No-bake Pineapple Cream Dessert Recipe

There's something undeniably refreshing about a No-Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert. This creamy, tropical treat combines the tang of pineapple with a velvety cream base, all set on a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for hot summer days or when you need a quick, effortless dessert, this recipe comes together in minutes and requires zero oven time.

The first time I made this dessert was for a family gathering, and it was a hit! With just a handful of ingredients, I had created a dessert that tasted like a slice of paradise. Let me show you how to make this simple, yet impressive, sweet treat.

Why You’ll Love This No-Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert

Get ready to be transported to a tropical oasis with each bite of this dessert! It's a recipe you'll want to add to your go-to dessert list.

First, this dessert is unbelievably quick and easy to make. You’ll only need about 15 minutes to prepare it before popping it into the fridge to chill. It’s the perfect last-minute dessert that looks and tastes like you put in hours of work.

It’s also a crowd-pleaser! The layers of creamy filling and juicy pineapple topping make each spoonful feel light and refreshing, ideal for those who want something sweet without feeling too heavy.

And if you're someone who loves make-ahead recipes, this dessert is your best friend. The flavors actually get better as it sits in the fridge, so you can prepare it the night before a party or dinner, leaving you more time to focus on other things.

Finally, this no-bake dessert requires no oven, making it an excellent choice for summer days when you want to keep your kitchen cool.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this No-Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert lies in its simplicity, with each ingredient playing a key role in its tropical taste and creamy texture.

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: The base of this dessert is made from graham cracker crumbs, which create a buttery, slightly crunchy crust that complements the creamy filling. You can use pre-crushed graham cracker crumbs or crush your own.
• Butter: Melted butter is used to bind the graham cracker crumbs, adding richness to the crust. Salted or unsalted butter both work fine, but I recommend unsalted to keep the dessert’s sweetness balanced.
• Cream Cheese: This is the key to the creamy filling. Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature so it blends smoothly, creating a luscious texture for the dessert.
• Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar sweetens the cream cheese filling without making it gritty. Be sure to sift it to avoid any lumps.
• Crushed Pineapple: The star of the show! Use canned crushed pineapple in juice (not syrup) for the perfect balance of sweetness and tang. Be sure to drain it well to prevent the dessert from becoming too watery.
• Whipped Topping: This adds lightness and an airy texture to the filling. You can use store-bought whipped topping, or if you prefer, you can whip up heavy cream with a little sugar as a homemade substitute.

Special Equipment

You won’t need any special equipment for this recipe, but a hand mixer will make blending the cream cheese and sugar much easier.

How To Make This No-Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert

Creating this tropical dessert is as easy as layering a few ingredients together and chilling it until it’s ready to enjoy. Here’s how to make it step-by-step.

1. Prepare the Crust: Start by combining the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a mixing bowl. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated and press the mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8x8-inch baking dish. Place the crust in the refrigerator to firm up while you prepare the filling.
2. Make the Cream Layer: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to beat until well combined. Gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Layer the Filling: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top so that the filling is evenly distributed across the entire surface.
4. Add the Pineapple Topping: Take the drained crushed pineapple and sprinkle it over the cream layer, covering it completely. Lightly press the pineapple into the cream layer to help it stick.
5. Chill the Dessert: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to firm up.

Once chilled, this dessert is ready to serve. Just slice, scoop, and enjoy a little piece of the tropics!

Storage Options

One of the best things about this dessert is how well it stores. Here are a few tips to keep it fresh:

• In the Refrigerator: Store any leftover dessert in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days and actually tastes even better after the first day, as the flavors have time to meld.
• In the Freezer: For longer storage, this dessert can be frozen. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it will keep in the freezer for up to 1 month. Allow it to thaw in the refrigerator for several hours before serving.

To re-chill it before serving, simply pop it back in the fridge for 30 minutes if it’s been at room temperature for too long.

Variations and Substitutions

This no-bake dessert is wonderfully versatile, and there are plenty of ways to make it your own.

• Swap the Pineapple for Other Fruits: Not a fan of pineapple? Try crushed peaches, strawberries, or mangoes for a different fruity twist. Just be sure to drain the fruit thoroughly to avoid a soggy dessert.
• Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use a dairy-free whipped topping. Coconut cream also works well for a slightly different flavor.
• Add a Crunchy Topping: For a bit of texture, sprinkle toasted coconut flakes or chopped nuts on top of the pineapple layer. This adds a nice contrast to the creamy filling.
• Experiment with the Crust: Instead of graham crackers, try using crushed vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies for the crust. Each will add a unique flavor to complement the pineapple filling.
• Use Fresh Whipped Cream: If you prefer homemade whipped cream over store-bought whipped topping, simply whip heavy cream with a touch of powdered sugar until it holds soft peaks, and use that in the filling.

This No-Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making over and over again, especially with all the easy ways to customize it. Enjoy your taste of paradise

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