Dive into the refreshing flavors of “Tropical Escape: No-Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert,” a delightfully creamy and fruity treat that’s perfect for any season. This no-bake dessert combines sweet, tangy pineapple with rich, smooth cream on a crumbly graham cracker base. It’s incredibly easy to make and ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or a simple family dessert that requires no oven, making it perfect for hot summer days or whenever you need a quick, satisfying sweet.
Why You’ll Love No-Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert:
- Effortless to Prepare: No oven needed, just mix, assemble, and chill.
- Light and Refreshing: The tropical flavor of pineapple paired with cool, creamy layers feels light and refreshing.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Elegant enough for special events but simple enough for a weeknight treat.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Its sweet and fruity taste appeals to guests of all ages.
Ingredients Notes For No-Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert:
- Graham Crackers: The base layer, providing a sweet and crunchy texture. Alternatively, use digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers.
- Cream Cheese: Softened, to blend smoothly into the filling for a rich, creamy texture.
- Whipped Topping: Adds lightness and fluffiness to the cream layer. You can use store-bought or homemade whipped cream.
- Pineapple: Crushed pineapple in juice, well-drained, is mixed into the cream layer for that tropical flavor.
- Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture.
- Lemon Juice: A touch enhances the pineapple’s tanginess and helps balance the sweetness.
- Butter: Melted, mixed with graham cracker crumbs for the crust.
Recipe Steps:
- Prepare the Crust: Combine finely crushed graham crackers with melted butter and a little sugar if desired. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish. Chill in the refrigerator to set.
- Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar and lemon juice until smooth and creamy. Stir in the well-drained crushed pineapple. Gently fold in the whipped topping until well combined.
- Assemble: Spread the pineapple cream mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
- Chill: Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until it is firm and set.
- Serve: Cut into squares and serve chilled. Garnish with additional whipped topping and pineapple chunks or shreds of coconut if desired.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Keep the dessert covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: For a firmer texture, freeze the dessert and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
INGREDIENTS
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Filling:
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained well
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups whipped cream or whipped topping
For Topping:
- Extra whipped cream or whipped topping
- Chopped nuts (optional, for garnish)
- Maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish, forming a firm, even layer. Chill in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
- Make the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue beating until well combined.
- Stir in the well-drained crushed pineapple.
- Gently fold in the whipped cream or whipped topping until the mixture is uniform.
- Assemble the Dessert:
- Spread the pineapple and cream cheese mixture over the chilled crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Chill:
- Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to set completely and develop the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Before serving, top with additional whipped cream or whipped topping, chopped nuts, and maraschino cherries if desired.
- Cut into squares and serve chilled.
