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
Recipe
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
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup melted butter
- 20 individual graham crackers, crushed see Notes
Topping
- ¼ cup shredded coconut
- ¼ 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 information is estimated. Please do your own calculation to fit special diets.
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
D. Ann Jones says
QUESTION:
What size can of pineapple is used in the no bake pineapple dessert?
Thank you!!
Dee says
You only need a cup of crushed pineapple for the filling and about a quarter cup of diced pineapple for the topping.
Darlene says
My family loves this but I have to make 2 pans, I need to make a 9 x 13, what would be measurements? Thanks
Dee says
You can double the ingredients using the calculator on the recipe card.
Cynthia Strunk says
Dream whip was a powder and was a great addition to a boxed cake mix. For this recipe, I would use Cool Whip even if I could find Dream Whip.
Brad says
Very easy to make and sets up nicely. I added a tsp of vanilla to the filling.
Everyone loved this dessert so this will be my new bbq dessert
Dee says
Thanks, Brad. I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Matt says
Another super easy kid friendly recipe! Another new family favorite!
Swathi says
This was a really easy dessert to make and my kids loved it. I am curious to try to make with other fruits, but the pineapple was delicious. Great recipe!
Becca says
This is such a unique dessert! Everyone at our Father's Day potluck loved it! Will definitely make this for the 4th!
Kourtney says
I made this for last night, and it was such a nice dessert! I absolutely loved the creamy and whipped texture, and I know I’ll be making it again!
Dee says
Awesome news, Kourtney! Thank you so much!
Gaysha says
My family loves this! I am testing new desserts for upcoming holidays. I am taking it on the road for the next family gathering.
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 ?
Shawna Rizzuto says
Can you use fresh whipping cream and fresh pineapple?
Dee says
I don't know how well the fresh cream would hold up, but fresh pineapple would be great!
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!