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
Latest posts by Amanda Davis (see all)
- Watergate Salad - November 21, 2024
- Sweet Potato Pie - November 18, 2024
- Roasted Turkey - November 14, 2024
M-J says
Love this dessert… My mom made something similar when we were kids
It was called Icelandic Dessert… Yummmy
Look forward to making you recipe next week
Agnes King says
Why do you have to use unsalted butter .C an you use salted botter
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Agnes. Salted butter will alter the flavor, because it has salt in it. You can certainly try if you like and let us know what the results are!
Tricia Mills-Roberts says
I wonder what coconut would taste like in with the pineapple?
Amanda Formaro says
I’m sure it would be wonderful :)
Cindy says
I havn’t had this dessert in years. My Mom used to make it long before you could get Cool Whip. She used Dream Whip in it, thus the name Dream Dessert. The recipe was on the Dream Whip box in the 1950’s. I don’t know if you can still buy Dream Whip or not. Thank you for the memories.
Amanda Formaro says
You CAN still by Dream Whip :)
None says
Oh my….. My friend and I are planning a “dessert get-together” around this just so we can have it together. LOL Dessert, wine and a movie! Plans for a great evening this weekend. Thank you for sharing!! May add the walnuts or try another fruit sometime also…
Amanda Formaro says
Haha! I love that you planned your get together around this dessert, that’s so fun!
DeAnn McNeil says
I made this dessert this past weekend. It was quick and easy to make. My family loved it! So much, they asked for it again this weekend. Thanks, Amanda!
Amanda Formaro says
So glad you liked it DeAnn, thanks!
Sharon Hemmingsen says
I saw the picture and immediately knew it was the pineapple dessert I remembered from so long ago. Only we used some finely chopped walnuts in the fluff mix. MMMM Good, I guess I am going to have to break down and make some. Won’t my husband be surprised that I cooked. LOL.
Amanda Formaro says
I’ve heard of using walnut too!
jacki says
This looks delicious. I cannot wait to try it.
Do you have any say in the ads that run? I thought it distasteful to have a game to catch the cockroach running on the bottom of each picture. Maybe whomever is sponsoring the recipe can pick something different?
I really wasn’t even going to read through the whole recipe but I was successful in exing out the box with the roach..yuk.
Amanda Formaro says
Yuk, thanks for telling me! I reported it but without a screenshot the ad company can’t locate it. So I will keep my eyes open for it!
Lisa says
This was a family favorite that my grandmother always said washer secret recipe. She used Nilla wafers instead of graham crackers. It gives it a different texture and flavor that set it apart from others’ versions of the dessert. It’s still one of those dishes that never has leftovers!
Amanda Formaro says
Ohhh I love Nilla Wafers!
Debby Trump says
I make this and call it “Banana-Pineapple Dessert” because I put a layer of spiced bananas on the bottom crust. It’s just heavenly! I also use sugar-free Cool Whip, 1/3 less fat cream cheese, to make it a dessert for the dieters! Everyone loves it!
Amanda Formaro says
Love the idea of the bananas!
Evelyn says
Hi Amanda, This sounds so good but I have one question. You say a 20oz can of crushed Pineapple but is it in it’s own juice or heavy syrup? My Mom used the pineapple in heavy syrup to make her pineapple pudding(just like banana pudding made with the custard) but using crushed pineapple in heavy syrup.
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Evelyn! I use the kind in juice, not heavy syrup :)
pam pratt says
i used to make one with mini marshmallows lemon jello pineapple whip cream if u have it please send You always want what u remember
Kathy McMurry says
Wonder if well drained maraschino cherries would be a good addition?
Amanda Formaro says
I’m sure they would :)
Linda W says
I made this dessert the other day. I love walnuts so I added walnuts to the cool whip and the pineapple and it was great.. I gave some to my in laws they loved it especially with the Walnuts in it.. Thanks again for this recipe..
Amanda Formaro says
Love the idea of the walnuts Linda, thanks!
Linda says
I used to have a recipe for a Lazy Daisey Oatmeal Cake. It was thrown away by my husband by mistake. I can’t remember if this is the same or not. Parts of it sounds the same but I am not sure. It was probably 35 years or more when I had the recipe. I can’t remember whereIgot it then. It was so good!!!! I am going to try your recipe. Thanks for sharing.
