No Bake Pineapple Dream Dessert topped with coconut is cool, creamy and perfect for summer. You’ll want to make this easy vintage dessert again and again!
I found this little gem of a dessert when I was going through my grandma’s collection vintage recipes. You’ve probably noticed that I’ve been sharing a lot of old retro recipes lately, but I just love them. In fact, I’m having a blast with this little project of mine, and I guess if you’re going to start a hobby, it might as well be something you like to do, right?
And, as far as hobbies go, this one is pretty darn delicious –My family can vouch for that!
Anyway, let’s get back to how delicious this dessert just happens to be, because it really is very good and very easy to make. Plus, it’s a no-bake dessert, which is exactly what you want in the summer.
It was originally called Pineapple Dream Torte, and it was just a little slip of paper pasted onto a larger sheet, along with several others. I guess it was easier to keep track of them this way, instead of just throwing a lot of clippings into a bag. It just doesn’t tell you where the recipe came from.
When I think of a torte, I think of a fancy, schmancy cake. Since this isn’t a cake, and there’s nothing difficult or fancy about it, I just left that part off. The “dream” part of it probably refers to Dream Whip, which the original recipe called for. Since I’ve never even seen that around here, I used Cool Whip, instead, but any whipped topping would work.
Making the pineapple dream dessert is super easy, and it really is a no-bake dessert every step of the way. It’s a lot like the strawberry pretzel salad, but even that one has a crust that needs to be baked. I have to admit that I was a little worried that the graham cracker crust wouldn’t set without some oven time, but it held together amazingly well.
After you make the crust, just mix the other ingredients together, pour the mix over the crust, and pop the whole thing in the fridge until you’re ready for dessert!
The kids helped make this creamy, dreamy dessert, so it came together in no time. But even if you don’t have any helpers, it’s still a very quick and easy dessert recipe. We did think it looked a little boring, so we added some shredded coconut and diced pineapple over the top. I had the coconut left over from making tropical fruit dip, but if you don’t have any on hand, don’t worry about it.
How to Make No Bake Pineapple Dream Dessert
No Bake Pineapple Dream Dessert
Ingredients
- 1 8-oz package cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
- 1 8-oz tub whipped topping, like Cool Whip
Crust
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 20 individual graham crackers, crushed see Notes
Topping
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup diced pineapple (drained)
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, mix the cream cheese with an electric mixer until slightly fluffy
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, and mix until well combined
- Mix in the whipped topping, and beat until fluffy
- With a spatula, fold in the crushed pineapple, then set aside
- In a small mixing bowl, mix the crushed graham crackers, granulated sugar and melted butter until well combined, then, pat mixture into a 9 X 9 baking dish
- Spoon the filling over the crust, and smooth with spatula until even
- Top with shredded coconut and diced pineapple, and refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm
Video
Notes
Nutrition
My family loved this no bake pineapple dream dessert. If you’re looking for an easy no bake dessert for summer potlucks, gatherings or just for your family, give this one a try!
Sharing at Weekend Potluck
Heagrb says
For those discussing sugar: I think this recipe is divine as it stands, but in making it for family I was out of cool whip and had to make my own whipped cream. It cut some of the sweetness but it still set up beautifully. I also double the batch for a 9 x 13 pan. It’s a summertime fav! Thank you!!
Lorie says
I used a can of pineapple but it seems not too pineappley – maybe more needed. Very nice, light recipe though. I used whipping cream and added 1/2 c. Of sugar there, then no sugar in the graham crust ( I used the recipe on the bag) so this helped cut down on the sweetness. Turned out fantastic. It will be a potluck fave.
Deb says
I’m gonna try it tomorrow with pie filling cherrys. Sounds good has anyone tried it with other fruit ?
C says
I really like this recipe, except just like all recipes has way too Much sugar. I made with less then half a cup in this whole thing. The pineapples sweetens it. Plus the cool whip n cream cheese has enough in it. I used pure raw sugar cane fine grind, used a tablespoon in crust mix, and about another tablespoon in half in whip. Tasted just fine.
Carla says
Can i just lay down the crackers without crushing them?
Dee says
No — You really need to make the crust for it to work.
Vanessa says
Can we freeze it?
Dee says
I have never tried that, so I can’t say how it would be after defrosting.
Lauren says
Can I make this a couple days ahead? (Thursday evening for a Saturday bbq)
Dee says
That should be fine. 🙂
Debby says
You definitely can make it ahead of time I have made it 3days in advance but I have Frozen and taken it out the morning that I have to have it and it tastes like it was freshly made it wi also last a week in the freezer.
Catherine says
Made this tonight and it was a huge hit! Thank you for sharing this super easy and delish recipe!!
Dee says
That’s awesome, Catherine! Thank you so much for your sweet comment!
Terre says
Could you please tell me the amount of graham crackers (1/2 cup or cup?) if you are using graham crackers crumbs in a box? How much is 20 graham crackers please? Thanks!
