No-bake Pineapple Cream Dessert Recipe

There's something so refreshing about a light, fruity dessert that requires no baking, especially on warm days or busy nights. This No-Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert combines sweet pineapple, a creamy, fluffy filling, and a buttery graham cracker crust, making it the perfect treat to end any meal. It's a family favorite in my house, and every time I make it, I'm reminded of those sunny summer days spent on the porch with a chilled slice of this delicious dessert.

Whether you're hosting a gathering, treating yourself, or making something special for family night, this dessert checks all the boxes for ease, taste, and simplicity. Let's dive into why you'll love this sweet treat!

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

This dessert is about to become a new go-to, and here’s why!

Quick and Easy to Prepare: This recipe is as simple as it gets – you won’t even need to turn on the oven. In just 15 minutes, you can have this dessert chilling in the fridge, perfect for last-minute cravings or gatherings.

Perfect for All Occasions: Its light, tropical flavor makes it ideal for summer picnics, potlucks, or holiday spreads. You can make it in advance and serve it right from the fridge, so it’s ready whenever you are.

Minimal Ingredients: With just a handful of basic ingredients, this dessert is budget-friendly yet delivers a luxurious flavor that feels far more extravagant.

Refreshing and Light: The combination of pineapple and creamy filling gives this dessert a sweet, tropical taste without feeling too heavy. It's a great way to enjoy a sweet treat without feeling weighed down.

If you’re ready to make an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s sure to impress, read on for the ingredient details and steps!

Ingredients Notes

This dessert requires only a few simple ingredients that come together to create a flavor-packed treat. Each one has its part to play, adding just the right balance of sweetness, creaminess, and texture.

Graham Crackers: Crushed graham crackers make up the base for the crust, providing a sweet, buttery foundation that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling. If you prefer, you could substitute vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits.

Butter: Melted butter binds the graham cracker crumbs together to create a firm crust. I recommend unsalted butter so you can control the flavor, but salted will work in a pinch.

Cream Cheese: The filling starts with cream cheese, which adds a rich, tangy flavor and helps to balance out the sweetness of the pineapple. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.

Whipped Topping: Whipped topping (like Cool Whip) creates a light and airy texture in the filling. For a homemade twist, you could use freshly whipped cream – just make sure it’s stabilized if you plan on making this dessert ahead of time.

Pineapple: Crushed pineapple (in juice, not syrup) gives this dessert its tropical flair. Make sure to drain it well to avoid any extra moisture in the filling that might make it too runny.

You won’t need any special equipment – just a mixing bowl, spatula, and an 8x8-inch pan or something similar for layering.

How To Make This No-Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert

Making this dessert is as easy as mixing, layering, and chilling. Here’s how it’s done:

1. Prepare the Crust: Start by mixing your crushed graham crackers with melted butter. Stir until the mixture is evenly combined and resembles wet sand. Press it firmly into the bottom of an 8x8-inch pan to create a solid crust layer. Pop it into the fridge to set while you prepare the filling.
2. Make the Creamy Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add in the whipped topping and mix until fully combined and fluffy. Gently fold in the drained pineapple, making sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the filling. The creamy base is now ready!
3. Layer the Dessert: Remove the crust from the fridge and spread the pineapple cream mixture evenly over the graham cracker base. Use a spatula to smooth it out so it has an even, flat surface.
4. Chill and Set: Cover the pan with plastic wrap or foil, and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 2 hours, or until it’s firm enough to slice cleanly. For best results, let it sit overnight to fully set and allow the flavors to meld.

Once it’s set, slice it into squares and get ready to indulge in this cool, creamy delight.

Storage Options

One of the best things about this dessert is that it stores wonderfully, making it easy to prepare in advance.

In the Fridge: Cover any leftovers with plastic wrap, or transfer slices to an airtight container. It will stay fresh and delicious in the fridge for up to 3 days, although it’s so tasty that it rarely lasts that long!

In the Freezer: For a more long-term option, freeze individual squares in an airtight container with parchment paper between each layer. It can be stored this way for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge for a couple of hours.

Reheating: Since this is a no-bake dessert, there’s no reheating required! Just pull it out of the fridge or freezer and let it soften slightly before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

This no-bake dessert is super versatile! Here are a few ways to make it your own:

Add a Coconut Twist: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for an extra tropical vibe and a hint of crunchy texture that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling.

Use a Different Fruit: Not a pineapple fan? Try using crushed peaches or mandarin oranges (well-drained) for a similar fruity, creamy dessert with a different flavor profile.

Swap the Crust: While graham crackers are classic, you can use vanilla wafers, Oreo crumbs, or even a shortbread crust to add a unique twist.

Add a Topping: For a touch of elegance, top the dessert with a whipped cream layer or add a drizzle of pineapple syrup if you want to intensify the fruity flavor.

Make It Cheesecake-Style: For a more cheesecake-like experience, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the filling and increase the cream cheese slightly. It’ll add a hint of vanilla warmth to balance the pineapple’s brightness.

Feel free to experiment and have fun with this recipe – it’s so forgiving and easy to adapt to suit your tastes!

This No-Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert is truly a lifesaver when you’re craving something sweet yet light. With minimal prep, no baking, and a perfect blend of creamy, tropical flavors, it’s hard to beat. Give it a try, and you’ll see why this easy dessert has become a favorite in my kitchen. Enjoy!

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