This No Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert is a refreshing treat that shines with creamy goodness and fruity flavor. It’s super easy to make, perfect for warm days!
I love how you can whip it up in no time and let it chill while you relax. Plus, who can resist that sweet pineapple topping? It’s a hit at any gathering! 🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These are the base of the crust. If you don’t have graham crackers, you can use digestive biscuits or even crushed vanilla wafers. They’ll work great!
Unsalted Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness to the crust. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, a plant-based butter or coconut oil can work well too.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese gives this dessert its creamy texture. If you’re lactose-intolerant, consider using a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Regular cream cheese works best for that classic taste.
Crushed Pineapple: This adds fruitiness and moisture. If fresh pineapple is available, you can use that as well, just chop it finely and drain it well. For a twist, you could use canned peaches or mango instead.
Whipped Topping: Cool Whip makes this dessert light and fluffy. You can substitute it with whipped cream or even make your own by whipping heavy cream. Just remember to add some sugar for sweetness!
How Do I Get A Perfectly Creamy Mixture?
Making sure your cream cheese is perfectly smooth is key to this dessert. It’s important to beat it well so there are no lumps. Here are some steps to ensure you get that creamy consistency:
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before you begin. This helps to soften it.
- Use an electric mixer to beat it until it’s smooth—about 2-3 minutes.
- When adding the drained pineapple, mix just until incorporated; too much mixing can make it watery.
- When folding in the whipped topping, be gentle! Use a spatula to combine without deflating the mixture.
How to Make No Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
For The Cream Layer:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 (12 oz) container whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
For Garnish (optional):
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- Pineapple chunks
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious No Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert takes about 20 minutes to prepare and then needs to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours to set. So, you can whip it up quickly and then let it chill while you relax!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir everything together until it’s mixed well. Then, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch square dish to form the crust. Make sure it’s nice and even. Set it aside while you prepare the filling.
2. Make the Cream Layer:
In a large mixing bowl, take the softened cream cheese and use an electric mixer to beat it until it’s smooth and creamy. Next, add the drained crushed pineapple and mix until everything is combined nicely. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, blending it all together until it’s smooth and tasty.
3. Combine and Chill:
Now it’s time to gently fold in the whipped topping to your cream cheese and pineapple mixture. Do this slowly until it’s fully blended and creamy. Pour this delicious mixture over your prepared graham cracker crust, and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Cover the dish and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours, or until it’s set.
4. Garnish and Serve:
Once your dessert has set in the fridge, take it out and sprinkle the top with shredded coconut and some pineapple chunks if you like. Then, slice the dessert into squares and serve it chilled. Enjoy your refreshing No Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert!
Can I Use Different Types of Sweeteners?
Absolutely! If you prefer a healthier option, you can use honey or maple syrup in place of granulated sugar. Just keep in mind that this might slightly alter the texture of the crust, so you may need to adjust the amount of butter to maintain the mixture’s firmness.
Can I Make This Dessert Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can! Use a dairy-free cream cheese substitute and swap the whipped topping for a coconut cream or another dairy-free whipped topping. Just ensure that the crushed pineapple you use is also dairy-free!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover the dessert well to keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing odors from other foods.
Can I Use Fresh Pineapple Instead of Canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple! Just make sure to finely chop it and drain any excess juice so the mixture doesn’t become too watery. It will give your dessert a fresh, bright flavor!
