This pineapple delight features a buttery graham cracker crust, a layer of smooth cream cheese filling and a fluffy whipped cream and pineapple topping. The tropical flavors of the dreamy pineapple filling make this such a refreshing dessert. It’s perfect at a potluck or backyard barbecue — or any night of the week.
If you love this pineapple delight cake, try our heaven on Earth cake, Oreo delight, and strawberry delight for other easy recipes.
MORE PINEAPPLE RECIPES:
Pineapple Upside Down Cake | Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake
Pineapple Delight Ingredients
You will need:
- 1¾ cups of graham crackers, crushed (plus 1 tablespoon for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ cup + 1 tablespoon of butter, melted
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract
- 1¾ cups powdered sugar
- 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple in heavy syrup, drained
- 8-ounce container of Cool Whip
PRO TIP: If you can’t find crushed graham crackers, you can crush them yourself by placing them into a Ziploc and a rolling pin.
SUBSTITUTIONS AND ADDITIONS
WHIPPED TOPPING: If you cannot find a container of Cool Whip or prefer to make your own, try our homemade whipped cream recipe.
GRAHAM CRACKERS: If you want a different flavor for the base, try crushed vanilla wafers in place of the graham crumbs.
How To Make This Pineapple Delight Recipe
PRO TIP: It’s highly recommended to make this dessert a day ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. This will allow it to thicken and make it easier to cut into slices.
STEP ONE: In a small bowl, combine the 1¾ cups graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup plus 1 tablespoon of melted butter, and 1 tablespoon of sugar.
STEP TWO: Lightly spray an 8×8-inch baking pan, metal or glass is fine. Press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of the baking dish.
STEP THREE: Preheat the oven to 325°F and bake for ten minutes. Allow the crust to cool completely.
PRO TIP: Make sure that your crust is completely cool before going on to your second layer. The crust must be cooled so that the following layers set properly on top of it.
STEP FOUR: Using either a stand mixer or a handheld electric mixer, cream together the ½ cup of softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla.
PRO TIP: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature so that they blend completely and don’t leave lumps in this layer.
STEP FIVE: Carefully add the powdered sugar half a cup at a time. Mix until the cream cheese mixture is smooth.
STEP SIX: Evenly spread the cream cheese filling over the completely cooled crust.
STEP SEVEN: Using the same bowl as the one used for the filling, gently fold the pineapple into the whipped topping.
STEP EIGHT: Gently spread over the top of the cream cheese layer.
STEP NINE: Add the additional one tablespoon of crushed graham crackers to the top as garnish.
STEP TEN: Place the baking dish in the refrigerator for four hours to ensure the dessert is properly set.
How To Serve
Make this pineapple dream delight for a potluck or a picnic. It is so easy to whip up, you really don’t need any particular reason at all to serve this.
If you want to go all out and add even more decadence, add a scoop of no-churn vanilla ice cream to your plate.
Storage
IN THE FRIDGE: Keep this delightful dessert refrigerated until serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
IN THE FREEZER: This pineapple delight recipe freezes well. You should place your dessert uncovered in the freezer until solid. Then, you can cover it and return it to the freezer for up to a month before defrosting it in the refrigerator.
A creamy, dreamy whipped cream and sweet pineapple topping, a velvety cream cheese center, and a crunchy graham cracker crust, what more could you ask for? This Hawaiian pineapple delight dessert is an excellent choice to whip up anytime.
FAQ
You can freeze this fluffy dessert for up to a month. Cover in plastic wrap before freezing. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
This recipe is ALMOST a no-bake dessert. You just have to bake the crust before adding the other layers.
Yes! This great recipe goes by many names, including pineapple lush, pineapple dream and pineapple lasagna.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Pineapple Cookies
- Pineapple Casserole
- Chocolate Pie with Pudding
- Hawaiian Wedding Cake
- Apricot Delight
Pineapple Delight
Ingredients
- 1¾ cups graham crackers crushed (plus 1 tablespoon for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ cup + 1 tablespoon of butter melted
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ cup butter softened
- 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract
- 1¾ cups powdered sugar
- 20 ounces crushed pineapple in heavy syrup drained
- 8 ounces Cool Whip
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- Lightly spray an 8×8-inch baking dish (metal or glass is fine).
- In a small bowl combine the 1¾ cups of crushed graham crackers, ½ cup plus 1 tablespoon of melted butter, and 1 tablespoon of sugar.
- Press the graham cracker mixture in the bottom of the baking dish.
