This pineapple dream dessert is one of my family’s favorites. You know those desserts that seem to be at all the family gatherings? Those recipes that your grandma has been making for years? Like Pineapple Upside Down Cake, Ambrosia and Watergate Salad. This is one of those desserts.
This light and fluffy pineapple cream cheese dessert can be easily transported, hence it appearing at all those family functions, and rarely has leftovers.
PSSST – Yes! You are in the right place! Our photos have been updated, but the recipe is the same. This photo look familiar??
I’ve had similar reactions to this Chocolate Lasagna recipe, everyone seems to love it. So the only thing you’ll take home is a dish that needs washing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Back in the late 60’s Cool Whip entered the marketplace. It only took two years for this convenience item to become the company’s best-selling item. Cool Whip has come under fire many times and the current version now contains milk and cream.
If you prefer, you can substitute freshly made whipped cream for the Cool Whip in this recipe. To substitute fresh whipping cream for the 8-ounce tub of Cool Whip, 1 cup of fresh whipping cream whipped is the proper substitution.
HOWEVER Cool Whip has stabilizers in it that help hold its shape while fresh whipping cream does not. There you can try this recipe for homemade stabilized whipped cream to replace the Cool Whip.
If you love the idea of this pineapple dream dessert, you’ll love the strawberry version too- Strawberry Dream Dessert. You’re basically replacing the pineapples for strawberries and you have yourself another ultra-delicious one-pan dessert!
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple for this recipe. However, the juices that canned pineapple come in help soften the fruit, which is ideal for this recipe. Fresh pineapple that has been cut and stored in plastic containers found at the store are a good in-between as they typically contain juices at the bottom. Either way, fresh pineapple is fine to use but may be a little tougher than the canned variety.
Just like this Strawberry Jello Pretzel Salad, this is a great recipe for taking to a party, holiday gathering, or a potluck. It’s best to have a place to keep this delicious pineapple whipped cream dessert refrigerated until ready to serve.
Expert Tip
You can purchase graham cracker crumbs, or smash them in a sealed bag with a rolling pin. We like to run them through our food processor!
Ingredients you will need:
Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.
- 2 1/2 cups graham crumbs (2 sleeves)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for crust)
- 2 cups of powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz container Cool Whip
- 20 oz can crushed pineapple, drained well
NO BAKE VERSION: If it’s too hot to turn on the oven, you can make the crust without baking it. Simply follow the instructions in the recipe, then instead of baking the crust, place it in the refrigerator. Let the crust chill for about 20 minutes. The butter will solidify and hold the crust together. The crust may not hold together as well, especially after sitting out for a while. But it still tastes just as good!
How to Make Pineapple Dream
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Preheat the oven to 300 F. Melt 1/2 cup butter in the microwave and let it cool. Combine the crumbs and butter, then press 2 cups of the crumb mixture firmly into a 9×9 square pan and bake for 8-10 minutes. Place on wire rack to cool.
- Beat the cream cheese and 1/2 cup butter together until creamy. Turn the mixer down to low and add the powdered sugar one cup at a time until incorporated. Turn up and beat well for a minute or so.
- Add a heaping tablespoon of the drained crushed pineapple and stir in with a rubber spatula.
- Spread the cream cheese and pineapple mixture over the crust.
- Fold the remaining pineapple into the Cool Whip and spread on top of the cream cheese mixture.
- Sprinkle the remaining graham cracker crumb mixture on top.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Does your family have a version of this dessert?
How do you make it and what do you call it? These are some of the names I’ve heard:
- Pineapple Cool Whip Dessert
- Pineapple Delight
- Pineapple Dream Squares
- Pineapple Surprise Dessert
- Pineapple Graham Cracker Dessert
- Pineapple Cream Dessert
Whatever you call it, it’s amazing and there are never any leftovers. It’s always a favorite and someone will inevitably ask you for the recipe! So be sure to print a couple extra copies. :)
More one-pan potluck dessert ideas
- If you liked this Pineapple Dream Dessert, you’ll probably like my Cream Puff Chocolate Eclair Cake too. It’s another one of those potluck recipes that everyone wants a slice of! Not only is it creamy and delicious, it’s pretty too. So next time you’re heading to a friend or relatives and need to bring a dessert, try this eclair cake!
