If you’re looking for a quick, refreshing treat that practically shouts summer (but is welcome any time of year), look no further than this Easy No-Bake Pineapple Dessert. Bursting with creamy, tropical flavors and requiring hardly any effort, this is the perfect answer to sunny days, potluck requests, or those times when you just want something sweet without turning on the oven. With a luscious filling nestled inside a buttery graham cracker crust and finished with your favorite garnishes, this dessert brings the sunshine to your table with every bite.

Easy No-Bake Pineapple Dessert Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe is how uncomplicated the shopping list is, yet every ingredient brings something special to the table. Each item is carefully chosen to create the ideal combination of rich, creamy, and fruity that makes this dessert so irresistible.

Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): This is the rich, tangy base that gives the dessert its velvety texture and a decadent mouthfeel.
Sweetened Condensed Milk (14 oz can): Adds sweetness and a wonderful silkiness without making anything too heavy.
Crushed Pineapple (20 oz can, well-drained): The star ingredient, offering bursts of juicy flavor and lovely texture throughout the dessert.
Whipped Topping (8 oz, thawed): Lightens the whole filling, making each bite airy and delightful (plus, who doesn’t love a cloud of whipped topping?).
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enriches the cream cheese and amplifies the tropical notes—don’t skip this flavor booster!
Prepared Graham Cracker Crust (9-inch) or 2 cups graham cracker crumbs for layering: The crunchy, sweet foundation that gives each slice (or cup) a satisfying finish.
Optional Garnishes: Toasted coconut or maraschino cherries: These are the fun extras that make your Easy No-Bake Pineapple Dessert look as good as it tastes.

How to Make Easy No-Bake Pineapple Dessert

Step 1: Beat the Cream Cheese

Start by placing your softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Grab an electric mixer and beat it until it’s completely smooth and creamy with no lumps. This step is important for achieving that signature luxurious texture—don’t rush it, and you’ll be rewarded with a flawless filling base.

Step 2: Add Sweetened Condensed Milk and Vanilla

Pour in the sweetened condensed milk along with the vanilla extract. Continue mixing until everything is beautifully blended. You’ll see the filling start to take on a silky consistency, and the aromas will let you know something wonderful is happening!

Step 3: Fold in Pineapple and Whipped Topping

Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in your well-drained crushed pineapple and the whipped topping. Use a spatula and aim for a light hand—you’re looking to keep things fluffy and well-incorporated, creating that classic creamy and fruity mix.

Step 4: Assemble in the Crust

Pour the entire mixture into your prepared graham cracker crust, spreading it to the edges with a spatula until smooth on top. If you’re feeling playful, you can also layer the mixture and graham cracker crumbs in small jars or cups for cute individual servings.

Step 5: Chill Until Set

Cover the dessert and let it hang out in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. This step is non-negotiable! The resting time allows the flavors to meld and the filling to firm up, so every slice holds together perfectly once it’s time to serve.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, add your finishing touches: a sprinkle of toasted coconut for a nutty flair or a few maraschino cherries for a pop of color. Now dig in and enjoy the best Easy No-Bake Pineapple Dessert you’ve ever tasted!

How to Serve Easy No-Bake Pineapple Dessert

Garnishes

While this dessert is delicious all on its own, a few thoughtful garnishes can take it from everyday treat to showstopper. Toasted coconut brings a bit of crunch and nutty aroma, while maraschino cherries add both color and playful sweetness. If you love fresh fruit, a few slices of kiwi or extra pineapple chunks on top are beautiful, too.

Side Dishes

Since the Easy No-Bake Pineapple Dessert is so light and creamy, it pairs well with a fresh fruit salad or even a scoop of raspberry sorbet for a cooling contrast. A strong, hot espresso or iced coffee on the side perfectly balances the sweetness and wraps up a summer meal in style.

Creative Ways to Present

This recipe is ultra-versatile! Serve it in the classic pie form for a family-style treat, or layer it into mason jars or individual dessert cups for effortless entertaining. Add a mini paper umbrella for a fun, tropical twist, or use clear trifle bowls to show off the pretty layers for special occasions. It’s Easy No-Bake Pineapple Dessert, your way!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which isn’t always guaranteed!), simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator, and it will stay fresh for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get better as they sit, making this a dream-come-true make-ahead dessert.

Freezing

This Easy No-Bake Pineapple Dessert freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly in plastic, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight for the best texture. The whipped topping helps the filling maintain its lightness even after freezing, so you’ll still get that cloud-like bite!

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this dessert—just pull it straight from the fridge or give it a little time to thaw from frozen. If you’ve served in jars or glasses, enjoy it chilled by the spoonful. It’s meant to be cool, creamy, and refreshing every single time.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just chop fresh pineapple very finely and pat it dry with paper towels. You’ll want to remove as much juice as possible to prevent the filling from getting too runny.

What if I don’t have a graham cracker crust?

No problem! You can create a quick crust by mixing 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs with a little melted butter and pressing them firmly in the bottom of your serving dish or cups for a homemade touch.

Can this dessert be made dairy-free?

Yes, with a few swaps! Use dairy-free cream cheese, a plant-based sweetened condensed milk, and a non-dairy whipped topping. The result is just as delightful and refreshing.

How long does it actually need to chill?

For the best results, refrigerate the Easy No-Bake Pineapple Dessert for at least 4 hours. If you can wait overnight, the texture becomes even creamier and slices cleanly.

Is there a way to make it less sweet?

If you prefer it less sweet, you can use unsweetened whipped topping or try reducing the amount of sweetened condensed milk (just keep in mind this will also affect the creaminess). Taste the filling before assembling and adjust to your liking!

Final Thoughts

This Easy No-Bake Pineapple Dessert is a shining example of how simple ingredients and a bit of patience (just for chilling!) can create something truly special. If you want to treat yourself or make your loved ones smile, this is the recipe to try. I hope it brings sunshine and sweetness to your table, and that it becomes a regular request in your home. Give it a go—you’re seriously going to love this!

Easy No-Bake Pineapple Dessert Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling)
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy No-Bake Pineapple Dessert is a creamy and refreshing treat perfect for any occasion. With a luscious pineapple filling on a graham cracker crust, this dessert is a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Cream Cheese Mixture:

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pineapple Filling:

1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, well-drained
1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed

Crust and Garnish:

1 prepared graham cracker crust (9-inch) or 2 cups graham cracker crumbs for layering
Optional: toasted coconut or maraschino cherries for garnish

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Instructions

Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, mix until well combined.
Pineapple Filling: Fold in the drained crushed pineapple and whipped topping until light and fluffy.
Assembly: Pour the filling into the prepared graham cracker crust, smooth the top with a spatula. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours until fully chilled and set.
Garnish: Garnish with toasted coconut or cherries before serving, if desired.

Notes

Make sure to drain the pineapple well to avoid a runny texture.
This dessert can also be served in cups or jars for individual servings, layered with crushed graham crackers.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American