Amanda Formaro says
Haven’t heard of the oatmeal version! I hope you like this one Linda :)
Name says
Maybe this is the recipe Linda’s looking for? http://thesouthernladycooks.com/2009/04/15/lazy-daisy-oatmeal-cake/
Amanda Formaro says
Oh I bet it is, thanks for sharing that!
Dianna Wright says
https://www.google.com/search?source=hp&ei=cNrxXOmmH5K6tgXW6pHoBg&q=lazy+daisy+oatmeal+cake&oq=lazy+da&gs_l=psy-ab.1.4.0l10.1694.8475..15297…0.0..0.140.853.1j6……0….1..gws-wiz…..0..0i131.cGJ2ewAjlHQ
Laura says
Hi, do you know a recipe that I lost. It was condensed milk, pineapple rings, coolwhip, and something, stirred together and put into a graham cracker pie shell and frozen. I LOVED IT, but lost the recipe and haven’t been able to find it anywhere!
Amanda Formaro says
Hi laura. I found this, maybe this is it??
MARIANNE’S EASY PINEAPPLE NO BAKE
DESSERT
1 (14 oz.) can condensed milk
1 (8 oz.) Cool Whip
1 (20 oz.) can crushed pineapple, drained
1 c. chopped pecans or walnuts
1/4 c. lemon juice or concentrate
Keebler’s butter crust pie (pre-baked)
Mix together. Pour into pie shell. Refrigerate overnight. Makes 2 pies. Can add food coloring.
Michelle Cardwell says
This is very similar to my grandmother’s “Million Dollar pie” that made every family event. It is so light and yummy. The condensed milk makes it rich and so delicious!
Trisha says
I agree, it is very similar to my grandmother’s Million Dollar Pie recipe also (lol) with the exception of the pie crust. My grandmother used a graham cracker pie crust and no food coloring. I began adding cherries, and sometimes fresh strawberries, and blackberries to my Million Dollar Pie when they are in season, or peaches. Yes, the condensed milk does make it rich and delicious. I freeze mine for a few hours or overnight for a wonderfully delicious summer treat.
Deborah Lyons says
want to try it looks great
Dianna Wright says
hi laura this is what i found if it doesn’t come threw google the name and a whole page will come up. https://www.google.com/search?source=hp&ei=cNrxXOmmH5K6tgXW6pHoBg&q=lazy+daisy+oatmeal+cake&oq=lazy+da&gs_l=psy-ab.1.4.0l10.1694.8475..15297…0.0..0.140.853.1j6……0….1..gws-wiz…..0..0i131.cGJ2ewAjlHQ
Jo F. says
My aunt used to make this one, and the stained glass dessert which was similar but had all the different colors of jello cut in little squares. She would make both for every family gathering when I was a kid. Thanks for sharing this!
Amanda Formaro says
I’ve never tried that stained glass dessert but it sure is beautiful!
Melissa L says
Made this for the first time for the impromptu Fourth of July BBQ we had yesterday.. So delicious!! It was well received! Very light and refreshing. Thanks for sharing!!
Amanda Formaro says
So glad you liked it Melissa!
TJ says
Ahhhhhh, my mom and grand mother used to make something similar when we were growing up. It was called “heavenly hash,” and used Nilla Wafers for the crust and crumbs (no butter, just crushed into crumbs and small chunks and pressed into the pan) a raw beaten eggs, sugar, butter, and vanilla custard type sauce over the crumbs, sprinkled with crushed pineapple, and topped with whipped cream (not Cool Whip) and more cookie crumbs. Chilled in the fridge overnight…. Today, I suppose everyone would be wary of the raw eggs, but back then, we used fresh eggs. No one ever got sick from it – unless from eating too much, cuz it’s hard to stop once you start!
Amanda Formaro says
Sounds absolutely delicious TJ!
Linda Cunningham says
I make something very similar that has mini marshmallows and chopped cherries added after the dream whip. Make 9×13 pan and freeze it, thaw for a few min then cut and serve. Very popular with everyone on a hot summers day and I made it a week before on a rainy day.
Amanda Formaro says
Hi LInda, sounds really good to me!
pam pratt says
t I have been looking forever
his is the recipe i’m looking for please send it to me