Paradise Island Pie

Course Dessert, Pie

Cuisine American, Southern

Keyword paradise pie, paradise-island-pie

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 20

Chill Time 4

Total Time 4 40

Servings servings

Calories 498kcal

Author Melissa Sperka

3/4 cup finely chopped macadamia nuts divided
2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
1/2 cup butter melted
1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 2.6 oz box dry whipped topping mix i.e. Dream Whip contains 2 packages - use both
2 1/2 cups whole milk divided
2 3.4 oz boxes instant coconut cream pudding mix
1 8 oz can crushed pineapple well drained
1 1/2 Tbsp orange zest, plus additional for garnishing
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 8 oz container frozen whipped topping thawed

Crust: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly spritz the bottom of a 10-inch springform pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
Spread 1/4 cup macadamia nuts on a baking sheet and toast for 4-5 minutes. Set aside for garnishing.
In a medium bowl mix together crumbs, 1/2 cup nuts, butter, coconut and 1/4 cup sugar. Press firmly onto the bottom and about 3/4 inches up the sides of the pan.
Bake crust for 16-18 minutes until golden brown and set. Cool completely.
Make the Filling: In the large bowl of a stand mixer whip together both packages of Dream Whip mix with 1 cup milk until stiff peaks form. Around 4-6 minutes.
To the whipped cream add both boxes of coconut pudding mix remaining 1 1/2 cups whole milk and vanilla extract. Continue to whip for an additional 3 minutes or until the mixture is fully thickened and slightly golden in color.
Use a large spoon or spatula to fold in the crushed pineapple and grated orange zest.
Spread the creamy tropical filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the top.
Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 4-6 hours before slicing.
Before serving, frost the top with whipped topping. Sprinkle the top with orange zest and reserved toasted macadamia nuts, slice and serve.

Crust - The crust for this pie is made with vanilla wafers. You could use graham cracker crumbs or a shortbread cookie instead. You could also add 1/4 cup white chocolate chips to the dry ingredients for the crust.
Nuts - You could replace the macadamia nuts with almonds, walnuts or pecans.
Dream Whip - Dream Whip is a dry whipped topping mix that's an important part of the filling. It's found on the baking aisle of most grocery stores including places like Walmart and Target.
Orange Zest - You could use lime zest or lemon zest in place of orange zest.
Sugar - You could use brown sugar in place of granulated sugar for the crust.
Coconut Cream Pudding Mix - The fluffy filling is made with coconut cream pudding mix. If you're unable to find coconut cream instant pudding, you can substitute with instant vanilla pudding or cheesecake instant pudding and add 1/2-1 cup coconut, instead.
Allow Ample Chill Time - After spreading the filling over the cooled crust, give it ample time at least 4-6 hours to chill before cutting.
Optional White Chocolate Garnish - You could top this paradise pie with grated white chocolate for a delicious finish.