Description
Pineapple Dream Dessert is a delightful no-bake treat featuring a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a creamy blend of cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and juicy crushed pineapple folded into fat-free Cool Whip. This refreshing dessert is perfect for warm days or as a make-ahead option for gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (approximately 2 sleeves)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 20 oz crushed pineapple (drained well, divided)
- 8 oz Cool Whip (fat-free)
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs (reserved for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare crust: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). If you prefer a no-bake option, you can skip the baking step. Melt the 1/2 cup of unsalted butter in the microwave and let it cool slightly.
- Mix crust and bake: Combine 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter and toss until evenly incorporated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9 inch square pan. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until set, then place on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the cream cheese filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup softened butter until creamy. Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time to avoid a sugar cloud. Increase speed and beat well for about a minute until smooth and fluffy.
- Add pineapple to filling: Gently fold in 1 heaping tablespoon of the well-drained crushed pineapple using a rubber spatula, spreading this mixture evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust.
- Prepare Cool Whip topping: Fold the remaining drained crushed pineapple into the fat-free Cool Whip until combined, then spread this layer over the cream cheese and pineapple filling.
- Add final topping and chill: Sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup of graham cracker crumbs evenly over the Cool Whip layer. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the dessert to set and flavors to meld.
Notes
- Ensure the crushed pineapple is well-drained to prevent the dessert from becoming soggy.
- You can use a no-bake method by skipping the crust baking step; simply press the crust mixture firmly into the pan and refrigerate to set.
- For a richer flavor, use regular Cool Whip instead of fat-free if preferred.
- This dessert is best served chilled and can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Using a wire rack for cooling the crust prevents it from becoming too soft before assembling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
