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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Diane says
Delicious
Marie D Hayward-Myrick says
…. all time fav…….
Delicious
Donna says
This was absolutely delicious even mÿ husband liked it and believe me he’s a ticky one, if he likes something then it’s exceptionally good. Keep up the good work.
Beth says
Is it 2 cups of sifted, powdered sugar or 2 cups sifted and use all of it?
Amanda Davis says
As listed in the recipe : 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
That means measure out 2 cups of powdered sugar, then sift it and use it all.
Hope that helps!
Bernita Holsey says
This Is The Absolute Best Quick Dessert In the World! I am not a baker. But this is a Hit with my family and friends every time I make it!!
Luisa Santos says
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
Amanda Davis says
Cream cheese is needed in this recipe. You could try mascarpone, but that’s more expensive. We haven’t experimented with anything else.
Barbara OHara says
Advise please-baking for 60 each mo. (doctor office) and love this recipe but wondered if it could be used on top of gingerbread eliminating graham crumbs. That cake is so dry I thought this could be a good match-please advise me. Need new ideas after doing this for 7 years. I am 82 and need easy but impressive.
Amanda Davis says
We haven’t tried this on top of gingerbread. I don’t see why it wouldn’t work though!
Gloria says
Your Pineapple Dream Desert is the best recipe ever. My daughter, her dear friend, and myself raved over the taste. Thanks much Amanda for this outstanding desert that I will make again and again!😊
Teresa O'malley says
My husband’s favorite desert used to be pineapple upside down cake, until I made this !!! He absolutely loves it!!! Thank you so much Amanda! I will be making this a lot!
Judy Coegtle says
Can this be made in a 9 x 13 pan?
Amanda Davis says
Yes, double the recipe for a 13×9
Vanessa D Fitzgerald says
Could I use heavy whipping cream instead of coolwhip?
Amanda Davis says
yes!
Tracy says
Can real whip cream be used instead of cool whip?
Amanda Davis says
Yes
Lynn says
Excellent. The only thing I did different is only use half of the Graham cracker mixture for the crust. just my preference. I also put maraschino cherries on top. A definite keeper.
Jennifer says
Can I make this 2 days early or will it get soggy? Thank you!!
Amanda Davis says
It will be fine covered in the fridge.
Lori says
I used leftover Walker shortbread cookies for a no-bake crust. I put in the refrigerator for approximately an hour. (I used the clear lid of a disposable cake pan for the dessert. I liked the layered presentation.)
I doubled the recipe but used only 4 cups of the crushed shortbread cookies and 1/2 – 3/4 cups of the butter. I used 3 1/2 cups of powdered sugar. I tried 3 but it wasn’t sweet enough. I also added a splash of vanilla. I used pineapple in it’s own juice, well drained. I received compliments at the potluck. I will make it again.
Riley says
I didn’t drain my pineapple and the top layer was really watery. Is there any saving it? Can I maybe freeze it and serve frozen?
Amanda Davis says
I honestly am not sure, the heavy liquid content may have ruined it.
Cyd says
Yikes! I’m making this tomorrow and just have an 8×8 glass pan. Would I need to do anything differently ?
Thanks from Canada!
Amanda Davis says
Should be fine
Adrian says
Can the leftovers be frozen?
Amanda Davis says
Yes!
Penny says
Gosh, you have leftovers?
Marie Berman says
How do you make this in 9×13
Amanda Davis says
You can double the recipe for a 13×9
Michelle says
So I doubled it and used 3 cups of powder sugar and 1 top vanilla in the cream cheese mix. I topped it with some cherries. It is a Thanksgiving hit 😋
Carol says
This is a really, really old recipe – but a very good one.
Heather says
Do you need to have power sugar or can you leave it out?
Amanda Davis says
You need it. You can run regular sugar through a blender to break it down finer as an acceptable substitute.