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For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10-12 graham crackers)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar (optional)
For the Pineapple Cream Filling:
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained (reserve 2 tablespoons of juice)
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 2 tablespoons pineapple juice (reserved from the crushed pineapple)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for extra tang)
Garnish (Optional):
- Shredded coconut (toasted or plain)
- Maraschino cherries
- Crushed nuts (like pecans or walnuts)
How to Make No-Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert
Making this tropical delight is a breeze, and it comes together in no time. Here’s how to prepare it step by step:
1. Prepare the Crust
Start by preparing the graham cracker crust. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar (if using). Stir the mixture until everything is well combined, and the crumbs are evenly coated with butter.
Next, press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish or any similar-sized dish. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to press the crumbs down firmly and evenly.
Once the crust is pressed into place, place the dish in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling. This allows the crust to firm up before adding the creamy filling.
2. Prepare the Pineapple Cream Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this step.
Add the sweetened condensed milk to the cream cheese and continue to beat until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Add the reserved 2 tablespoons of pineapple juice and lemon juice (if using) to the cream cheese mixture, and beat until everything is well incorporated.
Next, fold in the whipped topping until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Gently mix in the drained crushed pineapple. Be sure to drain the pineapple well to avoid excess moisture in the filling, which can make the dessert too runny.
3. Assemble the Dessert
Take the graham cracker crust out of the fridge. Spread the pineapple cream filling evenly over the crust, smoothing it out with a spatula to make sure it’s level.
Once the filling is evenly spread, cover the dessert with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or until it’s well chilled and set. The longer it sits in the fridge, the more the flavors will meld together.
4. Garnish and Serve
After the dessert has chilled, it’s time to garnish! Top the dessert with shredded coconut, maraschino cherries, or crushed nuts for a bit of added texture and color.
Slice into squares and serve chilled. Each bite is a delightful combination of creamy pineapple goodness with the crunch of the graham cracker crust.
Tips and Variations
- Use Fresh Pineapple: If you prefer using fresh pineapple, you can chop it finely and fold it into the filling. Just be sure to drain the excess juice to prevent the dessert from becoming too watery.
- Add More Flavor: For an added twist, you can mix in a small amount of coconut extract or vanilla extract into the filling for extra flavor.
- Nutty Crust: If you like a nuttier flavor, you can substitute half of the graham cracker crumbs with crushed almonds or pecans to create a richer crust.
- Add More Toppings: To make the dessert even more festive, you can add a drizzle of chocolate syrup or caramel over the top just before serving. It’s a deliciously decadent addition!
Why This Dessert is Perfect for Any Occasion
No-bake desserts like the Pineapple Cream Dessert are perfect for any time you need a quick and easy treat. Whether it’s a summer barbecue, a family gathering, or just a sweet treat to satisfy your cravings, this dessert is sure to impress. It’s simple, fresh, and light, which makes it the perfect conclusion to a hearty meal.
The tropical flavors of pineapple and the creamy filling balance each other perfectly, creating a dessert that’s both indulgent and refreshing. Plus, the no-bake nature of this dessert means that you don’t have to worry about turning on the oven, making it ideal for warm weather or whenever you just want to whip something up without too much fuss.
Conclusion
The No-Bake Pineapple Cream Dessert is the epitome of tropical delight in dessert form. Its simplicity, refreshing flavors, and creamy texture make it the perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for an easy summer treat or a light and satisfying dessert, this recipe is a winner. So grab your ingredients, chill your dessert, and get ready to enjoy a cool and delicious tropical indulgence!
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