Pineapple Lush
This Pineapple Lush is a delectably indulgent dessert that is sure to impress guests at any gathering. A creamy layer of cream cheese sits atop a graham cracker crust and then topped with a pineapple cream layer creating an irresistible combination of sweet and tart flavors. You won’t regret making this Pineapple Dream Dessert.
Not only is this creamy dessert so easy to make but it’s also extremely versatile! Plus, you don’t have to worry about keeping the oven on for too long, so it won’t heat up your house.
Table of contents
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This delectable treat is a popular summer dessert!
- The combination of creamy, tart pineapple with cool cream cheese creates a sweet sensation that will make your taste buds smile.
- Pineapple Dream Dessert is simple to prepare and can even be made ahead of time.
- This luscious dessert is perfect for any gathering, whether it’s a summer picnic or a holiday party.
🛒Ingredients
For this creamy pineapple lush dessert recipe, you will only need a few simple ingredients. Gather these ingredients and get ready to enjoy this refreshing dessert with your friends and family in no time at all.
Crust
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Unsalted butter
Cream Cheese Mixture
- Cream cheese
- Unsalted butter
- Powdered sugar
- Crushed pineapple drained
Cool Whip Mixture
- Cool Whip
- Crushed pineapple
See the recipe card below for quantities.
🔪 How to Make Pineapple Lush
Making this Pineapple Lush is so simple. Just gather all your ingredients and follow these easy step-by-step directions below and you will have a delicious dessert in no time.
Step 1: Preheat the oven and grease your baking dish
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. And, grease a 9×9 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Make the crust
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the 2 1/2 cups crushed graham cracker crumbs and melted butter and mix until combined. And, then using only 2 cups of the mixture, press it into a 9×9 baking dish.
Step 3: Bake and cool the crust
Place into the oven and bake for 9 minutes then, remove and allow to cool completely.
Step 4: Drain the juice from the pineapple
Then, place a can of crushed pineapple into a strainer and drain the juice completely.
Step 5: Make the cheesecake layer
Using a standing mixer or hand mixer, cream together the butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Next, mix in the powdered sugar until completely incorporated. And, fold in 3/4 of the crushed pineapple into the cream cheese mixture. And, spread the cream cheese mixture onto the cooled crust.
Step 6: Make the pineapple topping
Using a large mixing bowl, mix together the remaining pineapple and cool whip together. And then, spread on top of the cream cheese mixture.
Step 7: Garnish and chill
Using the remaining graham cracker crust, sprinkle it onto the top of the cool whip layer. And, then cover with plastic wrap and place into the fridge overnight for best results. Enjoy!
📝Variations
Do you want to change up this recipe and make it your own? Here are some ways that you can do that!
- Crust: Substitute the graham crackers with Nilla wafers for the crust for a different flavor.
- Coconut: Add some shredded coconut into the cream cheese layer for a tropical flavor. Or you could garnish with the coconut.
- Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped nuts onto the top of the dessert for a crunchy addition.
If you love pineapple dessert recipes like this one you may also enjoy this Pineapple Upside Down Cake recipe.
🥄 Equipment
You will need a few basic kitchen tools to help you make this delicious recipe. Gather these tools and get ready to enjoy this pineapple dessert.
- 9×9 baking dish
- Mixing Bowls
- Strainer
- Spatula
- Electric mixer
🥫 Storage
This pineapple dream dessert can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure you cover it tightly with a lid or plastic wrap to keep it fresh.
💭 Tips
Here are a few tips that you can use to make the perfect pineapple lush dessert recipe.
- If you don’t have a 9×9 baking dish, you can also use a 8×8 inch pan or 11×7 inch pan instead.
- When baking the crust, make sure you check it often so that it does not burn.
- Make sure to drain off all of the juice from the pineapple before adding it to your recipe for the best results.
- Make sure that your cream cheese and butter are completely at room temperature before mixing together.
- If you want to save on dishes, you can mix the cream cheese layer and cool whip layer in the same bowl.
⁉️ FAQ
Do you have questions about this pineapple dream dessert recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions.
This dessert got its name from the light and creamy layers of the dessert. The combination of the graham cracker crust, cream cheese layer, and cool whip topping make it look lush and creamy.
Yes, you can freeze this dessert. Just make sure that it is wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. And, then you can store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Yes, you can definitely make this dessert ahead of time. Just make sure that you keep it covered. I recommend making it no more than 24 hours in advance.
🍽 More Pineapple Recipes
Do you enjoy pineapple? Then try these delicious recipes:
📌 PIN IT!!
🧾Recipe Card
Want to make this recipe? Print the recipe card below, or pin this recipe, so you can find it later.
Pineapple Lush
Equipment
- 9×9 baking dish
- mixing bowls
- strainer
- Spatula
- Electric mixer
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 ½ Cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ Cups unsalted butter melted
Cheesecake Layer
- 8 ounces Cream cheese softened
- ½ Cups unsalted butter softened
- 2 Cups powdered sugar
- 20 ounces crushed pineapple – drained 3/4 cup will go in the cheesecake. Reserve a 1/4 cup as you will be using it in the cool whip.
Cool Whip Mixture
- 8 ounces cool whip
- ¼ Cup crushed pineapple
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease your baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix together the 2 1/2 cup crushed graham cracker crumbs and melted butter and mix until combined.
- Using only 2 cups of the mixture, press into a 9×9 baking dish.
- Place into the oven and bake for 9 minutes.
- Remove and allow to cool completely.
- Then, place a can of crushed pineapple into a strainer and drain the juice completely.
- Using a standing mixer or hand mixer, cream together the butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in the powdered sugar until completely incorporated.
- Fold in 3/4 of the crushed pineapple into the cream cheese mixture.
- Spread cream cheese mixture onto the cooled crust.
- Using a large mixing bowl, mix together the remaining pineapple and cool whip together.
- Spread on top of the cream cheese mixture.
- Using the remaining graham cracker crust, sprinkle onto the top of the cool whip layer.
- Cover with plastic wrap and place into the fridge overnight for best results.
- Enjoy!
