A creamy, fluffy, tropical dessert with layers of pineapple, whipped cream, and buttery graham crumbs — no oven needed!

This Pineapple Dream Dessert is a classic no-bake treat made with a crunchy graham crust, a silky-smooth cream layer, a bright pineapple filling, and a buttery crumb topping. It’s refreshing, light, and perfect for parties, holidays, summer gatherings, or whenever you want a simple yet impressive dessert.

🧁 Ingredients

For the Crust

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup granulated sugar

For the Pineapple Layer

2 cans (20 oz each) crushed pineapple, drained very well
½ cup pineapple juice (reserved from draining)
½ cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp cornstarch

For the Cream Layer

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tub (8 oz) Cool Whip (or 2 cups homemade whipped cream)

For the Crumb Topping

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
4 tbsp melted butter
2 tbsp sugar (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Make the Crust

Mix graham crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until fully combined.
Press firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 pan.
Place in the fridge to chill while preparing the layers.

2️⃣ Make the Pineapple Filling

In a saucepan, add:

Drained crushed pineapple
Granulated sugar
Reserved pineapple juice
Cornstarch

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 3–5 minutes until thickened and glossy.
Let this mixture cool completely before assembling.

3️⃣ Make the Cream Layer

Beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until perfectly smooth.
Fold in Cool Whip or whipped cream until fluffy and fully combined.
Spread evenly over the chilled crust.

4️⃣ Add the Pineapple Layer

Spread the cooled pineapple mixture gently over the cream layer.
Smooth the surface evenly.

5️⃣ Crumb Topping

Mix graham crumbs with melted butter (and sugar if using).
Sprinkle generously and evenly across the top.

6️⃣ Chill

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best flavor and clean slicing.

⭐ Flavor Notes

🍍 Bright and tropical
🍰 Creamy and fluffy
🍯 Sweet but refreshing
🥄 Melt-in-your-mouth texture
😍 Perfect balance of fruit and cream

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Fresh pineapple doesn’t thicken the same way and may prevent setting. Canned is recommended.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! It’s best made the day before so the layers fully set.

3. Can I replace Cool Whip with fresh whipped cream?

Yes — use 2 cups of stiffly whipped cream for a lighter, fluffier texture.

4. My pineapple layer is too runny. What happened?

It either didn’t cook long enough or wasn’t cooled fully before assembly.

5. Can I use different cookie crumbs?

Absolutely — Nilla wafers, digestive biscuits, or Biscoff work beautifully.

6. Does it freeze well?

Yes, freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

7. How do I get clean slices?

Chill overnight and use a hot knife, wiping between cuts.

🍍 Pineapple Dream Dessert (No-Bake)