Description
Pineapple dream dessert whisks creamy tropical flavors into a delightful no-bake paradise. Sweet layers of graham cracker crust, fluffy cream cheese, and pineapple filling promise pure indulgence that will transport you to a blissful culinary escape.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (20 ounces / 567 grams) can crushed pineapple, drained well
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
Crust Ingredients:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Topping and Additional Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip) or homemade whipped cream
- ¼ cup toasted coconut flakes (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Craft a robust foundation for the dessert by combining graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and granulated sugar. Press the mixture meticulously into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating a compact and uniform base. Chill the crust in the refrigerator to solidify while preparing subsequent components.
- Transform cream cheese and butter into a silky, homogeneous mixture using an electric mixer. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, whipping until the texture becomes ethereal and cloud-like. Gently fold in drained crushed pineapple, ensuring even distribution throughout the creamy landscape.
- Carefully unveil the chilled crust and delicately spread the pineapple-infused cream cheese mixture across its surface, maintaining an equal thickness to guarantee consistent flavor in every bite.
- Crown the dessert with a luxurious layer of whipped topping, smoothing it with graceful, deliberate strokes. For an optional textural enhancement, scatter toasted coconut flakes across the pristine white surface, adding visual intrigue and nutty complexity.
- Allow the dessert to rest and harmonize in the refrigerator for a minimum of four hours, preferably overnight. This crucial waiting period enables the flavors to intertwine and layers to set into a cohesive, decadent treat.
- When ready to serve, slice into precise squares, revealing the beautiful stratified composition. Present the chilled dessert and savor each refreshing, tropical-inspired spoonful.
Notes
- Ensure graham cracker crumbs are finely ground for a smooth, compact crust that holds together perfectly when sliced.
- Drain pineapple thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the dessert watery and compromising the creamy texture.
- Soften cream cheese and butter at room temperature beforehand to achieve a silky, lump-free filling that blends seamlessly.
- Create a gluten-free version by substituting graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for those with dietary restrictions.
- Toast coconut flakes in a dry skillet for extra crunch and deeper, nuttier flavor that elevates the dessert’s overall taste profile.
- Make ahead and freeze for up to two weeks, allowing you to prep this crowd-pleasing dessert in advance for easy entertaining.
- Experiment with different fruit variations like mango or strawberry to put a unique spin on this classic tropical-inspired treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 313
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 125 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg