Name: Pineapple Lime Coconut Hand Pies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Tropical fusion
Ingredients: 2 sheets pie dough, store-bought or homemade; 2 cups pineapple chunks, fresh or well-drained canned; 1/2 cup shredded coconut, unsweetened; 1 teaspoon lime zest; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1/3 cup packed brown sugar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 large egg, lightly beaten (for egg wash); 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, for sprinkling

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Sweet tropical breezes seem to drift right into your kitchen when you bite into these Pineapple Lime Coconut Hand Pies. Flaky golden pastry wraps around a luscious filling of juicy pineapple, tangy lime, and creamy coconut, creating the perfect pocket-sized treat. Each bite offers a delightful crunch followed by a burst of sunshine-sweet flavors, making these pies a dessert that feels both exotic and comforting.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was born from my love of tropical vacations and the memory of eating fruit-filled pastries by the beach. There’s something magical about combining pineapple’s natural sweetness, the brightness of lime, and the rich depth of coconut all inside a crisp, buttery crust. It’s like capturing a holiday in your hand, ready to be enjoyed anywhere.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Fruit hand pies have been popular in many cultures, often as a way to turn seasonal harvests into portable treats. Pineapple, native to South America and widely cultivated in tropical regions, has long been a favorite in desserts. Pairing it with lime reflects Latin American and Caribbean flavor traditions, while coconut has been a staple in Southeast Asian and Pacific Island cuisines. Together, they create a fusion that tells a global story in one delicious bite.

Why You’ll Love Pineapple Lime Coconut Hand Pies

Versatile: These hand pies can be enjoyed as a dessert, snack, or even a sweet breakfast treat.

Budget-Friendly: Made with simple pantry and fruit ingredients, they don’t require fancy or costly additions.

Quick and Easy: With pre-made pastry dough, you can whip these up in under an hour.

Customizable: Swap out the fruit filling or add spices like cinnamon or cardamom for new twists.

Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for parties, picnics, or bake sales, since everyone loves a handheld dessert.

Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the filling ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Great for Leftovers: Leftover pies taste just as good the next day, especially slightly warmed.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

To ensure your hand pies come out bakery-worthy, here are some tips:

Chill the dough before baking so the pastry turns out extra flaky.
Do not overfill the pies, as the juices can leak during baking.
Use a fork to firmly seal the edges for that classic hand pie look.
Brush with an egg wash for a beautiful golden finish.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Before diving in, gather your tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Rolling Pin: For evenly flattening the dough.
Biscuit Cutter or Glass: To cut uniform rounds of pastry.
Mixing Bowl: For combining the pineapple, lime, and coconut filling.
Fork: To seal the edges of the pies.
Baking Sheet: For baking the pies evenly.
Pastry Brush: For applying egg wash before baking.

Ingredients in Pineapple Lime Coconut Hand Pies

The magic of this recipe lies in how these ingredients play together, creating a tropical harmony inside a golden crust.

Pie Dough: 2 sheets (store-bought or homemade), forms the buttery, flaky shell.
Pineapple Chunks: 2 cups, fresh or canned, brings natural sweetness and juiciness.
Shredded Coconut: ½ cup, unsweetened, adds texture and a rich tropical note.
Lime Zest: 1 teaspoon, brightens the filling with citrusy freshness.
Lime Juice: 1 tablespoon, balances the sweetness with tang.
Brown Sugar: ⅓ cup, deepens the flavor and caramelizes the filling.
Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon, thickens the fruit mixture so it stays inside the pie.
Vanilla Extract: ½ teaspoon, rounds out the flavors.
Egg: 1, lightly beaten, for brushing the tops to achieve golden color.
Granulated Sugar: 2 tablespoons, for sprinkling over the tops before baking for extra crunch.

Ingredient Substitutions

Sometimes you need a swap, and these work beautifully:

Pie Dough: Alternative: Puff pastry for an even flakier texture.
Pineapple Chunks: Alternative: Mango or peaches for a different fruity twist.
Shredded Coconut: Alternative: Finely chopped nuts like almonds or pecans.
Brown Sugar: Alternative: Honey or maple syrup.

