Fiji By Food Enthusiasts · 5 min read

National Dish Fiji: Pineapple Pie (Recipe)

Golden Fijian pineapple pie with a flaky pastry crust

In this article

Treat yourself to a taste of the South Pacific with Pineapple Pie, a sweet, sun-soaked dessert from the beautiful islands of Fiji. Juicy tropical pineapple is tucked into a delicate, buttery pastry and baked until golden, filling the kitchen with the warm scent of cinnamon and vanilla. It is the kind of pudding that turns an ordinary afternoon into a holiday, bringing a little slice of island sunshine straight to your table.

About Pineapple Pie

Pineapple Pie is a traditional dessert from the gorgeous Fiji Islands, where ripe tropical fruit is woven into everyday cooking. This delightful recipe brings together the fruity sweetness of fresh pineapple and a tender, buttery pastry for a real treat. The blend of fresh ingredients and exotic flavours makes it a genuine crowd-pleaser, equally at home at a family gathering or a quiet evening in. Enjoy the flavours of the Pacific in your own kitchen and put a piece of the islands on your plate.

Ingredients (serves 1–2)

1 fresh pineapple, peeled and diced
100 g sugar
2 tablespoons cornflour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 sheet puff pastry
1 egg (for glazing)

Shopping for the ingredients

To make a lovely Pineapple Pie, start by gathering everything you need. Visit a local market or supermarket where you can find fresh pineapple, and choose a fruit that is ripe and juicy, as this forms the foundation of the pie’s flavour. The remaining ingredients are usually easy to find in any well-stocked grocery shop, and the buttery puff pastry can be picked up ready-rolled to save time.

Preparing the dish

Preparation is the first step towards baking a delicious Pineapple Pie. Begin with the pineapple by peeling it carefully and cutting it into small pieces. In a bowl, combine the pineapple with the sugar, cornflour, cinnamon and vanilla extract. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes so the flavours can mingle and develop before you assemble the pie.

Step-by-step instructions

Preheat the oven to 180°C.
Roll the puff pastry out on a floured surface and cut it into a circle to fit your baking tin.
Spoon the prepared pineapple mixture into the centre of the pastry.
Fold the edges of the pastry up over the filling to enclose it, pressing firmly to seal.
Brush the pastry with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
Bake the pie for about 25–30 minutes, until golden brown.
Once baked, let it cool briefly before serving.

Gluten-free / lactose-free version

If you would like a gluten-free or lactose-free version of Pineapple Pie, you can swap in a few specialist products. Gluten-free puff pastry is now widely available in many supermarkets and makes an excellent base for this kind of pie. For a lactose-free bake, use a plant-based alternative to the egg glaze, or simply brush the pastry with a little water instead. That way, anyone with a food intolerance can still enjoy this delicious dessert.

Tips for vegans and vegetarians

Vegans can enjoy Pineapple Pie too, with just a few small tweaks. Use vegan puff pastry and replace the egg with a plant-based binder such as flaxseed or chia seed mixed with water. You can also swap the sugar for a natural sweetener like agave syrup or coconut sugar. With these changes the pie stays just as tasty while being completely plant-based.

More tips and tricks

A few small tricks can make your Pineapple Pie even better. Try stirring fresh mint or a little desiccated coconut into the pineapple filling for an extra burst of freshness. Be sure to drain the pineapple well to avoid a soggy filling, and a squeeze of lime juice works beautifully to sharpen the flavours and add a pleasant touch of acidity to the pie.

Adapting the recipe to your taste

The lovely thing about Pineapple Pie is how easily you can adapt it to suit yourself. Fancy something fruitier? Add other tropical fruits such as mango or papaya. If you like a citrus note, fold in a little lemon zest. Experiment with different flavours and find the combination you enjoy most — much like the playful tropical mix in this Tropical Fruit Salad with Coconut Dressing.

Ingredient substitutions

If you do not have every ingredient to hand, there are usually good alternatives. Instead of fresh pineapple you can use tinned fruit, though you should adjust the sugar to account for the syrup. You can also vary the pastry — try shortcrust pastry for a richer, more buttery result, just as you would for a Custard Pie. The aroma and flavour shift slightly with each choice, giving the dessert a fresh twist every time.

Drink pairing ideas

A range of drinks pairs wonderfully with Pineapple Pie. A glass of fresh Pineapple Juice is a natural match and echoes the fruit in the filling. A floral Hibiscus Tea brings a gentle acidity that balances the sweetness of the pie, while cocktail lovers might reach for a piña colada, whose coconut and pineapple notes play up the tropical mood.

Serving and presentation ideas

Presentation can take a Pineapple Pie from lovely to unforgettable. Serve it on a pretty plate, garnished with fresh pineapple chunks and mint leaves. A dusting of icing sugar over the top gives it an elegant finish. Remember to serve the dessert warm or just lukewarm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside for an extra-special treat.

A bit of history

Pineapple Pie has its origins in Fiji, a country celebrated for its glorious tropical fruit. Pineapples grow in abundance across the islands and play a central role in the local kitchen. Over the generations the recipe has been shaped and adapted by both the indigenous peoples and later arrivals, becoming a warm symbol of the hospitality and culinary traditions that define Fijian cuisine and its love of sweet island flavours.

More recipe ideas

Summary: Pineapple Pie

Pineapple Pie is a simple yet delicious dessert that brings the exotic flavours of the Fiji Islands to your table. With its fresh pineapple filling and tender pastry, it delights every sweet tooth. Whether you bake it for a celebration or simply for yourself, this pudding promises pleasure and a little bit of joy. Let this recipe inspire you and dive into a world of tropical flavour.