No-Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert Recipe

Dreamy No-Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert Recipe for Summer Bliss

Whipping up a delightful no-bake pineapple cream dessert brings pure tropical magic to your kitchen in minutes.

Sweet chunks of golden fruit dance through creamy layers that promise instant refreshment.

Cool and luscious textures meld together without ever touching an oven.

Minimal ingredients mean maximum flavor in this simple summer treat.

Chilling works its delicious transformation while you relax and anticipate each spoonful.

Dessert lovers will appreciate how quickly this crowd-pleaser comes together with just a few pantry staples.

We promise this recipe will become your new go-to summer indulgence.

FAQs on No-Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert

  • Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Fresh pineapple won’t work as well because it contains enzymes that prevent the pudding from setting properly. Stick to canned crushed pineapple for the best results.

  • Is there a way to make this dessert lower in calories?

You can substitute low-fat sour cream, sugar-free pudding mix, and light whipped topping to reduce the calorie content while maintaining a similar taste and texture.

  • What if I don't have graham cracker crust?

You can easily substitute with a store-bought vanilla or shortbread crust, or make your own using crushed cookies and melted butter as a base.

Why No-Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert Is Refreshingly Easy

  • Simplify Dessert Making: Skip the oven and create a delightful treat with minimal kitchen equipment and just a few mixing steps.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Combo: Blend tangy pineapple with creamy pudding and whipped topping for a crowd-favorite dessert that appeals to both kids and adults.
  • Prep-Ahead Party Hero: Make this dessert in advance and let it chill in the refrigerator, freeing up your time for other party preparations or last-minute details.
  • Cool and Refreshing Treat: Enjoy a chilled dessert that provides a light, smooth texture perfect for warm days or as a sweet ending to any meal.

Ingredients for No-Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert

Base Ingredients:
  • Crushed Pineapple: A sweet and tangy fruit that provides moisture and tropical flavor to the dessert.
  • Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: A creamy powder that helps thicken and add richness to the dessert.
  • Sour Cream: Adds a smooth, creamy texture and subtle tanginess to the mixture.
Topping and Crust:
  • Whipped Topping: Provides a light and airy texture that makes the dessert extra creamy.
  • Graham Cracker Crust: Offers a classic, sweet, and crunchy base for the creamy pineapple filling.
Optional Garnish:
  • Whipped Cream, Fresh Pineapple Chunks: Can add extra decoration and fresh flavor to the final dessert.

How to Assemble No-Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert

Step 1: Mix Pineapple and Pudding

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and pour in the drained crushed pineapple. Sprinkle the instant vanilla pudding mix over the pineapple. Use a whisk or spatula to blend the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring no dry pudding mix remains unincorporated.

Step 2: Blend in Sour Cream

Add the sour cream to the pineapple and pudding mixture. Stir with smooth, consistent motions until the ingredients are completely combined, creating a creamy and uniform texture.

Step 3: Fold in Whipped Topping

Gently introduce the thawed whipped topping into the mixture. Use a folding technique to maintain the airy consistency, carefully blending until the mixture looks smooth and creamy with no visible streaks.

Step 4: Create Dessert Base

Take the graham cracker crust and carefully spread the pineapple cream mixture evenly across the surface. Use a spatula to ensure a level and attractive presentation, reaching all corners of the crust.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Place the dessert in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the dessert to firm up, creating a delightful, cool treat perfect for warm days or after-dinner indulgence.

Pro Tips for No-Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert

  • Drain pineapple thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the dessert runny.
  • Use full-fat sour cream for a richer, creamier texture and more indulgent flavor.
  • Chill the dessert overnight for even better flavor development and firmer consistency.
  • Garnish with fresh pineapple chunks or toasted coconut flakes for added crunch and tropical flair.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap graham cracker crust with almond or gluten-free cookie crust.

Variations to Try with No-Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert

  • Tropical Fruit Fusion: Replace crushed pineapple with mixed tropical fruits like mango, passion fruit, and papaya for a vibrant flavor profile.
  • Coconut Paradise: Incorporate shredded coconut into the mixture and use a coconut cookie crust for an island-inspired dessert.
  • Citrus Zinger: Add lemon or orange zest to brighten the flavor and use a shortbread cookie crust for extra richness.
  • Berry Blast: Swap pineapple with crushed strawberries or mixed berries, creating a tangy and colorful no-bake cream dessert.

Pairing Suggestions for No-Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert

  • Savor Tropical Beverage Companions: Crisp coconut water complements the dessert's creamy texture, cutting through its richness with a refreshing tropical twist.
  • Pair Citrus Cocktail: Mix a light rum-based pineapple mojito that echoes the dessert's fruity notes, creating a harmonious flavor experience.
  • Enhance Dessert Harmony: Select a chilled moscato wine with subtle sweetness that matches the graham cracker crust and creamy pineapple filling, elevating the overall taste profile.
  • Balance Flavor Contrast: Brew a mild green tea to cleanse the palate between bites, providing a clean, light counterpoint to the dessert's rich and sweet characteristics.

Storage Guidelines for No-Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert

  • Store the dessert in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the texture and flavor fresh and delicious.
  • Wrap the dessert tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months without compromising taste.
  • Remove from the freezer and let the dessert sit in the refrigerator overnight, allowing it to defrost gradually and maintain its creamy consistency.
  • When ready to enjoy, let the dessert sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly before serving, enhancing its smooth and luscious texture.
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No-Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert Recipe

No-Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Tropical paradise meets sweet indulgence in this no-bake pineapple cream dessert, blending creamy textures with bright tropical flavors. Cool, refreshing layers promise a delightful escape that will transport palates to sun-drenched island moments.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 can (20 ounces / 567 grams) crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
  • 1 graham cracker crust (9 inches / 23 centimeters)

Dairy and Topping Ingredients:

  • 1 package (3.4 ounces / 96 grams) instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) thawed whipped topping

Instructions

  1. Mix drained crushed pineapple with instant vanilla pudding mix in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring thorough incorporation of ingredients.
  2. Incorporate sour cream into the pineapple-pudding blend, stirring until a uniform consistency is achieved.
  3. Delicately fold thawed whipped topping into the mixture, creating a smooth and velvety texture.
  4. Transfer the creamy pineapple mixture into prepared graham cracker crust, distributing evenly across the surface.
  5. Chill the dessert in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and filling to set completely before serving.

Notes

  • Drain pineapple thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the dessert runny, using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth for best results.
  • Opt for low-fat or Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative to sour cream, maintaining the creamy texture while reducing calories.
  • Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free graham cracker crust or substituting with a nut-based crust like almond or coconut.
  • Enhance flavor by adding a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or a drizzle of caramel sauce on top just before serving for extra visual appeal and taste complexity.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Refrigerating
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 246 kcal
  • Sugar: 26 g
  • Sodium: 178 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 22 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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