Ingredient Spotlight

Pineapple: Known as the “queen of fruits,” pineapple is loaded with natural sweetness and a tropical fragrance that makes it perfect for desserts.

Lime: This small but mighty citrus adds brightness and zing, enhancing both sweet and savory recipes.

Instructions for Making Pineapple Lime Coconut Hand Pies

Now comes the fun part, bringing everything together step by step.

Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, stir together pineapple chunks, coconut, lime zest, lime juice, brown sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla until well combined.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Roll out the pie dough and cut into circles about 4 inches in diameter.
Assemble the Dish: Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle. Fold over to form a half-moon and press edges with a fork to seal.
Cook to Perfection: Arrange on the baking sheet, brush with beaten egg, and sprinkle with granulated sugar. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
Finishing Touches: Let cool for at least 10 minutes so the filling sets.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm or at room temperature with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The beauty of these hand pies lies in their contrasts: crisp, golden pastry on the outside and soft, syrupy fruit inside. The lime brings a tangy sparkle, while the coconut gives chewiness that balances the flakiness of the crust. Each bite is a mini vacation for your taste buds.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Chill the assembled pies before baking to prevent spreading.
Vent the tops with a small slit to let steam escape.
Use fresh pineapple for the best flavor and texture.

What to Avoid

Avoid overfilling, as it will cause the pies to leak.
Avoid skipping the cornstarch, or your filling may be runny.
Avoid baking at too low a temperature, which prevents a golden crust.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 250

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can easily prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. The unbaked pies can also be frozen on a tray, then bagged for later baking. Once baked, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm in the oven until crisp again.

How to Serve Pineapple Lime Coconut Hand Pies

These hand pies are perfect straight from the oven, but they shine even brighter when paired with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of ice cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. They also make a delightful addition to brunch spreads or afternoon tea.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Crumble leftover pies over vanilla yogurt for a quick parfait.
Chop into pieces and fold into vanilla ice cream for a tropical sundae.
Reheat and serve with fresh fruit for a simple dessert plate.

Additional Tips

For extra flavor, you can dust the finished pies with powdered sugar and a touch of cinnamon. If you love texture, sprinkle a bit more shredded coconut on top before baking.

Make It a Showstopper

To elevate presentation, serve the pies on a platter lined with tropical leaves or garnish with lime wedges and pineapple slices. A light dusting of powdered sugar makes them look bakery-perfect.

Variations to Try

Spiced Pineapple Hand Pies: Add ground cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm flavor.
Mango Lime Hand Pies: Swap pineapple for mango for a tropical twist.
Chocolate Coconut Hand Pies: Stir mini chocolate chips into the filling for indulgence.
Peach Ginger Hand Pies: Use peaches and add grated fresh ginger for zing.
Berry Coconut Hand Pies: Substitute pineapple with mixed berries for a summer treat.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use puff pastry instead of pie dough?

Yes, puff pastry makes them extra flaky and delicious.

2. Can I use canned pineapple?

Absolutely, just drain it well to avoid excess liquid.

3. Do I need to cook the filling before baking?

No, the filling cooks perfectly inside the pies.

4. Can these be made gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free pie crust or pastry dough.

5. How do I know when they are done?

They are ready when golden brown and slightly bubbling at the edges.

6. Can I freeze baked hand pies?

Yes, let them cool completely before freezing in an airtight container.

7. Can I reheat hand pies in the microwave?

Yes, but they’re best reheated in the oven to restore crispness.

8. Can I make them vegan?

Yes, use vegan pastry dough and replace egg wash with coconut milk.

9. What’s the best way to cut the dough?

Use a round cutter or a glass with a sharp edge for even circles.

10. Can I add more lime juice for extra tang?

Yes, but balance with cornstarch to prevent a runny filling.

Conclusion

These Pineapple Lime Coconut Hand Pies are more than just a dessert, they’re a bite of sunshine wrapped in flaky pastry. With their tropical flavors, they bring a little vacation to your kitchen table. Trust me, you’re going to love this one, and once you try them, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again.