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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Anna says
This is a great recipe! Not too sweet, very refreshing. I like to use fresh pineapple if I have it because I think the taste is better than canned. I also add use extra pineapple and add half to the middle layer so it’s spread more throughout the dessert. This time I’m making it, I’m going to toast some shredded coconut to top it instead of graham crackers!
Really love this dessert and it’s versatile so you can kind of mess with it to make it your own. Thanks for sharing!
Suzy says
Can you freeze it?
Amanda Formaro says
Yes this can easily be frozen
Melissa says
Does anyone know how long this is good for once made?? I made a 9×13 size for a couple of people and it’s day 5 now, is it still good? We’ve been eating on it everyday but definitely want to toss it if it’s been too long now.
Karen says
Are you able to use cinnamon graham crackers
Amanda Formaro says
Yes
Mistake Chef says
I made this dessert but just realized the nest morning I didn’t add powdered sugar. Will this still be good?
Amanda Formaro says
Curious how it turned out. Without the sugar it may not be sweet enough.
Sherri says
Love it
Jill says
How far in advance can I make this before serving? Anyone test that out?
Amanda Formaro says
You can make this up to 3 days ahead :)
Judy says
What would would it take to make this 9×13 size?
Amanda Formaro says
You could double it, I’ve done that several times. The layers will be a little thicker, but it works!
Sucy Eapen says
Pineapple Dream Dessert is one of our family favorites. It is light and fluffy and particularly delightful during the summer months. I have made it several times and served it to different people. It takes only 25 minutes to make it and the no bake version is perfect for the cooking session with my 9 year-old grandson! He is a pro at finding quick and easy recipes. We often make desserts together and enjoy them more because of the love that goes into them – the main ingredient! I have shared this recipe with friends and family. LOVE
Tina Gray says
I love desserts like this. This is so light and refreshing on a warm day. Everyone loved it . So easy too. LOVE!
yVONNE says
AS YOU KNOW ALREADY MY BABIES LOVE YOUR COOKIES, BUT MU FVORIT IS THE PINEAPPLE DREAM DREAM. HAVE MADE IT SEVERAL TIMES AND IT ALWAY IS A HIT. AND THIS DESER IS RATED A 10 IN MY BOOK LOVE
Keith Stewart says
Hello, I have to say that this recipe was a bang burner for Christmas, I made 2 of them as we were allowed a few people in the household, and I wanted people to be able to take some home as well, boy did it go over well, Ive been asked where I got the recipe and I automatically referred them to your website, so I wanna thank you very much for this opportunity for a chance to win an air-fryer, my daughters, both live in Ontario, send me pictures of their meals cooked in their fryers, WOW, so Im excited about the possibility of owning one, again, thank you, “LOVE” Keith Stewart “LOVE”
Brenda Marguerite Stanley says
Love the Pineapple Dream Dessert, not too sweet and my husband loved it
Asia Bellew says
I found this recipe on Pinterest and it has been one of my favorites ever since. I have made it for every holiday get together my family has had for the past year!! We absolutely LOVE it!! LOVE!
Cheryl L says
SO refreshing! I made this dish for the office… everyone loved it. I did not have graham crackers so I threw left over lemon filled sandwich cookies cookies (like Oreos) in the food processor to make the crust. I did use graham crackers on the top. New potluck dessert. LOVE LOVE LOVE
Elaine says
My mom used to make this recipe. So glad to find it again. Really easy but super delicious. Thanks for sharing!
LOVE!
Sharrie says
I used both pineapple and strawberries together and it is an amazing recipe.
Pam Paterson says
A little too sweet for my liking. I would make this again but I will try using at least half a cup less sugar for sure.
Ellen says
Hi
I am severe celiac , do you think it’s possible to make this without the Graham crust ? I know dumb question but where I live I have not been able to find anything gf for a crust
Thank you
Amanda Formaro says
Yes you can do that. We have gluten free graham crackers in the health section of our grocery store. There are similar items on Amazon as well https://amzn.to/3c6f1wv
Tracy says
Hi. Can. You make with store bought graham cracker crust ?
Amanda Formaro says
I am sure you could!
Jenn says
Amanda, I just wanted to say when I don’t want to make the Graham Crust I crunch up cookies and put them in the bottom of the pan for the crust. I usually use Dad’s Oatmeal cookies or Dare Coconut cookies. It works absolutely perfectly! Just an idea for anyone not wanting to bake a crust. Jenn