- Not everyone approves of the name of this next recipe, so over the years, it has taken on a few different titles. Here it’s called Sex in a Pan, but you may also know it as Chocolate Dream, Robert Redford Dessert or Better Than Anything Dessert. All I know is that three layers including cream cheese, pudding and whipping cream make for a party in your mouth!
- Speaking of potluck favorites, this Strawberry Jello Pretzel Salad is always a big hit! There are some families that absolutely insist it is served at every holiday.
- If you are a banana lover have I got a dessert for you! Make this delicious banana pudding poke cake and I promise you will not be disappointed.
- Though it’s not necessarily a “one-pan” dessert, it’s definitely a potluck favorite! This Ambrosia Salad is a vintage classic. Combining maraschino cherries, mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, fruit cocktail and marshmallows this ambrosia salad recipe is one to be reckoned with.
- Try this fabulous looking Lemon Delight from Happy Hooligans, the kids can help make Chessmen Banana Pudding from Kids Activities Blog, and who could resist Chocolate Banana Twinkie Cake from Today’s Creative Life?
- This just added – Pineapple Yogurt Dessert – thank you to Cathy for sharing it with us.
- This irresistible no-bake Eclair Cake is the dessert of your dreams. Your guests will be asking for seconds and thirds!
- This Orange Pineapple Cake is stuffed with sweet mandarin oranges and topped with a fruity pineapple frosting that’s hard to resist.
Watch our quick video showing the simple process of this delicious dessert!
Pineapple Dream Dessert
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Pin It Rate ItIngredients
Crust:
- 2 ½ cups graham crumbs 2 sleeves
- ½ cup unsalted butter
Layers:
- 2 cups powdered sugar sifted
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 8 oz Cool Whip fat-free
- 20 oz crushed pineapple drained well
Before You Begin
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300 F.
- Melt butter in the microwave and allow to cool. Combine the crumbs and butter and toss together until incorporated. Press 2 cups of the crumb mixture firmly into an 9×9 square pan and bake for 8-10 minutes. Place on wire rack to cool.
- Beat the cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Turn the mixer down to low and add the powdered sugar one cup at a time until incorporated. Turn up and beat well for a minute or so. Add a heaping tablespoon of the drained pineapple and stir in with a rubber spatula. Spread the cream cheese and pineapple mixture over the crust.
- Fold the remaining pineapple into the Cool Whip and spread on top of the cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle the remaining graham cracker crumb mixture on top. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally published here on July 9, 2013.
Amanda Davis
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Divya says
Please could You tell me what I can use as a substitute for Cream cheese. It’s not available here in India where I stay. Sooo many recipes ask for cream cheese which I’m not able to get. So please give Your suggestion so I can try out these yummy desserts. Will be grateful for Your help. Thank You, stay safe
Amanda Formaro says
Sorry for the delayed response but I don’t know how to answer this because all of the recommended suggestions could be very different. Here’s a post from another site that might be helpful https://boatbasincafe.com/substitutes-for-cream-cheese/
Sonal Sharma says
Hey Divya, just google how to make cream cheese at home. It just requires grinding fresh warm paneer/chenna along with 2-3 tblsp of olive oil/butter.
Daneen says
This sounds wonderful! I would like to make this for Father’s Day!
I have a ripe pineapple that I would like to use. Should I put the pineapple in a food processor to soften and break it down to a crushed pineapple consistency?
Also, could I use half and half strawberries and pineapple?
Thank you for your help!
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Daneen. I have tried that, but I’m sure running the pineapple through the FP would do the trick! As for the strawberries, please check out my strawberry dream. It’s a spin-off of this recipe and it should help you figure out the ratios to substitute! https://amandascookin.com/strawberry-dream-dessert/
Cindy says
I made it today and doubled the recipe for leftovers. Deeeelicious. It is hot a humid today and very refreshing. Thanks for sharing the recipe
Lynnette says
I made this and my sister and husband love it!
I fold the two layers together in a bowl.
