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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
- 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
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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
Can this be frozen
I haven’t tried freezing it, but the texture would be different when thawed.
My mom had something so similar and trying to match it. Not all have the Dream Whip for this dessert. Thank you. It is so close to my childhood. – Cheryl
Thanks, Cheryl. I’m glad you liked it!
Made this here recipe for a potluck yesterday and everyone enjoyed it. Takes a mighty fine recipe to impress the folks at work, and this one did just that.
Thanks, George. I’m glad everyone liked the dessert!
QUESTION:
What size can of pineapple is used in the no bake pineapple dessert?
Thank you!!
You only need a cup of crushed pineapple for the filling and about a quarter cup of diced pineapple for the topping.
My family loves this but I have to make 2 pans, I need to make a 9 x 13, what would be measurements? Thanks
You can double the ingredients using the calculator on the recipe card.
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.
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
Thanks, Brad. I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Another super easy kid friendly recipe! Another new family favorite!
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!
This is such a unique dessert! Everyone at our Father’s Day potluck loved it! Will definitely make this for the 4th!