This creamy Pineapple Dream Dessert is an easy treat with layers of crushed pineapple, whipped topping, and graham cracker crust. Perfect for summer parties, potlucks, and holidays!
If you’re looking for a light, creamy, and irresistibly refreshing dessert, this Pineapple Dream Dessert is exactly what you need. With layers of smooth cream cheese filling, crushed pineapple, and a buttery graham cracker crust, itโs the perfect dessert.
You will love it for summer, potlucks, or anytime you want something sweet without much work. This nostalgic recipe has been a family favorite for generations and once you try it, you’ll see why!
It reminds me of Cherry Yum Yum with the layers and graham cracker crust.
Table of contents
Why We Love This Recipe
- Bright and refreshing: The sweet and tart flavor of crushed pineapple pairs perfectly with the creamy filling, making each bite light and satisfying.
- Classic comfort: This dessert has that nostalgic, retro charm just like something Grandma used to make.
- Simple ingredients: Made with pantry staples like cream cheese, pineapple, and graham crackers, itโs budget-friendly and easy to pull together.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether itโs a holiday, potluck, or summer barbecue, this dessert is always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Crust
- Graham Cracker Crumbs โ These create the sweet and crunchy base. You can use pre-crushed graham cracker crumbs or crush whole crackers yourself for a fresher flavor and coarser texture.
- Unsalted Butter โ Melted butter binds the crumbs together to form a sturdy crust. Use real, unsalted butter for the best flavor and texture.
Filling & Topping
- Powdered Sugar โ Adds sweetness to the cream cheese layer. Be sure to sift it if itโs lumpy to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
- Cream Cheese โ Use full-fat, block-style cream cheese for structure and richness. Whipped or tub-style cream cheese can make the filling too soft.
- Whipped Topping โ Adds fluffiness and a light texture to the creamy layer. Cool Whip or any store-brand non-dairy whipped topping works well.
- Crushed Pineapple โ Brings a burst of tropical sweetness. Make sure to drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture that can make the dessert soggy.
Find the complete ingredient list at the bottom of the page.
How to Make Pineapple Dream Dessert
- Step 1. First, preheat the oven to 300 degrees.
Step 2. Next, melt the butter for the graham cracker crust. Once the butter is melted, stir in the graham cracker crumbs.
Step 3. Get out a 9×9 baking pan and press the graham cracker crumb mixture into the pan. Make sure it is even and bake for about 10 minutes. Let this cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 4. While the crust cools, mix together the pineapple layer in a large bowl. Beat the cream cheese and butter for the layers using an electric mixer. You can use a handheld mixer or a stand mixer. Slowly, add the powdered sugar. I gradually add a little at a time until its mixed together really good with the cream cheese mixture.
Step 5. Add the crushed pineapple and stir this together. Make sure to do this by hand.
Step 6. Finally, spread the mixture over the crust into an even layer. I like to use a spatula to smooth this out.
Step 7. Combine the whip cream and the remaining pineapple. Spread this on top of the cream cheese mixture. Don’t forget to drain crushed pineapple. Top with the graham cracker crumbs that are left. Put in the fridge for at least a couple of hours to let the layers set and the flavor blend.
Pro Tips
- Skip the oven: To make this a no-bake dessert, refrigerate the graham cracker crust for at least 2 hours instead of baking it. This helps the butter set and keeps the crust firm.
- Make your own graham cracker crumbs: Use a food processor for a fine, even crumb. If you donโt have one, place the crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
- Donโt overmix the cream cheese layer: Beat the cream cheese mixture just until smooth and fluffy. Overmixing can make the filling too soft.
- Fold in pineapple by hand: Gently stir in the fully drained crushed pineapple using a spatula instead of a mixer to maintain the creamy texture.
- Try a pretzel crust variation: Swap out graham crackers for crushed pretzels if you like a sweet and salty flavor combo, similar to pretzel salad.
- Chill thoroughly before serving: Refrigerate the fully assembled dessert for at least 4 hours (or overnight) so the layers set properly and the flavors blend.
- Use a glass or metal pan: Avoid plastic containers, which may hold moisture and affect the crustโs texture.
- Slice cleanly with a warm knife: Run a sharp knife under warm water, wipe it dry, and slice for smooth, neat portions.
More Pineapple Desserts
- 2 Ingredient Pineapple Angel Food Cake Recipe
- Baked Pineapple Dessert
- Dole Whip Recipe
- Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes
- Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake
- Pineapple Poke Cake
Make this delicious dessert with very little effort and be prepared for it to disappear! Don’t forget to leave a comment once you try this easy dessert recipe.
Pineapple Dream Dessert
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- 2 1/2 cup Graham Cracker Crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted Butter
- For the Layers:
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 8 oz cool Whip thawed
- 20 oz can of Crushed Pineapple Drained Well
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
- Melt the butter for the crust and then stir in 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs into the melted butter.ย Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9X9 baking pan.ย Bake for 8-10 minutes and them move to a wire rack to cool completely.
- The beat together the cream cheese and butter for the layers with a hand held mixer or stand up mixer until well combined and creamy.
- Gradually add in the powdered sugar until itโs all combined into the cream cheese and butter mixture.
- Stir in by hand 1 Tbsp of the crushed pineapple.
- Then spread this mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust with a spatula
- Stir together the cool whip and remaining crushed pineapple. Then spread this mixture on top of the cream cheese mixture in the pan.
- Top with the remaining graham cracker crumbs and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Then slice, serve and enjoy!
In asked to make this wonderful pie all of the time now..
That’s awesome – I’m so glad everyone enjoys it!
How can I make this in a 9x 13 pan?
You can double the ingredients in the recipe and make it in a 9X13 pan.