Easy No-Bake Pineapple Dessert

Name: Easy No-Bake Pineapple Dessert
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained; 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip); 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Isabella

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If you’re looking for a refreshing and easy dessert that requires no baking, this Easy No-Bake Pineapple Dessert is the perfect choice. With creamy pineapple filling and a crunchy graham cracker crust, it’s a tropical-inspired treat that’s both light and satisfying. Whether it’s a hot summer day or just when you’re craving something sweet, this dessert is sure to hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love how simple and quick this dessert is to prepare, and it’s perfect for those moments when I don’t want to heat up the kitchen. The combination of the sweet, creamy pineapple filling and the buttery graham cracker crust makes it an irresistible treat. The best part? It only takes 10 minutes to prep, and then the fridge does all the hard work, leaving me with a delicious, chilled dessert ready to enjoy. It’s refreshing, not too heavy, and a great way to indulge in tropical flavors.

Ingredients

1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)

1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs

2 tablespoons melted butter

1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a medium bowl, I mix the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. I then press this mixture into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish to form the crust.

In a separate bowl, I beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until it’s smooth and creamy.

Next, I fold in the whipped topping and drained pineapple, mixing everything until it’s well combined.

I spread the pineapple mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust in the baking dish.

If I want to add some extra crunch, I sprinkle chopped walnuts on top for added texture and flavor.

I refrigerate the dessert for at least 2 hours, or until it firms up.

Once chilled, I slice and serve!

Servings and timing

Servings: 8

Prep time: 10 minutes

Total time: 2 hours 10 minutes (includes refrigeration time)

Variations

Add fresh fruit: I love adding fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or blueberries on top of the pineapple mixture to give it an extra burst of flavor and color.

Use a different crust: If I don’t have graham crackers, I can switch it up with a crushed cookie crust, like vanilla wafer crumbs or digestive biscuits, for a different taste.

No nuts: If I’m not a fan of walnuts or just want to keep it nut-free, I can skip the nuts altogether or substitute with coconut flakes for a tropical twist.

Storage/Reheating

This No-Bake Pineapple Dessert stores wonderfully in the refrigerator. I keep it covered in the fridge, and it stays fresh for up to 3 days. Since it’s a chilled dessert, there’s no need to reheat it. Just slice and serve straight from the fridge.

Related Recipes:

Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce

FAQs

How long can I store this dessert in the fridge?

I can store it for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, I can prepare it a day before serving. In fact, it tastes even better after it has had more time to chill and set in the fridge.

Is there a way to make it lighter?

To make it lighter, I can use light cream cheese and reduced-fat whipped topping, which will lower the calorie count while still maintaining a creamy texture.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

While canned pineapple is easiest for this recipe because of the juice and convenience, I could use fresh pineapple if I drain it well. I’d just chop it up into small pieces to mimic the texture of the canned version.

What can I substitute for graham cracker crumbs?

If I don’t have graham crackers, I can use crushed cookies like vanilla wafers, or even crushed pretzels for a slightly salty contrast to the sweetness of the filling.

Conclusion

This Easy No-Bake Pineapple Dessert is a great option when I’m craving something sweet and tropical without the need for baking. It’s quick to prepare, light, and refreshing, making it the perfect treat for summer gatherings or any time I want a delicious dessert with minimal effort. The layers of creamy pineapple filling and crunchy graham cracker crust are a winning combination that will keep me coming back for more.

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