie!!!
This looks so good! I love fruity pies. We're heading to the beach in a month for a much needed vacation. I need some sand and sun. We finally have sun here but no sand haha.
This is a MUST make!! Thanks for sharing the numminess!!!
So many of my favorites rolled into one pie! Too bad my weirdo of a fiance doesn't like strawberries or pineapple. I'd be stuck eating the whole thing myself…still debating whether that's a good or bad thing 😉
Yum! Fruit for dessert is the best!
This looks delicious. OMG I love fruit pies so what a great combo.
That looks soooo yummy!! I am dreaming of sandy beaches and warm sun as well, it's no where near Unfortunely! Boo Canadian winter
This looks amazing! I don't usually go for tropical fruit in pies but you changed my mind. Coconut!!
Hey, Tahoe sounds great too! Any chance to get away! Have fun!
How could you not like strawberries or pineapple?! I say you should still make it for yourself! That's okay, guess who came home with half the pie and finished it off in two days? THIS girl!
The coconut flakes in the topping are soooo good! I really don't know why I never thought of it before. I bet it would be really good on something like a chocolate cream pie too if that's more your thing, chocolate and coconut, yum!
Thanks Holly! Here's hoping for some sunny weather for you soon!
Antsy, that's exactly it, I am going stir crazy over here! This really is a great recipe for spring and summer because it's nice and light. 🙂
Thanks Natalie!
That looks so delicious! Yumm. I love tropical fruit.