No-Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert Recipe

Refreshing No-Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert Recipe for Summer

Creamy, dreamy no-bake pineapple cream dessert promises a tropical escape right on your plate.

Whipped clouds of sweetness blend with sunny fruit for an instant mood lifter.

Cool and luscious textures mingle in this ridiculously simple treat that requires zero oven time.

Chilled ingredients come together faster than you can say “delicious.” Summer vibes radiate through each silky spoonful, making ordinary moments feel like a beachside celebration.

Minimal effort yields maximum flavor in this crowd-pleasing recipe.

You’ll want to memorize these steps and become the dessert hero among friends.

Quick Answers About No-Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert

  • What type of gelatin should I use for this recipe?

Use unflavored powdered gelatin, which helps set the dessert and provides a smooth texture without adding extra flavor.

  • Can I substitute fresh pineapple with canned pineapple?

Yes, you can use canned pineapple chunks, but make sure to drain them thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the dessert.

  • Is it necessary to use a stand mixer for this recipe?

No, a hand mixer or even manual whisking works fine, though a stand mixer can make the process easier and faster.

  • How do I know when the whipped cream is at stiff peak stage?

When you lift the beaters, the cream should form firm peaks that hold their shape without falling or drooping immediately.

Why No-Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert Is A Tropical Treat

  • Simplify Preparation: Skip complicated baking steps and create a delightful dessert with minimal kitchen skills required.
  • Tropical Flavor Explosion: Combine tangy pineapple with smooth cream cheese for a refreshing taste that transports you to a sunny paradise.
  • Chilled Comfort Treat: Enjoy a cool, creamy dessert perfect for beating the heat and satisfying sweet cravings without turning on the oven.

Ingredients For No-Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert

For the Base:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A crunchy foundation that provides a delightful texture and sweet base for the dessert.
For the Thickening Agents:
  • Gelatin, Pineapple Juice: A combination that helps set the dessert and adds a smooth, stable consistency.
For the Creamy Components:
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a light, airy texture that makes the dessert feel luxurious and soft.
  • Cream Cheese: Offers a rich, tangy flavor and helps create a smooth, creamy base.
  • Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and contributes to the rich, silky texture of the dessert.
For the Sweeteners:
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides additional sweetness and helps stabilize the whipped cream.
For the Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm, aromatic depth to the overall flavor profile.
  • Diced Pineapple: Introduces a fresh, tropical fruit element that adds brightness and texture.
For the Optional Garnish:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Sprinkled on top for extra crunch and visual appeal.

How To Prepare No-Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert

Step 1: Crush Graham Cracker Base

Grab graham crackers and pulverize them into fine crumbs. Press the crumbs firmly into the bottom of a serving dish, creating a solid foundation for your dreamy dessert.

Step 2: Bloom Gelatin

Sprinkle gelatin over pineapple juice in a saucepan. Let it sit quietly for 5 minutes, allowing the gelatin to wake up and prepare for its thickening magic.

Step 3: Dissolve Gelatin

Warm the gelatin-juice mixture over low heat. Stir gently until the gelatin completely melts, then remove from heat and let it cool down to room temperature.

Step 4: Whip Heavy Cream

Take heavy cream and whip it into fluffy clouds with stiff, standing peaks that hold their shape beautifully.

Step 5: Blend Cream Cheese Mixture

In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until silky smooth. Gradually mix in:
  • Condensed milk
  • Powdered sugar

Blend until the mixture becomes creamy and well-combined.

Step 6: Incorporate Gelatin

Gently fold the cooled gelatin mixture into the cream cheese blend, ensuring a smooth and even distribution.

Step 7: Fold in Whipped Cream

Carefully introduce the whipped cream into the mixture, creating a light and airy texture that feels like a cloud.

Step 8: Add Pineapple Chunks

Softly fold in diced pineapple, spreading the fruity bits evenly throughout the creamy mixture.

Step 9: Enhance Flavor

Stir in vanilla extract to elevate the dessert’s overall taste profile.

Step 10: Pour and Smooth

Transfer the entire mixture over the graham cracker base. Use a spatula to create a perfectly smooth top.

Step 11: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to mingle and the texture to set perfectly.

Step 12: Garnish

Before serving, sprinkle additional graham cracker crumbs on top for a delightful crunch and visual appeal.

Step 13: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the chilled dessert and savor the cool, creamy layers of pineapple-infused goodness. Each bite is a tropical dream come true!

