Piña Colada Pie

Crust: Preheat oven to 350˚F.

In food processor, finely grind Maria cookies. Add coconut and lime zest; pulse until combined. Toss mixture with butter until well coated. Transfer mixture to 9-inch springform pan and press into bottom and sides.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden, crisp and fragrant. Let cool completely before filling.

Pineapple Curd: In medium saucepan set over medium heat, whisk together lime zest, lime juice and cornstarch until smooth and blended. Whisk in pineapple juice.

In medium bowl, whisk together eggs, egg yolks and sugar until pale and thickened. Whisk eggs mixture into pineapple juice mixture until combined.

Place saucepan over medium heat. Stirring constantly with a spatula, bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring constantly, for 3 to 5 minutes or until thickened.

Remove from heat; stir in butter until fully incorporated. Pass through fine-mesh sieve into prepared crust. Cover surface directly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours or until well chilled, thickened and set. Keep refrigerated until needed.

Coconut Cream Layer: Into medium microwave-safe dish, add 1/4 cup cream of coconut. Sprinkle gelatin over top. Let stand for 5 minutes. Stir in 2 tbsp cream of coconut. Microwave on HIGH for 45 to 60 seconds or until mixture comes to a boil. Stir to dissolve gelatin. Stir in remaining cream of coconut.

In chilled large bowl, using handheld electric mixer, beat cream cheese until light and fluffy (chilled bowl will help mixture set faster). Reduce speed to low; beat in confectioners’ sugar and rum extract until blended and smooth. Beat in cream of coconut mixture until combined. Fold in coconut.

Spread filling over pineapple curd layer, smooth top. Refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours or until layers are firm and set.

Topping: Just before serving, using handheld electric mixer with clean beaters, whip cream until stiff peaks start to form. Beat in confectioners’ sugar and vanilla until combined.

Top pie with dollops of whipped cream mixture, coconut, and lime zest. Garnish with pineapple and cherries.

Note: Substitute store-bought whipped topping for whipped cream mixture if desired.