No-bake Pineapple Cream Dessert Recipe

Dreamy No-Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert Recipe for Sweet Cravings

Creamy pineapple lovers adore this simple no-bake dessert that promises pure tropical bliss without turning on the oven.

Chilled ingredients come together in minutes for a refreshing treat.

Sweet chunks of pineapple dance through a silky smooth cream base that melts in your mouth.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Cool and light, the dessert delivers a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors.

Guests will beg you to share the secret behind this incredibly delectable creation.

You can whip up this dreamy dessert in under 15 minutes and become an instant kitchen hero.

FAQs

  • Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pineapple. Just ensure it’s well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the dessert.

  • Is graham cracker crust the only option?

No, you can substitute with crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer cookies for a similar texture and flavor.

  • How long will this dessert stay fresh in the refrigerator?

The no-bake pineapple cream dessert will stay fresh for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

  • Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare this dessert up to 2 days in advance, which makes it perfect for parties and gatherings.

What Makes Pineapple Cream Dessert Special

  • Whip Up Quickly: Requires minimal cooking skills with simple steps anyone can follow, making it perfect for beginners or kitchen novices wanting a delicious dessert.
  • Zero Oven Needed: No baking means less hassle, lower energy costs, and keeps your kitchen cool during warm days without sacrificing taste or texture.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Creamy pineapple flavor offers a refreshing twist that appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual summer parties.
  • Minimal Ingredients: Uses basic pantry staples like graham crackers, cream cheese, and whipped topping, allowing easy preparation without a complex shopping list.

Ingredients Used in Pineapple Cream Dessert

Crust Ingredients:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A sweet and crunchy base that provides texture and flavor to the dessert.
  • Butter: Helps bind the graham cracker crumbs and creates a solid, rich foundation for the dessert.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: A creamy, tangy ingredient that forms the rich base of the dessert filling.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and balances the tanginess of the cream cheese.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dessert.
  • Whipped Topping: Adds lightness and creates a smooth, airy texture to the filling.
  • Pineapple: Brings a tropical, sweet-tart flavor and adds moisture to the dessert.
Garnish and Optional Ingredients:
  • Salt: Helps to balance and enhance the overall flavor of the dessert.

Make Pineapple Cream Dessert Without Baking

Step 1: Create Crunchy Base

Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin.

Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl until completely liquid.

Mix cracker crumbs and melted butter thoroughly until the mixture resembles wet sand.

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a square baking dish, creating a compact and even layer.

Use the back of a spoon or flat measuring cup to smooth the surface perfectly.

Step 2: Whip Creamy Filling

Grab a large mixing bowl and add soft cream cheese.

Beat the cream cheese using an electric mixer until it becomes smooth and fluffy.

Gradually add sugar and vanilla extract while continuing to mix.

Gently fold in whipped topping using a spatula, creating a light and airy texture.

Drain canned pineapple chunks completely, then fold them into the creamy mixture, distributing evenly.

Step 3: Layer and Chill

Carefully spread the pineapple cream mixture over the graham cracker crust, ensuring an even distribution.

Use a spatula to smooth the top surface.

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator.

Allow the dessert to set and cool for at least 2 hours, which helps the flavors meld and the texture firm up.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

Remove the dessert from the refrigerator.

Use a sharp knife to cut into square or rectangular portions.

Serve chilled for the most refreshing experience.

Optional: Garnish with additional pineapple chunks or a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs on top for extra texture.

Best Practices for Pineapple Cream Dessert

  • Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a solid, compact base that won't crumble when serving.
  • Pat pineapple chunks completely dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture from making the filling watery.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese and beat until silky to eliminate lumps and create a velvety texture.
  • Let dessert set for at least 4 hours or overnight to enhance flavor melding and achieve optimal firmness.
  • Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes or add a light drizzle of caramel sauce on top for extra taste complexity.

Pineapple Dessert Combos to Try Out

  • Tropical Coconut Remix: Replace graham crackers with toasted coconut flakes and mix with melted coconut oil for the crust. Swap pineapple with mango chunks for a different tropical flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Paradise: Use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour as crust base. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly option.
  • Low-Sugar Wellness Version: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Use reduced-fat cream cheese and sugar-free whipped topping to create a lighter dessert option.
  • Berry Sunrise Alternative: Trade pineapple for mixed berries like strawberries and raspberries. Add a layer of berry compote between cream cheese filling and crust for extra fruity intensity.

Tasty Additions to Pineapple Cream Dessert

  • Tropical Brunch Companion: Pair this creamy dessert with fresh coconut slices and a warm cup of Hawaiian coffee for a delightful island-inspired breakfast experience.
  • Elegant Dinner Finale: Serve chilled slices on a white porcelain plate with a light dusting of toasted coconut flakes and a mint leaf garnish to elevate the dessert's presentation.
  • Summer Party Delight: Create mini individual servings in clear shot glasses, topped with a small pineapple chunk and a drizzle of caramel sauce for a crowd-pleasing potluck treat.
  • Refreshing Afternoon Pick-Me-Up: Accompany the dessert with a chilled tropical smoothie or iced green tea to complement its sweet and tangy flavor profile.

Best Storage for Pineapple Cream Dessert

  • Store the dessert in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture absorption and flavor contamination.
  • Wrap the entire pan securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Cut dessert into squares and store in separate sealed containers. This method helps maintain freshness and makes grabbing a quick treat easier.
  • Keep the dessert chilled at all times. Never leave it out for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth and maintain its creamy texture.
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No-bake Pineapple Cream Dessert Recipe

No-bake Pineapple Cream Dessert Recipe


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4.6 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Tropical pineapple cream dessert promises creamy indulgence without oven time. Chilled layers of tangy fruit and silky cream invite sweet exploration.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
  • 1 package (8 ounces / 226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup whipped topping

Sweeteners and Flavoring:

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Crust Ingredients:

  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) melted butter

Instructions

  1. Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs and blend thoroughly with melted butter, ensuring complete moisture distribution throughout the mixture.
  2. Press the cracker-butter blend firmly and uniformly across the bottom of an 8×8-inch pan, creating a compact and even foundation.
  3. Whip cream cheese until silky smooth, gradually incorporating sugar and vanilla extract to develop a creamy consistency.
  4. Gently fold whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture, maintaining a light and airy texture.
  5. Carefully drain pineapple chunks, removing excess liquid to prevent watery filling.
  6. Integrate drained pineapple pieces into the cream mixture, distributing evenly for balanced flavor throughout the dessert.
  7. Delicately spread the pineapple cream filling over the prepared graham cracker crust, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  8. Refrigerate the dessert for minimum 2 hours, allowing the filling to set and flavors to meld together.
  9. Remove from refrigerator, slice into neat squares, and serve chilled for optimal taste and texture.

Notes

  • Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed oat cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Reduce sugar content by using Greek yogurt instead of full-fat cream cheese and adding a natural sweetener like stevia.
  • Experiment with different fruit combinations by substituting pineapple with fresh mango, passion fruit, or mixed berries for varied flavor profiles.
  • Enhance texture and nutrition by sprinkling toasted coconut flakes or chopped nuts on top before serving for added crunch and depth.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Chilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 282 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 176 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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