Introduction
This delicious Pineapple Cream Cheese Dessert combines the sweetness of crushed pineapple, the richness of cream cheese, and the crunch of a graham cracker crust.
With its layers of creamy filling and light whipped topping, it’s a perfect treat for any occasion, from family gatherings to holiday celebrations.
This dessert is easy to prepare and offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
IngredientsCrust/Topping:26 sheets of graham crackers, crushed (approximately 4 cups)¾ cup (1½ sticks / 170 g)
melted butterFilling:½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) butter, at room temperature8 ounces cream cheese
at room temperature2 cups (250 g) confectioners’ sugar2 cans (20 ounces each) crushed pineapple, drained16 ounces whipped topping (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, prepare the graham cracker crust. In a large bowl, mix the crushed graham crackers with melted butter until well combined.
Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating an even layer.
Bake the crust for about 10 minutes or until it’s golden and set. Remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
Next, prepare the filling by combining butter and cream cheese in a large bowl. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat them together until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add in the confectioners’ sugar and continue beating until the mixture is fluffy and well combined.
Once the filling is smooth, add the drained crushed pineapple, stirring until evenly distributed.
Gently fold in the whipped topping, ensuring everything is well incorporated. The filling should be light and airy, with a nice balance of sweetness and tang.
Spread the filling evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Once the filling is spread out, refrigerate the dessert for at least 3 hours, or until it is firm and set.
Before serving, garnish with additional whipped topping or even some extra crushed graham crackers if desired. Slice into squares, and serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
How to Make
To make this dessert, start by preparing the crust. The combination of graham crackers and melted butter is key to achieving.
the perfect base. After pressing it into your baking dish, make sure to bake it until it turns golden and firm, which will help support the filling.
For the filling, ensure that your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before mixing.
This allows them to blend together smoothly and evenly. It’s important to drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
Once combined, the whipped topping adds a fluffy texture, so be gentle when folding it into the mixture.
Once assembled, refrigeration is crucial. Giving the dessert time to chill ensures that the filling sets properly, giving you a perfect texture when you slice into it.
Tips
To make sure your crust holds together properly, press the graham cracker crumbs firmly into the baking dish before baking.
This will create a stable base that won’t crumble when you cut into the dessert.
If you don’t have fresh whipped cream, store-bought whipped topping works perfectly and saves time.
Just make sure to fold it gently into the cream cheese mixture to maintain the airy texture.
For extra flavor, you can toast the graham cracker crumbs before pressing them into the dish.
This adds a subtle depth of flavor that complements the sweetness of the filling.
If you’re looking for a richer taste, consider adding a small amount of vanilla extract to the filling. It pairs beautifully with the pineapple and cream cheese.
If you want to make this dessert in advance, it can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just make sure to cover it tightly to keep it fresh.
To make individual servings, consider making this dessert in muffin tins or small glass jars for a fun presentation. Just ensure each portion has enough crust and filling.
For a decorative touch, you can top the dessert with additional pineapple chunks or shredded coconut before serving.
Conclusion
This Pineapple Cream Cheese Dessert is a perfect blend of creamy and crunchy, with a tropical twist that everyone will love.
It’s an easy-to-make, no-bake treat that’s sure to impress your friends and family.
Whether you serve it at a summer barbecue or a holiday dinner, this dessert is guaranteed to be a hit.
So the next time you’re looking for a dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent, give this recipe a try. It’s a crowd-pleaser and one that will surely become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.