Tips That Help With No-Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert

  • Crush Crackers Perfectly: Use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to press graham cracker crumbs firmly and evenly, creating a solid, uniform base that won't crumble when serving.
  • Bloom Gelatin Right: Always sprinkle gelatin over cold liquid and let it sit for exactly 5 minutes before heating to ensure smooth dissolution and prevent lumpy textures.
  • Whip Cream Strategically: Chill your mixing bowl and whisk beforehand to help heavy cream reach stiff peaks faster and maintain its structure when folded into other ingredients.
  • Control Fruit Distribution: Pat diced pineapple dry with paper towels before adding to prevent excess moisture from making the dessert watery and compromising its creamy consistency.

Flavor Variations For No-Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert

  • Tropical Coconut Cream Variation: Replace pineapple with shredded coconut and coconut milk for a rich, tropical flavor profile that maintains the creamy texture.
  • Berry Bliss Variation: Swap pineapple for mixed berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, creating a vibrant and tangy no-bake cheesecake experience.
  • Gluten-Free Graham Alternative: Use almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs as a base for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy the dessert.
  • Vegan Cream Cheese Option: Substitute dairy cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese and use coconut whipped cream to create a plant-based version of the original recipe.

Pairing Suggestions For No-Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert

  • Pair Tropical Sweet White Wine: Select a crisp, light Moscato or Riesling with subtle sweetness that complements the pineapple's bright flavor and matches the dessert's creamy texture.
  • Enhance Flavor with Coconut Rum: Add a small shot of coconut rum alongside the dessert to amplify the tropical notes and provide a smooth, complementary alcohol pairing that elevates the pineapple cream's richness.
  • Serve with Fresh Mint Garnish: Sprinkle fresh mint leaves on top to introduce a refreshing herbal element that cuts through the dessert's sweetness and provides a clean, cool contrast to the creamy pineapple base.

How To Store No-Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert

  • Place the dessert in an airtight container with a secure lid, keeping it flat to maintain its shape. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container prevents moisture absorption and flavor transfer.
  • Wrap the entire dish tightly with plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 weeks without compromising the texture. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Cut the dessert into individual servings, wrap each piece separately in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe container. This method allows for convenient single-serving defrosting.
  • Avoid microwaving, as it can compromise the creamy texture.
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No-Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert Recipe

No-Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert Recipe


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4.7 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Tropical paradise meets creamy indulgence in this no-bake pineapple cream dessert, a sweet escape that whisks guests to island bliss. Cool, luscious layers promise refreshing comfort with minimal effort, making summer celebrations delightfully simple.


Ingredients

Scale

Fruit:

  • 2 cups fresh pineapple, diced
  • 1/2 cup pineapple juice

Dairy and Cream Base:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream (240 ml)
  • 1/2 cup condensed milk

Dry and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 packet (0.25 oz) gelatin
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs (for base/topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the graham cracker base by finely crushing the crumbs and pressing them evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch serving dish, creating a compact foundation for the dessert.
  2. Sprinkle gelatin over the pineapple juice in a small saucepan, allowing it to bloom for 5 minutes at room temperature to activate its thickening properties.
  3. Gently heat the gelatin-juice mixture over low heat, stirring continuously until the gelatin completely dissolves, then remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, creating a light and airy texture.
  5. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, then gradually incorporate the condensed milk and powdered sugar, mixing until fully integrated and creamy.
  6. Fold the cooled gelatin mixture into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution and a silky consistency.
  7. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, creating a fluffy and voluminous base.
  8. Carefully fold in the diced pineapple, distributing the fruit evenly throughout the creamy mixture.
  9. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the overall flavor profile of the dessert.
  10. Pour the entire mixture over the prepared graham cracker base, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  11. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the dessert to set completely and develop its full flavor.
  12. Before serving, sprinkle the remaining graham cracker crumbs on top for added texture and visual appeal.
  13. Slice and serve chilled, enjoying the cool, creamy, and fruity layers of this no-bake pineapple cream dessert.

Notes

  • Crush graham crackers finely to ensure a solid, compact base that holds together perfectly without crumbling.
  • Allow gelatin to bloom completely for smooth, lump-free texture that sets dessert evenly and prevents grainy consistency.
  • Use room temperature ingredients like cream cheese to create a silky, well-incorporated mixture that blends seamlessly without lumps.
  • Chill dessert overnight for maximum flavor development and firmer, more stable texture that cuts cleanly and looks professional.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Chilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Jackson Reid

Jackson Reid

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Single-serving recipe development
  • Global flavor fusion
  • Minimalist cooking techniques
  • Food photography and styling

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and hands-on kitchen training


Jackson’s love for cooking began one dish at a time. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Holyoke Community College’s HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he focused on what mattered most: creating recipes that are simple to follow and full of flavor.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Jackson brings together global influences and a less-is-more approach. His recipes reflect his belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to make sense, taste great, and feel right.
When he’s not testing ingredients or adjusting seasonings, you’ll find him hiking near Asheville, exploring local markets, or chasing the best light for food photos.

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