Grandma’s Pineapple Dream is a sweet and creamy treat that makes you feel right at home. With fluffy whipped cream and juicy pineapple, it’s like a hug in dessert form!
Every bite reminds me of summer picnics with family. I love serving it chilled—perfect for those warm days when you want something refreshing and light! 🍍💖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: This is the base for our crust. If you can’t find graham crackers, try using digestive biscuits or even crushed vanilla wafers for a different taste.
Butter: I always use unsalted butter to control the salt level. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute works just as well.
Cream Cheese: Look for a full-fat cream cheese for the best flavor and texture. You could substitute with Neufchâtel cheese if you want a lower-fat option, but it will be slightly less creamy.
Heavy Whipping Cream: For a lighter version, you can use whipped coconut cream. It adds a nice flavor too. If you need a non-dairy option, almond or soy cream can also work.
Whipped Topping: I love Cool Whip for its convenience, but freshly whipped cream can be a great homemade alternative if you prefer. Just sweeten it a bit to taste.
How Do I Make a Creamy Filling Without Overmixing?
Mixing cream cheese and whipped cream can be tricky, but here’s how to get it just right! The goal is to keep the air in the whipped cream while blending into the cream cheese.
- Start with softened cream cheese; it should be easy to mix.
- Beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth, then switch to a rubber spatula.
- Gently fold in the whipped cream a little at a time. Avoid vigorous stirring, which could deflate the whipped cream.
It’s all about being gentle, so take your time—your dessert will be all the better for it!
How to Make Grandma’s Pineapple Dream Dessert
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- Additional crushed graham crackers for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert will take about 15 minutes of active preparation time and then needs to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. So, plan for a total of about 4 hours and 15 minutes before you can enjoy this refreshing treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Crust:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until everything is well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to form a crust. Bake it in the oven for about 10 minutes, then take it out and let it cool completely.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
While the crust is cooling, grab a large bowl and beat the softened cream cheese together with the powdered sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form—this means when you lift the whisk, the cream holds its shape well. Gently fold this whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, being careful not to deflate it.
3. Add Pineapple and Combine:
Next, add the drained crushed pineapple and vanilla extract to the mixture, stirring gently until everything is evenly mixed. This will create a delightful creamy filling packed with pineapple flavor!
4. Assemble and Chill:
Spread the pineapple and cream cheese mixture over the cooled graham cracker crust in the baking dish. Then, top it off with the whipped topping and sprinkle some additional crushed graham crackers on top for a nice finishing touch. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Allow it to chill for at least 4 hours or until fully set.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Once it’s set and ready, serve your Grandma’s Pineapple Dream Dessert chilled. Slice it up, and enjoy the creamy, crunchy layers that make this dessert a family favorite!
## FAQs for Grandma’s Pineapple Dream Dessert
Can I Use Fresh Pineapple Instead of Canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple if you prefer! Just make sure to finely chop it and drain any excess juice to avoid making the dessert too watery.
Can I Make This Dessert Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Simply replace the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or a gluten-free cookie crumble. Most grocery stores offer gluten-free options that work beautifully in this recipe.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to seal it tightly to prevent the dessert from absorbing odors from the fridge!
Can I Add Other Fruits or Toppings?
Definitely! You can mix in other fruits like chopped strawberries, peaches, or even a layer of fruit preserves for extra flavor. Just remember to keep the quantities balanced so the texture remains perfect.
