This Pineapple Dream is a fruity delight that bursts with tropical flavors! Made with pineapple, whipped cream, and a crunchy crust, it’s super refreshing.
Honestly, who wouldn’t love a dessert that tastes like a vacation? I like to serve it chilled on warm days—it’s like sunshine on a plate! ☀️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham cracker crumbs: This is the base for the crust, giving it a sweet and crunchy texture. If you don’t have graham crackers, you can use digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers as a substitute.
Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese is key for a smooth filling. You can swap it with mascarpone for a richer taste, or for a lighter option, try Greek yogurt. Just be aware that Greek yogurt will change the flavor slightly.
Crushed pineapple: Make sure to drain the pineapple well to keep the filling from getting soggy. If you prefer, fresh pineapple can work too. Just chop it finely and remember to drain excess juice!
Whipped topping: This adds lightness to the filling. You can use homemade whipped cream as a substitution! If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, consider coconut whipped cream.
Nuts: Crushed pecans or walnuts on top are optional, but they add a nice crunch. If you have nut allergies, feel free to skip them or consider using crushed graham cracker topping for that added texture.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crust for My Pineapple Dream?
Getting the crust just right is crucial for your dessert. Here’s how you can do it:
- Mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until it’s moistened and crumbly.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your baking dish. Using the bottom of a measuring cup can really help pack it down.
- Bake until golden brown, around 8-10 minutes, to enhance the flavor. Let it cool completely before adding the filling; this keeps the layers distinct.
How to Make Grandma’s Pineapple Dream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Filling:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup crushed pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Additional whipped topping for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dessert takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 4 hours (or overnight) to chill and set in the refrigerator. You’ll be enjoying this sweet treat in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Crust:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir everything together until it’s nicely mixed. Now, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to form your crust. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes, until it’s lightly browned. After that, take it out and let it cool completely.
2. Making the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese together with the powdered sugar using an electric mixer until it’s nice and smooth. Next, add the drained crushed pineapple, mixing until it’s well blended. Now, gently fold in the whipped topping until everything is fully combined. This filling is going to be creamy and delightful!
3. Assembling the Dessert:
Spread the cream cheese and pineapple mixture evenly over the cooled crust in your baking dish. Take your time to smooth it out with a spatula so it’s nice and even.
4. Adding the Topping:
If you want, sprinkle the crushed pecans or walnuts on top of the filling for a delightful crunch. Then, cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours (or even overnight) to let it set properly.
5. Serving Time!
Once your dessert is set and chilled, slice it into squares and serve it cold. You can add a little extra whipped topping on each square if you like. Enjoy this sweet taste of Grandma’s cooking!
Can I Use Fresh Pineapple Instead of Canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple! Just make sure to finely chop or crush it to match the texture of canned pineapple. You may also need to drain any excess juice to prevent the filling from becoming too watery.
How Can I Make This Dessert Gluten-Free?
To make Grandma’s Pineapple Dream gluten-free, simply substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or crushed gluten-free cookies. Ensure that the other ingredients, like the whipped topping, are also gluten-free.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just be sure to keep the dessert covered to maintain its freshness. If you prefer not to press the crust, you can also store the filling and crust separately for longer shelf life.
Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese?
Absolutely! Low-fat cream cheese works just fine in this recipe. The texture may be slightly different, but it will still taste great. Just be sure to soften it properly to ensure a smooth filling.
