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
Jennifer LaRue says
So I made this for Fathers Day weekend and I decided to substitute freshly chopped strawberries in place of pineapple! It was so good! I used a food processor and quickly pulsed 16oz of strawberries (2 cups) for the same “crushed” feel that the pineapple would have had. I highly recommend it! :)
Amanda Formaro says
Oh that sounds amazing, I will have to try it!
Cyndi says
I,won’t b making this again too many steps in
Making it. It is very good.
Chaquel G says
I made this for my family’s Memorial Day cookout and it was an absolute hit! I will definitely be making this again and I might add cherries and/or coconut next time!
Amanda Formaro says
That’s awesome to hear! I’m glad you enjoyed it, Chaquel! :)
Terri Steck says
CAN YOU USE WHIPPED CREAM IIN PLACE OF THE COOL WHIP?
Amanda Formaro says
yes
Genan says
So you’d use one cup un whipped whipping cream in place or more??
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Genan. 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 helps 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: http://www.365daysofbakingandmore.com/stabilized-whipped-cream/
Erika Smith says
I added coconut flakes to the whipped topping! It was a fun and yummy touch to this dessert. The coconut added a crunchy texture ?
Amanda Formaro says
That sounds delicious, Erika! Thanks for sharing :)
Jeanne says
Two cups of Powdered Sugar sound like a lot. Would it work with one cup. Thank you.
Amanda Formaro says
I have not tried it with less than 2 cups. If you try it please let us know how it turns out :)
Maria says
I always cut the sugar in half for every recipe. It works perfectly with this one as well. Delicious! Thank you for sharing.
Lyydia says
Can you freeze this once made?
Thanks.
Amanda Formaro says
Hi, Lyydia. This recipe should freeze just fine!
paulette arseneault says
excuse me . i cant receving the recepe french please , i like so much your recepe , thank you ,
Debbie says
Can you use real whipped cream instead of cool whip?
Amanda Formaro says
Absolutely! :)
Sherry says
Is there really a need for 1/2 cup of butter mixed with the cream cheese? It seems like alot.
Amanda Formaro says
Yes, that’s the recipe. If you decide to try it a different way be sure to let us know how it turns out!
Darlene Kubin says
I love the pineapple dream dessert do you have one like this one only with lemon?
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Darlene, I have a recipe that is somewhat similar to this Pineapple Dream Dessert but with lemon, it’s this Lemon Cheesecake Pudding Dessert! :)
Bren says
Is powdered sugar the same as icing sugar ?
Amanda Formaro says
Hi, Bren. Yes the two are the same :)
Dee says
Hi. Is ot possible to not bake the graham crust?
Amanda Formaro says
Hi, Dee. I don’t see why not. The only thing I could think of going wrong is that the crust won’t be as sturdy, it will probably be more crumbly when serving. :) Best of luck!
Edward Morris says
DEAR AMANDA
TOMORROW IS VALENTINE DAY,ONE OF THE GIFTS I AM GOING TO GIVE I GOING TO MAKE THIS PINEAPPLE RECIPES, SHE LOVES ANY RECIPE WITH PINEAPPLE, I AM NOT MUCH OF A BAKER PUT THIS RECIPE LOOKS EASY TO MAKE” WISH ME LUCK……….EDWARD
Amanda Formaro says
Best of luck to you, Edward! I hope she enjoyed :)
Ellen says
Has anyone tried to make this with other fruit instead of pineapple? Blueberries? Strawberries?
Helena says
Definitely will try.
Ana says
I made this and my family absolutely LOVED it. I used whipped heavy cream and added coconut as well. Awesome recipe!!!
Kathy says
How much heavy cream did you use? I pint whipped? Thanks
laura says
Making as I type…. was thinking of sprinkling coconut on top before the topping….anyone? Maybe garnish with cherries???
Roxanne says
Sounds luscious!
Heather Pepper says
I found one years ago, I can’t remember where, I think on a cool whip lid maybe.
Pineapple Dream Pie
1 Graham cracker crust (I like to make homemade, it tastes so much better)
8oz cream cheese, softened
2 8oz tubs of cool whip
1 20oz can of crushed pineapple, drained
1 can of pineapple chunks, for garnish
1/3c. sugar
1tsp vanilla extract
In a bowl, beat cream cheese, then mix in one tub of cool whip, add sugar, mix well. Add crushed pineapple, mix till combined. Then mix in vanilla extract, mix well. Pour into Graham cracker crust. Spread second tub of cool whip over the top, and garnish with pineapple chunks. Use as many as you want, I only use a few, sometimes none. Refrigerate at least 3-4 hours before serving. I like to make the day before, so that all the flavors get the chance mingle together.
This goes very quickly, so over the years I have doubled the recipe to make a slab pie. And that still disappears too fast.