Description

Pineapple Dream Dessert is a no-bake, creamy layered treat with a buttery graham cracker crust, luscious cream cheese–pineapple filling, and fluffy whipped topping. It’s light, tropical, and effortless—perfect for potlucks, holidays, or whenever you need a cool make-ahead dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip)
1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained well

Optional Garnish:

Extra crushed graham crackers or toasted coconut

Instructions

Make the Crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Stir in melted butter until evenly moistened. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch (or 8×8-inch) pan. Chill while preparing filling.
Beat the Base: In a large bowl, cream softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add cream cheese and beat until well combined.
Fold Filling: Fold in well-drained crushed pineapple, then gently fold in whipped topping until smooth.
Assemble: Spread the pineapple cream mixture evenly over the chilled crust. Smooth the top.
Chill & Serve: Refrigerate at least 4 hours (or overnight) until set. Garnish with crushed grahams or toasted coconut. Slice and serve chilled.

Notes

Secrets for a Dreamy Texture

Fully soften butter and cream cheese for a silky base.
Drain pineapple very well to prevent a watery filling.
Fold whipped topping gently to keep it light and airy.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Chill at least 4 hours; overnight is best.
Refrigerate covered 4–5 days.
Freeze up to 2 months; wrap tightly. Thaw in fridge before serving.

Easy Variations

Banana Pineapple: Add banana slices between crust and filling.
Tropical Trifle: Layer with sponge cake, vanilla pudding, and toasted coconut.
Coconut Dream Bars: Mix shredded coconut into the filling.
Individual Cups: Portion into parfait glasses for mini desserts.

Tools You’ll Need

9×9-inch or 8×8-inch pan
Mixing bowls, hand/stand mixer
Rubber spatula, measuring cups/spoons

Common Mistakes

Not chilling long enough—dessert won’t set.
Using wet pineapple—drain thoroughly.
Skipping crust chill—base may crumble or lift.
Overmixing—deflates the whipped topping.

Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Pineapple Dream Dessert, no-bake pineapple cake, cream cheese pineapple dessert, graham cracker crust dessert, easy whipped cream dessert, no cook dessert, tropical dessert