No-Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert is a light, creamy, and refreshing treat that combines the tropical sweetness of pineapple with a smooth, fluffy cream filling. Perfect for warm weather or when you want a quick and easy dessert, this dessert is made with simple ingredients and requires no oven time. With its layers of graham crackers, pineapple, and creamy filling, it’s a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s as delicious as it is easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This No-Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert is a perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and texture. The graham cracker crust adds a crunchy base, while the pineapple filling provides a fruity, tangy flavor that’s complemented by a smooth, fluffy cream mixture. It’s quick to prepare, requires minimal effort, and can be made ahead of time—ideal for busy days when you want a delicious dessert without the fuss. Plus, it’s a great way to bring a bit of tropical flair to your dessert table.

No-Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert

Ingredients

For the Crust:

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

For the Filling:

1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple (drained)
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional for extra tang)

For Garnish:

Additional crushed pineapple (optional)
Whipped cream (optional)
Fresh mint leaves (optional)

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

Directions

Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Add the melted butter and stir until everything is well combined and the crumbs are evenly coated. Press the mixture into the bottom of an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch square baking dish (or a similar-sized dish) to form an even crust. Set aside.
Make the filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until the mixture thickens and forms soft peaks. Gently fold in the drained crushed pineapple, and if desired, add a tablespoon of lemon juice for extra tang.
Assemble the dessert: Spread the pineapple cream filling evenly over the prepared graham cracker crust. Smooth the top with a spatula, ensuring that the filling is evenly distributed.
Chill: Cover the dessert with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the dessert to set.
Serve: Before serving, you can garnish with additional crushed pineapple, a dollop of whipped cream, and a few fresh mint leaves for a decorative touch. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8-10
Total time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 4 hours (or overnight)

Variations

Add coconut: For a tropical twist, add shredded coconut to the filling or sprinkle it on top as a garnish.
Different fruit: Substitute the pineapple with other fruits like peaches, strawberries, or mangoes for a fruity variation.
Use a different crust: If you don’t like graham crackers, you can use crushed cookies like vanilla wafers, shortbread, or digestive biscuits for the crust.
Make it lighter: To make a lighter version, you can substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt and reduce the amount of heavy cream used in the filling.
Use a store-bought crust: If you’re short on time, you can use a pre-made graham cracker crust from the store.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dessert will keep well as long as it’s kept chilled.
Freezing: This dessert can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Let it thaw in the fridge for several hours or overnight before serving.
Reheating: This dessert is served cold, so no reheating is needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but you’ll need to chop it finely and drain out the excess juice to avoid making the filling too watery.

2. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, this dessert is perfect for making ahead of time. It actually benefits from sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight, as the flavors have time to meld and the texture sets.

3. Can I use whipped topping instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can use whipped topping (like Cool Whip) in place of the heavy cream for a lighter texture. However, homemade whipped cream adds a richer flavor.

4. Can I add more fruit to the filling?

Absolutely! You can add diced fresh fruit or more crushed pineapple to the filling for extra fruit flavor and texture. Just be sure to drain the fruit well to avoid excess liquid.

5. Can I use a store-bought graham cracker crust?

Yes, a store-bought graham cracker crust is a great shortcut if you don’t want to make the crust from scratch.

6. Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Yes, to make this dessert gluten-free, use a gluten-free graham cracker alternative or substitute with crushed gluten-free cookies for the crust.

7. Can I add a topping to this dessert?

Yes, a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of toasted coconut, or more fresh fruit can be added to the top before serving for extra flavor and decoration.

8. How can I make the crust firmer?

If you want a firmer crust, you can press the graham cracker mixture into the pan more firmly and refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before adding the filling.

9. Can I make this dessert dairy-free?

Yes, to make this dessert dairy-free, you can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese or cashew cream and use a non-dairy whipped topping instead of heavy cream.

10. Can I use a different sweetener for the filling?

Yes, you can use a natural sweetener like maple syrup, agave nectar, or stevia to replace the powdered sugar in the filling, though it may slightly change the texture and flavor.

Conclusion

No-Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert is the ultimate tropical treat—refreshing, creamy, and full of sweet pineapple goodness. With a simple graham cracker crust and a rich, smooth filling, it’s an easy dessert that’s sure to delight. Whether you make it for a family dinner, a potluck, or just a special treat, this dessert will quickly become a favorite. It’s light, flavorful, and the perfect way to enjoy the bright taste of pineapple without turning on the oven!