Description
A refreshing, no-bake dessert featuring layers of creamy pineapple filling, whipped topping, and a crunchy graham cracker crust, topped with toasted coconut and pecans. Perfect for a light, tropical treat that requires minimal prep and refrigeration time.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (divided)
- 1/2 cup pecans (finely processed in a food processor)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 1/2 cup butter (softened to room temperature)
- 2 1/3 cups powdered sugar
- 20 ounce can crushed pineapple (drained very well, divided)
- 1 lime (zested and juiced)
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
Topping
- 8 ounce container frozen whipped topping (thawed)
- 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- Remaining graham cracker crumb mixture (from crust)
Instructions
- Make the crust: In a large bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, finely processed pecans, and melted unsalted butter. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
- Press into pan: Transfer 2 cups of the crumb mixture to a 9 x 9 inch square baking dish and firmly press it into the bottom to create the crust layer.
- Chill: Refrigerate the pressed crust for 15 minutes to set. Set aside the remaining crumb mixture for the topping.
- Make the filling: In the bowl of a stand mixer or using an electric hand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together until creamy and smooth.
- Add sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat on low to medium speed until the mixture is smooth and well combined, stopping occasionally to scrape down the bowl sides and bottom.
- Add pineapple and lime: Stir in a heaping tablespoon of the well-drained crushed pineapple, lime juice, lime zest, and coconut extract until evenly mixed.
- Spread the mixture: Evenly spread the cream cheese filling over the chilled graham cracker crust layer in the baking dish.
- Mix the whipped topping: In a separate bowl, combine the thawed whipped topping with the remaining crushed pineapple and shredded unsweetened coconut. Stir well until fully incorporated.
- Spread the topping: Gently spread the whipped topping mixture over the cream cheese layer using the back of a spoon for an even layer.
- Add topping crumb: Sprinkle the remaining graham cracker crumb mixture evenly over the top of the whipped topping layer.
- Chill: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours or overnight to let flavors meld and set properly.
- Serve: Slice into 9 servings and serve chilled for a cool and creamy pineapple dream dessert experience.
Notes
- Ensure the crushed pineapple is thoroughly drained to prevent excess moisture in the dessert.
- Use softened cream cheese and butter for a smooth, creamy filling without lumps.
- Allow the dessert to chill long enough to set properly, ideally overnight for best flavor and texture.
- This dessert is best served cold and stored in the refrigerator.
- For added flavor, lightly toast the shredded coconut before adding it to the whipped topping mixture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American