Terre.
Dee says
The 20 graham crackers would be 20 individual small rectangles — breaking the squares in half. So 10 squares, like you would for s’mores, or 5 large unbroken rectangles straight from the package. I’ve updated the recipe to explain.
pat says
It takes 2 cup of the crumbs for the crust and do another
1/2 cups for the top also
Pam says
Do you use 20 half pieces of the whole Graham crackers or 20 quarter pieces of the whole Graham cracker? Surely not 20 whole Graham crackers?
Dee says
I just updated the recipe so it should easier to understand now. The 20 graham crackers would be 20 individual small rectangles — breaking the squares in half. So 10 squares, like you would for s’mores, or 5 large unbroken rectangle sheets straight from the package.
Kathy Davenport says
Looks really good. Showing my age—I remember Dream Whip, a sort of precursor to Cool Whip. It was a dry mix in a blue box. Mama often used convenience food, but I can’t remember how it was made (add water?). I recall her having to whip it with the mixer.
Donna says
You can still get dream whip at the store. Try Safeway or Albertsons.
lara says
This is really good. Its not real sweet but it taste refreshing. My crust as well stuck to the bottom and was very hard to cut. None the less very good
Dee says
Hmm. I’ve never had that problem. So glad you liked it! 🙂
Lucyann says
Can you use pre made graham cracker
Dee says
You might need 2 of them, but you can try it.
Ashlea says
Yes I bought the big one by Keebler it’s $2 instead of the
$1 One and it fit perfectly
Ladywolff says
Easy to make, this is heavenly! I highly recommended this recipe it is light and creamy and the taste is amazing! It’s like eating a piece of sunshine. 5 🌟 all the way! Thanks for sharing!
Dee says
Thank you so much! So happy you liked it!
Pamela says
My mom is wanting this very much bc the nursing home has really sweet desserts and wants something more fresh! It looks really fun and easy to make and more exciting I bet with our first bite! Thank you
Norma Ibarra says
I made this my family loved it, only had 1 problem my crust stuck to the bottom of the pan. Any tips for that not happening again? Thank you.
Dee says
I’ve never had that happen before. The butter in the crust should keep it from sticking to the pan. I’m happy to hear your family liked it, though. 🙂
Tabby says
Could this be made the night before and hold up in the fridge? Or will it lose consistency/firmness if left refrigerated for a day?
Dee says
It needs time to set in the fridge, so it would be fine overnight. 🙂
Felicia says
Do you use sweetened pineapples?
Sweetened coconut?
Dee says
You can use any type of canned pineapple and shredded coconut.
Taylor says
Hi! So I decided to make this for a cookout. I read the instructions and I thought this was going to be too big for a 9×9 but I went with it. I put the crust down and it was an inch and a half think in the pan! I moved to to my 15×10 pan and it felt like it fit much better. Is there something I’m missing that it would have fit better? My 10×9 isn’t super deep but I’m not sure it would have made a difference. Any help?
Dee says
I’m not sure what happened, since the recipe makes a thinner crust — just like in the pictures and video. It’s just enough to fit into my 9×9 pan.
Colette Middlebro' says
Can this dessert be made ahead of time and frozen for later ?
Thanks
Dee says
I haven’t tried freezing it, but you can make it ahead of time and let it firm up in the fridge for several hours.
Jackie says
Can you cut back some of the sugar in this recipe?
Dee says
You could try, but the consistency might not be the same.
Ruthie says
Can you give me an idea of how many points this would be per serving? Thanks!!! And it is absolutely delicious!!!!!
Dee says
I’m glad you liked it, Ruthie! It’s an old recipes, so I don’t have any info on points, though. Sorry! 🙂
Robbie Underwood says
This turned out great and it’s a tasty dessert that’s light, good for a summer dessert. I made a change, I made a vanilla wafer crust, that is baked, bc I don’t like Graham crusts. And I have a question. One cup of pineapple is only 8 ounces. So it’s calling for just half of a 16 ounce can. Why so little? I went ahead and added about another half cup, but after it was done I felt like it could have used the full can of pineapple. What would you say?
Dee says
I added pineapple tidbits to the top, and I personally thought this was the right amount. But, you can definitely add more to the filling for even more flavor. 🙂
Bruce Deniger says
i just loved it.
June says
I am curious to know if these cut like bars or is it fluffy? I need it to be firm. It sounds like a bowl type dessert. What is everyone’s experience?
Dee says
This is firm enough to cut into squares — just like the picture. 🙂
June says
I made it!!
Came out nice and firm. Lots of compliments!
Thank you
Dee says
That’s awesome, June! So glad everyone liked it!
brad tittle says
Roast the coconut if you have time. It destroys the no bake premise.
Terra says
Do you think I can use canned mandarin oranges? My sister in law hates pineapple
Dee says
I don’t know if the consistency would be the same, but you could definitely try it. 🙂
Ladywolff says
My hubby a I tried mandarin oranges and it wasn’t very good. Plus kept getting little bits of skin from the fruit. You may like it but we didn’t care for it.
