No-Bake Pineapple Dream Dessert
User Reviews
5
No-Bake Pineapple Dream Dessert
Description
This dessert begins with a crust mixing graham cracker crumbs, finely processed pecans, and melted butter pressed firmly into a baking dish and chilled. The creamy filling combines softened cream cheese and butter with powdered sugar, pineapple juice and zest, lime, and coconut extract for tropical notes. This layer is spread evenly over the chilled crust. A separate whipped topping is blended with drained crushed pineapple and shredded unsweetened coconut, then spread evenly on top to form a light, fluffy final layer. The dessert is chilled to set the layers.
The flavor balances tangy pineapple and lime zest with the sweetness of sugar and richness of cream cheese and butter. The crust adds a crunchy, nutty base contrasting the creamy layers. Coconut adds a subtle tropical flavor and texture. The dessert is refreshing and satisfying without baking.
This chilled dessert suits warm weather menus or occasions where no-oven options are preferred. It pairs well with light beverages or can be served alone as a sweet finish to a meal.
Draining the pineapple well is crucial to avoid a watery filling. Chilling overnight helps layers set firmly. Toasted coconut can enhance flavor. A pre-baked or store-bought crust can speed preparation if desired.
Ingredients
Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs divided
- 1/2 cup pecans finely processed in a food processor
- 1/2 cup butter melted, unsalted
Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup butter softened to room temperature
- 2 1/3 cups powdered sugar
- 8 ounce frozen whipped topping thawed, container
- 20 ounce pineapple drained very well, crushed, canned
- 1 lime zested and juiced
- 1/2 cup coconut shredded, unsweetened
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
Instructions
Make the crust:
- In a large bowl mix all the crust ingredients and stir until combined.
- Transfer 2 cups of the crumb mixture to a 9 x 9 square baking dish and press it firmly into the bottom of the pan.
- Chill in the fridge for 15 mins.
- Set aside the remaining crumb mixture. You will use it for the topping.
Make the filling:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer or using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter together until creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar and beat on low-medium speed until smooth. Stop to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl.
- Next, add a heaping tablespoon of the well-drained crushed pineapple, lime juice, zest, and coconut extract. Stir to combine.
- After that, spread the cream cheese mixture over the chilled graham cracker crust.
- In a separate bowl, combine the whipped topping with the remaining pineapple, and add the coconut. Stir well until fully combined.
- Spread the whipped topping mixture over the cream cheese layer evenly and gently using the back of a spoon.
- Finally, sprinkle the remaining graham cracker crumb mixture on the top.
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Slice and serve.
Notes
- Thoroughly drain crushed pineapple to prevent watery filling; pressing through a strainer helps remove excess juice.
- Refrigerate the dessert overnight for best layer firmness and flavor melding.
- Toasting the shredded coconut before adding enhances its nutty flavor.
- For faster prep, a pre-made graham cracker crust can be used instead of making the crust from scratch.
- Optional: light yellow food coloring can brighten the whipped topping layer for presentation.
- The crust can be baked at 350°F for 8 minutes to make it firmer, then fully cooled before adding filling.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 9servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 622 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 622kcal | 31% |
| Carbohydrates | 70g | 23% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fat | 37g | 57% |
| Saturated Fat | 17g | 85% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5g | 29% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Trans Fat | 0.4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 41mg | 14% |
| Sodium | 466mg | 19% |
| Potassium | 275mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 53g | 106% |
| Vitamin A | 962IU | 19% |
| Vitamin C | 8mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 99mg | 10% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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