This Pineapple Dream is a sweet, creamy delight that brings sunshine to your table! With layers of pineapple, fluffy whipped cream, and crunchy crumbs, it’s a feel-good dessert!
Making this treat reminds me of sunny afternoons at Grandma’s house. It’s so easy that even a kid can whip it up. Just mix, layer, and chill—pure joy on a plate!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These create a crumbly, tasty base. If you’re out of graham crackers, digestives or vanilla wafer cookies can work well too.
Unsalted Butter: This helps to hold the crust together. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, consider using coconut oil or vegan butter.
Cream Cheese: This adds richness and tang. If you’re lactose intolerant, try a vegan cream cheese or cashew cream for a similar texture.
Crushed Pineapple: Make sure to drain it well to avoid sogginess. For a twist, you could swap in peaches or mandarin oranges.
Heavy Whipping Cream: This provides a light, fluffy texture. If you want a lighter option, coconut cream can work, though it will add a slight coconut flavor.
How Do You Whip Cream to Stiff Peaks?
Whipping cream might seem tricky, but it can be done with a bit of practice. Here’s how to get those perfect stiff peaks:
- Always start with chilled heavy cream for better results.
- Use a clean, dry mixing bowl—cold metal bowls work best.
- Beat with a hand mixer or whisk until the cream starts to thicken.
- Add a little sugar if desired after the initial thickening, then continue beating.
- Stop when peaks form and hold their shape. Don’t overbeat or it can turn to butter!
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
For the Pineapple Filling:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
For the Whipped Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup cool whip (optional for topping)
- Chopped pecans or walnuts for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes of preparation time, plus an additional 4 hours of chilling in the refrigerator. You’ll mix the crust and filling, bake, and chill, which makes this dessert both simple and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix well until the crumbs are fully coated. Once mixed, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish to form a crust. Bake it in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, then take it out and let it cool completely.
2. Make the Pineapple Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Next, stir in the drained crushed pineapple and vanilla extract, mixing everything together until well combined. Set this mixture aside for now.
3. Whip the Cream:
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This means the cream should hold its shape when you lift the beaters out of the bowl. Once whipped, gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until it’s fully incorporated, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
4. Assemble the Dessert:
Spread the pineapple mixture evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust, smoothing it out with a spatula. If you want an extra creamy layer, feel free to spread a layer of cool whip on top of the pineapple filling. For a nice finish, crumble a few leftover graham cracker crumbs on top and sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts, if desired.
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover the dessert and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to let it set properly. When you’re ready to serve, cut into squares and enjoy the delightful flavors of Grandma’s Pineapple Dream!
Can I Use Regular Sugar Instead of Powdered Sugar?
While you can use granulated sugar in a pinch, powdered sugar is ideal for this recipe as it blends more smoothly into the cream cheese mixture. If you opt for regular sugar, you might want to increase the mixing time to ensure it dissolves fully.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Whipping Cream?
If you don’t have heavy whipping cream, you can use half-and-half, but the texture will be less creamy and light. Alternatively, you can replace it with whipped topping for a similar effect, just keep in mind this will alter the richness of the dessert.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This dessert is best enjoyed cold, so simply slice and serve straight from the fridge!
Can I Use Fresh Pineapple Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! You can use fresh pineapple for a fresher taste. Just be sure to chop it finely and drain any excess juice to prevent the mixture from becoming watery. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you might want to adjust the sugar accordingly.