Now when we have a family get together my sister says I just want to know who’s making the pineapple dream 😄
Amanda Formaro says
Haha I love it, thanks Lynette!
Katie Brown says
What is cool whip? I live in Endland and never heard of this.
Amanda Formaro says
It’s a premade whipping topping. You can just whip your own by beating one cup of heavy cream with a teaspoon of powdered sugar :)
Noorah says
This was soooo good!
I added roasted almonds on top! You should try it :)
Thank you for this recipe 🥰
Amanda Formaro says
Oh I love that idea!
Lynn says
what can i use to substitute for the graham crackers never seen them in NZ don’t like the sound of pretzils please
Amanda Formaro says
Any kind of cookie crumb will be fine!
Alicia Altman says
I would like to incorporate coconut into this recipe.
How and when do I add it? I think it would make it a pina colada pie.
Amanda Formaro says
You can totally add it in with the pineapple!
Joyce says
I was going to make this tomorrow and was wondering the same thing. I will try that too and maybe sprinkle some on top with the graham crackers. Did you use coconut? How did it turn out?
Julie says
Can you use softened margarine in a tub instead of stick butter?
Amanda Formaro says
Yes that will be fine!
Mary Hutton says
In the recipe it calls for butter for the rust and the filling butt it doesn’t say how much for the filling ? IM TOTALLY CONFUSED
AMANDA PLEASE REPLY AND HELP ME !!!
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Mary. It’s in step 3 of the printable recipe.
“Beat the cream cheese and butter together until creamy.”
Hope that helps!
Donna says
I give this 100 out of 100 stars and I hsve made this alot but have not for awile but I just made it and it is my fridge and I cant waite till we can have some ot is so good. be safe snd thank you for the recipe
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks so much Donna!
Rosie says
My Grandmother use to make this receipe. I was young at the time. Though it was my favorite. I’ll be trying it tonight. Thank You! Be safe out there.
Stacey Kim says
I made this the other day and couldn’t believe how delicious it is. Thank you so much for a great recipe!
Denise Luper says
Amanda , I saved the pineapple dream dessert several months ago. I finally made it. My husband fell in love with it. Its delicious. With the covid 19 and lack of food in grocery store, I had to buy the lowfat cream cheese, and salted butter instead of salted. It was still absolutely scrumptious. Thank you for sharing.
Amanda Formaro says
Hooray, so glad you guys loved it! Stay safe out there!!
Mariah says
Try it with pretzels instead of graham crackers – “pretzel salad.” My mom made it every Thanksgiving and it’s my all-time favorite dessert.
Amanda Formaro says
Nice!
Faith Henry says
I am going for the ingredients right away. My grandmother used to make something like this and it was great. I love pineapple 😍 Thank you for sharing!
Faith Henry says
Going to try it tonight. My grandmother used to make this, it’s wonderful!
Jamie K says
Great easy recipe. Used an already made pie crust for time, used stevia in place of sugar, whipped heavy cream for topping (cool whip is vegetable oil Yuck), added coconut to whipped topping and sprinkled on top. Very tasty!
Amanda Formaro says
great to hear it was good with Splenda. Did you substitute an equal amount for the sugar?
Mary Medina says
LOVE LOVE LOVE!
this recipe is great! light, fluffy, and soft
the pineapple is the perfect touch and all that taste this agree.
i would recommend this to anyone!!!
Amanda Formaro says
Thank you mary, so glad you love it!!
Lina Garcia says
Made this for my mom’s Birthday and it was Delicious! I did add coconut and pecans to creamcheese butter sugar mixture.
Amanda Formaro says
So glad you loved it!
Cindy says
Old recipe but good for those who work but need a quick dessert -thanks for reminding me about this one
Denise says
Very sweet. Next time I will cut the sugar by half.
Bei says
I accidently used the whole 8 ox cream cheese but still used 2 cups of powdered sugar.. Came out good
Heather says
Agree…we used half the sugar and it was painfully sweet. Didn’t have time or graham crackers, so we just folded the whipped cream (real stuff!) into the rest and made a spoonable fluff for a quick dessert. :)