Heavenly Pineapple Dream Dessert Recipe: Sunshine in a Spoon

Creamy, dreamy layers of pure delight define this classic pineapple dream dessert that dances between sweet and tangy.

Southern kitchens have long cherished this nostalgic treat with its irresistible combination of textures.

Crushed graham crackers form a buttery base that cradles a velvety cream cheese filling.

Chunks of tropical pineapple weave through each luscious bite, creating a refreshing contrast to the rich, smooth layers.

Cool and light, this dessert promises a moment of pure indulgence that transports you to sunny afternoons.

Whip up this simple yet spectacular dessert and watch smiles spread across faces as everyone takes their first delectable spoonful.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 401 kcal

Servings: 7

All You Need For Pineapple Dream Dessert

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Creates a buttery, crisp foundation that provides delightful texture and crunch to the dessert.
• Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and adds rich, golden flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Enhances sweetness and helps the crust hold together perfectly.

• Cream Cheese: Delivers smooth, tangy base with luxurious creamy consistency.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create silky texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling and contributes to its light, airy structure.
• Crushed Pineapple: Introduces vibrant tropical flavor and natural moisture to the dessert.

• Whipped Topping: Creates a light, fluffy cloud-like layer that adds extra indulgence.
• Toasted Coconut Flakes: Optional garnish that brings delightful crunch and tropical essence.

Tools List For Pineapple Dream Dessert

• 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect for creating even layers of this dreamy dessert.
• Medium mixing bowl: Essential for combining graham cracker crust ingredients.
• Large mixing bowl: Needed for beating cream cheese and creating smooth filling.
• Electric mixer: Helps achieve creamy, fluffy texture for the filling.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
• Spatula: Great for folding pineapple and spreading layers evenly.
• Knife: Used for cutting and serving the chilled dessert.

Simple Steps For Pineapple Dream Dessert

• Crust Creation

Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs and blend with melted butter until perfectly combined. Press the mixture into a baking dish, creating a smooth, compact base. Let the crust rest in the refrigerator while preparing the next delightful layer.

• Creamy Pineapple Filling

Whip cream cheese until silky and light. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, creating a dreamy mixture. Fold in juicy crushed pineapple, ensuring an even distribution of tropical sweetness throughout the creamy base.

• Layer Harmony

Carefully spread the pineapple-cream cheese mixture over the chilled crust, creating a smooth and even surface that promises delectable bites.

• Fluffy Cloud Topping

Cover the pineapple layer with a generous blanket of whipped topping. For an extra touch of tropical elegance, sprinkle toasted coconut flakes across the surface.

• Chill and Anticipate

Refrigerate the dessert for several hours, allowing the flavors to mingle and the layers to set perfectly. The waiting is part of the delicious journey.

• Tropical Celebration

Slice into beautiful squares and serve. Each bite transports you to a sunny beachside paradise, bursting with creamy, fruity goodness.

Tips For A Perfect Pineapple Dream Dessert

• Chill-Proof Perfection: Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours to ensure the layers set properly and flavors blend seamlessly, creating a smooth, creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
• Texture Tip: Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for a lump-free, silky filling that spreads effortlessly across the graham cracker crust.
• Gluten-Free Hack: Swap graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham-style crackers or almond flour to make this dessert suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Tropical Twist Variations: Experiment with different fruit additions like mango, passion fruit, or coconut cream to give the classic pineapple dream a unique tropical spin that'll transport your taste buds to a beachside paradise.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This dessert can be prepared up to 2 days in advance, making it perfect for party planning or when you want a stress-free dessert option that tastes even better after sitting in the fridge.

Best Ways To Serve Pineapple Dream Dessert

• Tropical Island Picnic Plating: Serve squares on small bamboo plates with a fresh mint leaf garnish, creating a mini vacation vibe on each dessert.
• Summer Poolside Presentation: Arrange dessert squares on a colorful tray with cocktail umbrellas and sliced fresh pineapple wedges for a fun, festive look.
• Coconut Lover's Dream: Sprinkle extra toasted coconut flakes around the plate edges and add a small scoop of coconut sorbet alongside the dessert square for enhanced tropical flavor.
• Dessert Bar Delight: Create a DIY dessert station with different toppings like chopped macadamia nuts, caramel drizzle, and extra whipped cream, allowing guests to customize their Pineapple Dream experience.

Pineapple Dream Dessert Storage Instructions

Seal the dessert in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.

• Refrigeration Magic: Keep the Pineapple Dream Dessert chilled between 34-40°F for optimal taste and texture, lasting up to 5 days.
• Freezing Friendly: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Portioning Pro Tips: Cut dessert into squares before storing to make serving easier and prevent unnecessary handling that might damage delicate layers.

Creamy Pineapple Dream Dessert Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Creamy pineapple dream dessert blends tropical flavors into a luscious no-bake treat. Cool graham cracker crust and silky pineapple filling invite sweet summer memories that will delight you.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 20 oz / 567 g can crushed pineapple (drained well)
• 8 oz / 226 g cream cheese (softened)
• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream)
• ¼ cup toasted coconut flakes (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Crust Creation: Blend graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar into a cohesive mixture. Press firmly into a 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring an even, compact base. Refrigerate to set while preparing subsequent layers.
2. Cream Cheese Fusion: Whip cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, continuing to blend until achieving a light, airy consistency. Fold in drained crushed pineapple, distributing evenly throughout the mixture.
3. Layer Assembly: Spread the pineapple-cream cheese blend over the chilled crust, creating a uniform layer that promises consistent flavor in every serving.
4. Topping Finesse: Generously cover the cream cheese layer with whipped topping, smoothing the surface with gentle, precise movements. Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes across the top for added texture and visual appeal.
5. Flavor Melding: Refrigerate the dessert for a minimum of four hours, or preferably overnight. This resting period allows the layers to set and flavors to harmonize, transforming individual components into a cohesive, luxurious dessert.
6. Serving Presentation: Cut into neat squares, revealing the beautiful layers. Serve chilled and enjoy the refreshing, tropical-inspired delicacy.

Notes

• Optimize Crust Texture: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a solid, compact base that prevents crumbling and provides a stable foundation for the creamy layers.
• Prevent Watery Layers: Thoroughly drain crushed pineapple to eliminate excess moisture, ensuring the cream cheese mixture maintains a thick, luxurious consistency without becoming runny.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Consider toasting coconut flakes briefly before sprinkling to intensify their nutty flavor and add a delightful aromatic dimension to the dessert’s profile.
• Make It Dietary-Friendly: Swap traditional ingredients with low-fat cream cheese, sugar-free whipped topping, and gluten-free graham crackers to accommodate various dietary restrictions without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 401
• Sugar: 31 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg