Description
Creamy pineapple dream dessert whisks you into tropical paradise with its luscious layers of graham cracker crust, velvety filling, and tangy pineapple essence. Cool and refreshing flavors dance together, inviting sweet memories of sunshine-filled moments.
Ingredients
Scale
main ingredients:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 16 oz cream cheese
- 1 can crushed pineapple
- 1 cup powdered sugar
filling ingredients:
- 2 cups whipped cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
topping ingredients:
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- 2 tbsp maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Melt butter and combine with graham cracker crumbs, pressing the mixture firmly into a 9×13 inch baking dish to create a sturdy, golden-brown base. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to set.
- In a large mixing bowl, whip cream cheese until smooth and creamy, then gradually incorporate powdered sugar, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Drain crushed pineapple thoroughly, gently folding it into the cream cheese mixture with milk and vanilla extract to create a luscious, tropical-inspired filling.
- Whip heavy cream until soft peaks form, then gently fold into the pineapple cream cheese mixture, maintaining a light and airy texture.
- Spread the creamy filling evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust, using a spatula to create a smooth surface.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans and shredded coconut across the top, adding a delightful crunch and nutty dimension to the dessert.
- Decorate with vibrant maraschino cherries, strategically placing them for a pop of color and sweet accent.
- Chill the dessert in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight, allowing flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly.
- Before serving, let the dessert sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to soften slightly, making it easier to slice and serve.
Notes
- Drain pineapple completely to prevent excess moisture from making the crust soggy and compromising the dessert’s texture.
- Toast pecans lightly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide an extra layer of depth to the dessert.
- Substitute graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for those with dietary restrictions.
- Consider using low-fat cream cheese and whipped topping to create a lighter version of this indulgent dessert without sacrificing taste.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 335
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 209 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 56 mg