If you’re craving a fresh, tropical twist on classic hand pies, this Pineapple Lime Coconut Hand Pies Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with bright pineapple and zesty lime, paired with the subtle richness of shredded coconut nestled inside a flaky, golden crust, these hand pies deliver on both flavor and fun. They’re perfect for sharing with friends at any gathering or treating yourself to a little tropical escape, right from your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Pineapple Lime Coconut Hand Pies Recipe plays a vital role, combining to create a perfectly balanced filling and crust. From the juicy pineapple providing sweetness to the lime adding brightness and the coconut bringing texture, these simple yet essential components come together to make an irresistible tropical treat.
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, finely diced: Adds a juicy, tropical sweetness and fresh flavor that is the star of the filling.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Gives a zesty tang that brightens the entire flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon lime zest: Enhances the lime flavor with aromatic oils for extra freshness.
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut: Brings a chewy texture and subtle nuttiness that complements the pineapple beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons sugar: Balances the tartness with just the right amount of sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or flour: Thickens the filling so it stays put, preventing leaks while baking.
- Pie dough or puff pastry sheets: Creates a buttery, flaky crust to encase the tropical filling.
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): Gives the hand pies a glossy, golden-brown finish after baking.
- Water or additional egg wash (for sealing edges): Helps secure the dough edges to keep the filling safely inside.
How to Make Pineapple Lime Coconut Hand Pies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by finely dicing the fresh pineapple so every bite is bursting with tropical sweetness. In a bowl, combine the pineapple, lime juice, lime zest, shredded coconut, sugar, and cornstarch or flour. Stir thoroughly to create a luscious filling that’s thick enough to stay inside the pies without leaking during baking. This step is where the magic of balanced flavors begins.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface and gently roll out your pie dough or puff pastry sheets to about 1/8 inch thickness. This ensures your crust will be delicate and flaky, providing the perfect buttery base that crisps beautifully in the oven while perfectly hugging the flavorful filling.
Step 3: Cut and Fill
Using a round or square cookie cutter, cut shapes from your rolled dough. Place a generous spoonful of the pineapple lime coconut filling onto half of each shape, making sure to leave enough space around the edges for sealing. This careful spacing ensures the filling stays contained and the pies hold their form.
Step 4: Seal the Edges
Brush the edges of the dough with water or a bit of egg wash—it acts like glue. Fold the dough over the filling to make a pocket and press down firm edges with a fork. Not only does this seal in your tasty filling securely, but it also creates a charming decorative edge that looks inviting and homemade.
Step 5: Brush and Bake
Before popping the hand pies into the oven, brush their tops with the beaten egg wash for a glossy, golden finish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the crust has puffed up and turned a beautiful golden brown. The end result? Crisp, flaky hand pies loaded with tropical sunshine that you won’t want to put down.
How to Serve Pineapple Lime Coconut Hand Pies Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your hand pies with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or a dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance and extra coconut crunch that pairs beautifully with the filling’s flavors.
Side Dishes
These hand pies are fantastic on their own but also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, fresh berries, or a tangy lime whipped cream to amplify their tropical appeal and make dessert feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Pineapple Lime Coconut Hand Pies Recipe on a bright, colorful platter with tropical leaves or edible flowers to really evoke that island vibe. You can also thread them on skewers for a fun party display or pack them wrapped individually for picnics and on-the-go treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to four days. This helps maintain freshness while preserving that flaky crust and luscious filling.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the unbaked hand pies on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for perfectly fresh hand pies anytime.
Reheating
Reheat leftover hand pies in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10 minutes to bring back that flaky, crisp crust without drying out the filling. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
While fresh pineapple offers the best texture and flavor for this Pineapple Lime Coconut Hand Pies Recipe, you can use canned pineapple if it’s well-drained and finely chopped, though fresh will always provide a brighter, fresher taste.
What kind of dough is best for these hand pies?
Both pie dough and puff pastry work beautifully. Pie dough gives a tender, crumbly crust, while puff pastry results in a lighter, flakier finish. Choose based on the texture you prefer!
How do I prevent the filling from getting soggy?
Using cornstarch or flour in the filling thickens it and prevents it from leaking, which helps keep the crust crisp. Additionally, rolling the dough to the right thickness and sealing edges firmly are key.
Can I make these hand pies vegan?
Absolutely! Use a plant-based dough and substitute the egg wash with a mixture of plant milk and maple syrup or melted coconut oil for that beautiful golden finish.
Are these hand pies suitable for parties?
Definitely! Their portable size and sweet tropical flavor make Pineapple Lime Coconut Hand Pies perfect finger foods for gatherings, potlucks, or even as an elegant dessert option.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Pineapple Lime Coconut Hand Pies Recipe enough for anyone who loves a bright, tropical treat wrapped in flaky goodness. They’re easy to make, fun to share, and guaranteed to brighten your day with every bite. So grab your ingredients, get baking, and bring a little sunshine into your kitchen!
Print
Pineapple Lime Coconut Hand Pies Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pineapple Lime Coconut Hand Pies are delightful handheld treats featuring a tangy and sweet pineapple-lime filling enriched with shredded coconut, all encased in flaky pie dough or puff pastry. Perfect for a tropical-inspired dessert or snack, they bake to a golden crisp, delivering a burst of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or flour
Pastry
- Pie dough or puff pastry sheets (enough to cut shapes, approx. 1 package)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Water or additional egg wash (for sealing edges)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Finely dice fresh pineapple and combine it in a bowl with lime juice, lime zest, shredded coconut, sugar, and cornstarch or flour. Mix well to create a thick filling that prevents leakage during baking.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pie dough or puff pastry sheets to about 1/8 inch thickness to ensure a delicate and flaky crust that will hold the filling securely.
- Cut and Fill: Use a round or square cookie cutter to cut shapes from the dough. Spoon a generous amount of the prepared filling onto half of each cut shape, leaving enough space around the edges for sealing.
- Seal the Edges: Brush the edges of the dough shapes with water or egg wash. Fold the dough over the filling to form pockets and press down firmly with a fork along the edges to seal and create a decorative pattern.
- Brush and Bake: Brush the tops of each hand pie with beaten egg to encourage a golden, glossy finish. Place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp.
Notes
- Use fresh pineapple for the best flavor and texture; canned pineapple can make the filling too watery.
- The cornstarch or flour helps thicken the filling to prevent soggy crusts.
- Egg wash not only seals the edges but gives a beautiful golden color to the crust.
- These hand pies can be served warm or at room temperature.
- For a tropical twist, you can sprinkle extra shredded coconut on top before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
