This Easy No-Bake Pineapple Dessert is pure sunshine on a plate—a silky, tropical treat that comes together in no time, no oven required. Sweet pineapple mingles with a creamy, fluffy filling layered over a buttery graham cracker crust, creating a dessert that’s both refreshing and decadent. Whether you’re feeding a crowd at a summer barbecue or treating yourself on a hot day, this is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you’ll want in your rotation all year long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of simple ingredients for this luscious treat, and each one plays a special role. The key is using what you have, embracing shortcuts (hello, whipped topping!), and letting those bright pineapple flavors pop. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Crushed pineapple in juice: The juicy bursts of pineapple are the star, bringing sweetness and tang while keeping the dessert ultra-moist.
- Cream cheese, softened: Adds luscious creaminess and just the right tang to balance the sweetness.
- Whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed: This keeps the filling impossibly light and airy—so each bite melts in your mouth.
- Powdered sugar: Blends smoothly into the cream cheese, providing gentle sweetness without any grainy texture.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors, adding cozy, aromatic notes to the creamy filling.
- Graham cracker crumbs: These form a thick, sturdy base that adds just the right crunch beneath all that creamy goodness.
- Melted butter: Binds the graham crackers together and brings an indulgent, buttery flavor to the crust.
How to Make Easy No-Bake Pineapple Dessert
Step 1: Make the Graham Cracker Crust
Add your graham cracker crumbs to a medium bowl, then pour in the melted butter and stir until all the crumbs are glistening and fully coated. The mixture should feel like damp sand—perfect for pressing into your 8×8-inch dish. Press it down firmly and evenly with the bottom of a glass or your fingers so it forms a solid layer that won’t get soggy under the filling.
Step 2: Whip the Cream Cheese Mixture
Place your softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Beat until completely smooth and lump-free. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to mix until the whole blend turns silky and creamy. This is where the magic starts—the base for your dreamy pineapple layer.
Step 3: Add Pineapple and Whipped Topping
Stir in the entire can of crushed pineapple (juice and all) into the cream cheese mixture. The juice is what gives the filling that delightful tropical flavor and keeps everything moist. Next, gently fold in the thawed whipped topping. You want to keep the mixture airy, so use a spatula for slow, gentle stirring until it’s all fully combined.
Step 4: Assemble and Chill
Spread the pineapple filling evenly over the graham cracker crust. Smooth the top so it looks extra inviting. Then, pop the dish in the fridge. Chilling for at least four hours (or overnight for best results) gives everything time to set up beautifully. This transforms the mixture from creamy to sliceable, holding its shape but still light and fluffy.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
When you’re ready to enjoy, grab a sharp knife and cut the dessert into nine neat squares. Use a spatula to lift each piece from the pan—the layers will look gorgeous! Serve chilled, straight from the fridge, and watch faces light up.
How to Serve Easy No-Bake Pineapple Dessert
Garnishes
For an extra flourish, sprinkle reserved graham cracker crumbs or some finely chopped pecans or walnuts on top before chilling. If you love a pop of color, a little fresh mint or a cherry right in the center of each square turns this into a party-ready dessert.
Side Dishes
This tropical treat pairs perfectly with light, refreshing sides. Consider serving with a fruit salad featuring mango, berries, or even kiwi for a contrast in flavors, or offer up some iced hibiscus tea or lemonade to keep things nice and breezy alongside your Easy No-Bake Pineapple Dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want a fun twist, spoon the layers into individual jars or cups for a portable dessert at picnics and potlucks. You can also make mini versions in muffin tins lined with cupcake wrappers—easy to grab, and adorable on any dessert table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Easy No-Bake Pineapple Dessert will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Just cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer sections to airtight containers to ensure it stays fresh and creamy.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the entire pan or individual pieces well in plastic wrap and then foil. The texture will change slightly once thawed, becoming a bit more dense, but the flavors will still sing. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving for best results.
Reheating
This dessert is best served chilled, so no need to reheat! Simply slice and enjoy straight from the fridge. If it’s been frozen, make sure it’s fully thawed before serving to enjoy its luscious texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Fresh pineapple works, but using it may change the texture since canned pineapple comes with juice that helps bind the filling. If using fresh, be sure to include some of its juice or add a splash of pineapple juice for moisture.
Can I make Easy No-Bake Pineapple Dessert ahead for a party?
Absolutely! This dessert is made for prepping the night before. The flavors actually deepen as it sets, and the texture firms up, making it even easier to slice and serve when you host.
Is it possible to use a different crust?
Yes, you can switch things up with a vanilla wafer or shortbread cookie crust for a slightly different flavor profile. Just follow the same method as with the graham crackers for delicious, sturdy results.
Can I make Easy No-Bake Pineapple Dessert lighter?
To lighten things up, opt for low-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese and whipped topping. The dessert will still be wonderfully creamy and full of pineapple flavor, but with fewer calories and less fat.
How do I keep the crust from sticking to the pan?
Line your baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal or coat it with nonstick spray before pressing in the crust. This makes slicing and serving a breeze, especially when chilled.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a simple, refreshing, and absolutely irresistible treat, you can’t go wrong with Easy No-Bake Pineapple Dessert. Give it a try—you might just discover your new go-to dessert for every summer gathering or sweet craving!
Print
Easy No-Bake Pineapple Dessert Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the tropical flavors of this Easy No-Bake Pineapple Dessert. Creamy, sweet, and refreshing, this treat is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without turning on the oven. It’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion, especially during the warmer months.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup melted butter
For the Filling:
- 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple in juice, undrained
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (8-ounce) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, mixing until fully moistened. Press the mixture into the bottom of an 8×8-inch dish to form an even crust.
- Make the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until creamy. Stir in the crushed pineapple (with juice) and gently fold in the whipped topping until fully combined.
- Assemble and Chill: Spread the pineapple mixture over the prepared crust and smooth the top. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until set.
- Serve: Slice and serve chilled.
Notes
- For extra texture, sprinkle additional graham cracker crumbs or chopped nuts on top before chilling.
- You can substitute low-fat cream cheese and whipped topping if desired.
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