Pineapple Dream Dessert

Indulge in the tropical delight of Pineapple Dream Dessert, a light and creamy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. This no-bake dessert features a buttery graham cracker crust, a luscious cream cheese filling, and a refreshing pineapple topping, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Ideal for summer gatherings or a sweet finish to any meal, this dessert is not only easy to make but also sure to impress your family and friends with its vibrant taste. Get ready to savor a slice of paradise!

Pineapple Dream Dessert

Ingredients:

For the crust:

1/2 cup salted butter

2 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

For the filling:

4 ounces cream cheese (1/2 block), softened to room temperature

1/2 cup butter (1 stick), room temperature

2 cups powdered sugar

8 ounce container frozen whipped topping (COOL WHIP), thawed

20 ounce can crushed pineapple (well-drained)

Instructions:

To prepare the crust:

Start by melting 1/2 cup of salted butter and mixing it with 2 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs.

Press down 2 cups of this mixture into either an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking dish.

Bake the crust at 300F for 8 to 10 minutes. Then let it cool.

Now let’s move on to the creamy filling:

Beat together 4 oz of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of room-temperature butter until the mixture becomes smooth.

Gradually add in 2 cups of sugar. Ensure everything is well mixed.

Stir in a tablespoon of drained crushed pineapple into this mixture.

Spread this filling over the crust.

Next, we’ll make the pineapple topping:

Combine a container ( 8 oz.) of whipped topping with the remaining drained crushed pineapple.

Spread this pineapple topping over the cream cheese layer.

Finishing Touch:

Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top.

Cover your dish. Refrigerate it for at least four hours before serving.

Enjoy your Pineapple Dream Dessert!

Notes:

To make a gluten-free rendition of Pineapple Dream Dessert make sure the graham cracker crumbs and other ingredients you use have the certified gluten-free label.

Opt for gluten-free graham cracker crumbs. Swap them out with any gluten-free cookie or cracker that tickles your fancy.

By making this tweak you can relish every layer of this delightful dessert while catering to a gluten-free lifestyle.

Enjoy your experience with gluten-free Pineapple Dream Dessert!

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 12 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Calories: ~380 kcal | Total Fat: ~24g | Saturated Fat: ~14g | Trans Fat: ~0.5g | Cholesterol: ~50mg | Sodium: ~300mg | Total Carbohydrates: ~40g | Dietary Fiber: ~1g | Sugars: ~30g | Protein: ~2g

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes! You can use fresh pineapple, but make sure to finely chop it and drain any excess juice to avoid making the dessert too watery.

How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Just cover the dish tightly to maintain freshness.

Is it possible to make this dessert dairy-free?

Yes, you can use dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives, along with coconut whipped topping, to make this dessert dairy-free.

Can I prepare this dessert in advance?

Absolutely! This dessert is great for making ahead of time.

It needs to chill for at least four hours, so preparing it the day before serving is ideal.

What can I substitute for graham cracker crumbs?

If you don’t have graham crackers, you can use crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even oatmeal cookies for a different flavor and texture.

How do I ensure the crust holds together?

Make sure to melt the butter thoroughly and mix it well with the graham cracker crumbs.

Press the mixture firmly into the baking dish to create a solid base.

What should I do if my cream cheese isn’t soft enough?

If your cream cheese isn’t soft, you can microwave it in short 10-second intervals until it softens.

Just be careful not to melt it!

Can I use a different type of topping instead of whipped topping?

Yes! You can substitute the whipped topping with homemade whipped cream.

Just whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar until stiff peaks form.

How can I make sure the pineapple is well-drained?

Place the crushed pineapple in a fine mesh strainer or colander and let it drain for about 10-15 minutes.

Press down gently with a spatula to remove excess liquid.

What if I want a thicker filling?

If you prefer a thicker filling, consider adding an extra ounce of cream cheese or reducing the amount of whipped topping slightly.

You can also chill the filling a bit longer before spreading it on the crust.