There’s nothing quite like the cool, refreshing taste of pineapple in a creamy, dreamy dessert! This No-Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert brings tropical flavor to your table without heating up the kitchen. With a buttery graham cracker crust, layers of light, fluffy pineapple cream, and an easy prep, it’s a go-to treat for any occasion.

I first tried this dessert during a family picnic, and it was an instant hit! Since then, it’s become one of my most-requested recipes for gatherings and summer celebrations. Let’s take a look at what makes this dessert so irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This No-Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert

Get ready to fall in love with this deliciously easy, no-bake dessert! Here’s why this pineapple cream treat deserves a spot in your recipe rotation.

First off, it’s incredibly simple and quick to make. With no baking required, this dessert comes together in under 20 minutes. Just mix, layer, and chill—it’s that easy!

Next, the tropical flavor is unbeatable. The pineapple adds a sweet, tangy taste that’s balanced perfectly by the creamy filling, creating a dessert that’s light yet indulgent.

This recipe is also budget-friendly and versatile. Made with a handful of basic ingredients, it’s a great way to create something impressive without breaking the bank. Plus, it’s easy to adjust with substitutions or add-ins to suit your preferences.

Finally, the texture of this dessert is a dream. The creamy filling melts in your mouth, while the graham cracker crust adds a satisfying crunch. Together, these layers make every bite an experience.

Ready to make this treat? Here’s what you’ll need.

Ingredients Notes

Each ingredient in this dessert is carefully chosen to give the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Let’s look at what goes into this no-bake masterpiece.

Graham crackers: Crushed graham crackers form the base of this dessert, adding a lightly sweet and slightly crunchy texture. If you like, you can substitute with other cookies, like vanilla wafers or shortbread, for a fun twist.
Butter: Melted butter binds the graham cracker crumbs together to create a solid crust. It also adds a subtle richness to the dessert.
Cream cheese: This is the key to a smooth, creamy filling with a slight tang. Make sure to let the cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing, so it blends easily.
Powdered sugar: This adds sweetness without graininess. Since it dissolves quickly, powdered sugar helps keep the filling smooth and luscious.
Crushed pineapple: Pineapple is the star of the show! Using canned crushed pineapple in juice is best for convenience, but make sure to drain it well. This ensures the filling stays fluffy, not watery.
Whipped topping: The whipped topping makes the dessert light and airy. You can use store-bought whipped topping, or whip up some fresh cream if you prefer a homemade touch.

No special equipment is required to make this dessert, so you can prepare it with just a few basic tools—a mixing bowl, spatula, and 9x9-inch pan.

How To Make This No-Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert

Follow these simple steps to make your pineapple cream dessert. In no time, you’ll have a beautiful, delicious treat that’s ready to chill and enjoy!

Make the crust: Start by mixing the crushed graham crackers and melted butter in a medium bowl until the crumbs are fully moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x9-inch baking dish to form an even layer. Place the pan in the fridge while you prepare the filling.
Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. This will take just a couple of minutes, and it’s important to get out any lumps so your filling is nice and smooth.
Fold in the pineapple and whipped topping: Gently fold in the drained crushed pineapple and whipped topping, mixing until everything is well-combined. Be careful not to overmix—you want the filling to remain light and fluffy.
Assemble the dessert: Spoon the pineapple cream mixture over the graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly across the top. Use a spatula to smooth out the surface for a polished look.
Chill to set: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight if possible. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and the filling to firm up, so you can slice and serve it easily.

When you’re ready to serve, simply cut it into squares and enjoy! It’s the perfect make-ahead dessert.

Storage Options

This No-Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert is easy to store and can even be made ahead of time for convenience. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refrigeration: Keep any leftovers covered in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for 4-5 days. The chilled dessert tastes even better as the flavors meld together.
Freezing: This dessert can also be frozen if you want to prepare it further in advance. Cover the dessert tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, and store it for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Single servings: For a quick treat, pre-cut the dessert into individual squares before freezing. This way, you can pull out a slice or two whenever the craving strikes!

To serve, remove from the fridge and enjoy right away. If frozen, let it thaw slightly in the fridge for a creamy, perfectly chilled dessert.

Variations and Substitutions

This dessert is a fantastic canvas for creativity! Here are some easy variations and substitutions you can try to make it your own.

Swap the crust: Experiment with different cookie bases, like crushed Oreos or vanilla wafers, for a unique twist on the classic graham cracker crust.
Add coconut: To give it an extra tropical flair, fold shredded coconut into the filling, or sprinkle toasted coconut on top before serving. It pairs beautifully with the pineapple.
Go dairy-free: For a dairy-free version, substitute dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping. It’ll be just as creamy and delicious!
Fresh pineapple: If you have fresh pineapple, chop it finely and let it drain well before adding it to the filling. Fresh pineapple adds a pop of brightness to the dessert.
Experiment with other fruits: While pineapple is the classic choice, you can also use other fruits like strawberries, mango, or even peaches. Just be sure to drain any canned fruit to keep the filling from becoming watery.

Whether you follow the classic recipe or try a few fun twists, this No-Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert is sure to become a favorite! Enjoy every creamy, tropical bite.