This No Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert is a sweet treat that’s super easy to make! With layers of fluffy cream and juicy pineapple, it’s light and refreshing.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: Soften the cream cheese for easy mixing. If you’re looking for a lighter version, try using Greek yogurt instead for a tangy twist!
Crushed Pineapple: The star of this dessert! If fresh pineapple is in season, you can chop it finely and use that as a fresh alternative. Just make sure to drain any excess juice.
Heavy Whipping Cream: For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half, but whipped cream gives a much fluffier texture. Coconut cream is a great dairy-free swap, adding extra coconut flavor!
Graham Cracker Crumbs: If you don’t have graham crackers, digestive biscuits or even vanilla wafers work great too. You could also use crushed oatmeal cookies for a different flavor.
Shredded Coconut: This is optional, but if you want a nutty flavor, you can swap in crushed nuts instead, like almonds or pecans.
How Do You Whip Cream to Stiff Peaks?
Whipping cream can be tricky, but here’s how to get those perfect stiff peaks! Start with cold cream and a chilled bowl; this helps the cream whip better. Use an electric mixer for ease.
- Pour the chilled cream into the bowl and start mixing on low speed.
- Once it starts to thicken, increase to medium-high speed.
- Keep whipping until you see stiff peaks forming – when you pull the whisk out, the peaks should stand up straight.
- Skip over-whipping to prevent it from turning into butter!
With these tips and tricks, your No Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert will turn out excellent every time. Enjoy your sweet treat!
How to Make No Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For The Cream Filling:
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup shredded coconut (optional)
For Topping:
- Additional crushed pineapple or coconut (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful No Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert takes about 20 minutes of prep time, plus at least 4 hours to chill in the refrigerator (overnight is even better!). It’s a perfect make-ahead dessert for gatherings or simply to enjoy at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix well with a fork or your hands until the crumbs are nicely coated with butter. Once mixed, press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9 inch baking dish to form the crust layer. Make sure it’s packed down well so it holds together.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This is where your dessert gets its rich flavor!
3. Add the Pineapple:
Gently fold the drained crushed pineapple into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula or spoon. Mix until everything is well combined, ensuring the pineapple is evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese mixture.
4. Whip the Cream:
In another bowl, pour in the heavy cream and add the vanilla extract. Use a mixer to whip this mixture until stiff peaks form. This means the cream will hold its shape and look fluffy!
5. Combine Cream Mixtures:
Now, gently fold the whipped cream into the pineapple mixture. Be careful and fold it in slowly to keep the light and airy texture of the whipped cream. Once it’s fully mixed, you’ll have a lovely fluffy filling!
6. Assemble the Dessert:
Pour the creamy pineapple filling over the crust in your baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly. If you want an extra touch, sprinkle some shredded coconut on top of the mixture.
7. Chill and Serve:
Cover the dessert and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, so it can set properly. Before serving, you can add some extra crushed pineapple or coconut on top for garnish if you like. When you’re ready to enjoy, cut it into squares and dig in!
Can I Substitute a Different Type of Cheese for Cream Cheese?
Yes! If you’re looking for a lower-fat alternative, you can use Greek yogurt or a light cream cheese. Keep in mind that using Greek yogurt may give a slightly tangy flavor, but it will still taste delicious.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Graham Crackers?
No problem! You can substitute graham crackers with digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even crushed cookies like Oreos for a chocolatey twist. Just make sure to adjust the amount of butter if your substitute has a different moisture content!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep it covered to maintain its freshness. If you notice the whipped cream starts to separate, just give it a gentle stir before serving.
Can I Make This Dessert Vegan?
Absolutely! Use vegan cream cheese and a plant-based whipping cream alternative to make it vegan. For the crust, opt for vegan butter or coconut oil instead of regular unsalted butter. It’ll taste just as delightful!