Tara says
We use Oreo cookie crumbs instead of graham wafers, mixed with some butter to bind. Save a few crumbs to sprinkle on top. Tastes amazing!
Dee says
Sounds wonderful! I’ll have to try it this way next time. 🙂
Julie says
I am new to making desserts and I would love to try your recipe, but on the Graham crackers is it 20 crackers as they come in the box or 20 squares? This recipe sounds really yummy. Thanks
Dee says
Hi, Julie. 20 graham crackers would be 20 individual rectangles. So each square is 2 crackers, and each sheet is 4. 🙂
Pam says
I am confused. So use 10 full Graham crackers from the package? 20 squares?
Dee says
The 20 graham crackers would be 20 individual small rectangles — breaking the squares in half. So 10 squares, like you would for s’mores, or 5 large unbroken rectangles straight from the package.
Pam March says
What would be a good alternative to cocnut, unfortunately, I hate cocnut lol
Dee says
Hi, Pam. The coconut is only a topping, so no problem if you want to leave it out!
Bec says
We don’t have Cool Whip in Australia, could you offer an alternative please?
Dee says
If you do a search for stabilized whipped cream, you can find recipes for making a homemade version of Cool Whip, and this would work here. I want to try it myself sometime. 🙂
Michelle says
The Dream whip that she said the original recipe is not a prepared whipped topping, it is sold by the cake mixes in grocers across the southern U.S. The boxes contain packets of a powdered substance, so maybe I can u can find a similar product that. I have never used it, but was actually searching for a similar dessert that used dream whip my grandmother used to make when ı came across this one.
Tina says
Easy peasy. Made this on a hot summer day June 17, 2017. Very pretty, light and refreshing.
Dee says
Awesome! I’m so glad you liked it — It’s one of our favorites right now. 🙂
Debbie Davis says
Could you use a regular pie crust instead of the graham cracker one? Not crazy about those.
Dee says
Yes, a plain crust would definitely work for this. 🙂
Melody Lynch says
Do you drain the crushed pineapple??
Dee says
Yes! I’ve added that to the recipe now. 🙂
Gail Portis says
Happy Friday to all. Cannot wait to make this dessert. Looks divine. Question:: can I use the graham cracker crusts that are already prepared? IF f so for the amount of posted ingredients would one or two crusts be the needed amount. Thanks. Will make this tonight. Have a safe holiday weekend everyone
Dee says
Hi Gail. I think that two prepared crusts would work! 🙂
Gail says
Thank you Dee
Jane says
My mom was known for this dessert. She made hers with ‘Dream Whip’. Thanks for posting it as I’ve been thinking about how good it was and am without the recipe. Will make it for the holiday!
Dee says
Hi, Jane. The original recipe calls for Dream Whip, but I used whipped topping, instead. I hope you like it! 🙂
Annette Sansone Worthen says
FYI Dream Whip comes in a box and is usually found in the cake mix/pudding area. It is wonderful in cake! So moist with great height and a good crumb.
Dee says
Hi, Annette! Thanks for letting me know. I’ve never seen it here.
Annette Sansone Worthen says
I use Dream Whip! Could you please post that version as well?
Dee says
Hi, Annette. The recipe calls for adding beaten Dream Whip to the cream cheese/sugar mixture. The rest is the same. 🙂
Annette Sansone Worthen says
Thanks!
Mary says
HI Dee! Just wanted to stop by and thank you for sharing your awesome dessert with all of us at Weekend Potluck – it was the most viewed recipe from last week and is featured for this week’s party! Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend! Hope to see you at the party!
Dee says
That’s awesome news! Thanks so much! 🙂
Gina says
This looks heavenly, and I can’t wait to try it with my family!
Dee says
Thanks so much, Gina. I hope you all enjoy it! 🙂
Miz Helen says
We will love your Pineapple Dream Dessert! Thanks so much for sharing this awesome post with us at Full Plate Thursday. Hope you are having a great day and come back soon!
Miz Helen
Erin @ Texanerin Baking says
Always so fun to find and try one of grandma’s recipes! I’m happy you shared this one.
Catalina @ Peas & Peonies says
So easy and so delicious! I need to try this with all kind of fruit!:)
Sabrina says
I love pineapple desserts! I’m going to make this for the next family gathering!
Kimberly says
So light and fluffy – and I love how easy it is!
Michelle says
Old family recipes are the best! I love that you are sharing your grandma’s recipes…such a wonderful way to allow others to enjoy them too!
Krista says
I will be dreaming of this tonight!
[email protected] says
Such a fun dessert for summer! Looks amazing!
Dee says
Thanks, Jamielyn. My family loved it!
Joyce says
do you drain the crushed pineapple?
Dee says
Yes, you do. I fixed it in the instructions. 🙂