- Bake for 10 minutes. Allow the crust to completely cool.
- Using either a stand mixer or a handheld mixer, cream together the ½ cup softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla. Carefully add the powdered sugar a ½ cup at a time. Mix until the cream cheese mixture is smooth.
- Evenly spread the cream cheese filling over the completely cooled crust.
- Using the same bowl as the one used for the filling, gently fold the pineapple into the whipped topping.
- Gently spread the whipped topping over the cream cheese layer.
- Add the additional 1 tablespoon of crushed graham crackers to the top as garnish.
- Place the baking dish in the refrigerator for 4 hours to ensure the dessert is properly set.
- Keep refrigerated until serving.
Notes
- If you can’t find crushed graham crackers, you can crush them yourself by placing them into a Ziploc and a rolling pin.
- It’s highly recommended to make this dessert a day ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. This will allow it to thicken and make it easier to cut into slices.
- Make sure that your crust is completely cool before going on to your second layer. It’s important that the crust is cooled so that the following layers set properly on top of it.
- Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature so that they blend completely and don’t leave lumps in this layer.
Comments
Toni Thomason says
Such a flavorful and delicious treat! So light and creamy. We cannot get enough.
Debbie says
Do you drain the crushed pineapple
Layne Henderson says
Yes, thank you for catching that – I will update the recipe to reflect 🙂 I hope you enjoy!
Ken says
How much whipping cream is needed? It’s not mentioned in the ingredients list…
Layne Henderson says
1/2 pint, sorry about that! I just added 🙂 I hope you enjoy!!
Layne Henderson says
You can use pasteurized eggs if you’re nervous about eating raw eggs.
Layne Henderson says
Pasteurized eggs are eggs that have been pasteurized in order to reduce the risk of food-borne illness in dishes that are not cooked or are only lightly cooked. They may be sold as liquid egg products or pasteurized in the shell.
Layne Henderson says
The recipe is a very old family recipe before people were worried about eating raw eggs. That’s why there is a note that you can use pasteurized eggs if you would like to.
Layne Henderson says
This is a very old family recipe from before people were worried about eating raw eggs 🙂 That’s why there is a note to use pasteurized eggs if you’d like to!
Layne Kangas says
You can definitely use pasteurized eggs if you would prefer. 🙂
Phyllis says
Is the auger suppose to be confections sugar or did you do something to regular sugar? The sugar was very gritty in the dish even after beating it for at least three minutes. Also, it was miss what to do with the other half of the pecans.
Layne Kangas says
I have always used regular sugar! One half of the pecans goes on top of the crushed vanilla wafers and then the second half goes on top of the cream layer.
jay platte says
the name is right, this recipe really is a delight!
Layne Kangas says
If you use pasteurized eggs they are – or you can omit the eggs if you’re not comfortable.
Layne Kangas says
You can omit them or use pasteurized! 🙂
Rosanna says
You state crushed pineapple, but the pictures look like pineapple tidbits?
Layne Kangas says
You can use either, enjoy! 🙂
Gloria says
Super delicious and fluffy!!!!!
Kim says
Can a pre-made gragham cracker crust be substituted?
Layne Kangas says
Yes, enjoy!
Anuschka says
I love anything with pineapple, it’s so refreshing! Yummie!
Paula says
Can you substitute fresh pineapple for the canned pineapple?
Layne Kangas says
I haven’t tried using fresh so I don’t know for certain if it will turn out the same or if you would need to change anything up. Please let me know if you try it. Enjoy!
Chelci says
Hi,
Can you use regular pure vanilla extract as opposed to clear vanilla?
Layne Kangas says
Yes, you can – it will change the color slightly. Enjoy!
Michelle says
Can you put sweeten coconut flakes?
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Michelle – I bet that would be yummy!
Donna Lance says
Pineapple delight is so awesome
Betty Edwards says
My Mother found this recipe back in 1971! She made it and everyone loved it, even my daughter who will not eat pineapple! Go figure. Mom made it for every holiday or Special Occasion. I made it occasionally because if I make it I will eat it! Just can’t stop!
Lisa A Stebbins says
Love anything pineapple!!
Karen wilhelm says
I love pineapple desserts and can’t wait to try this! Looks delish! Thanks for sharing
Della Veilleux says
I so love pineapple any way you van eat or drink it. Then I would use gram cracker or vanilla wafers. Just think of both mixed together. I also would try chocolate drizzle over the top, yummy!
Frank Zabotsky says
I would like the grahmcracker crust
Stephanie Linde says
This seems very similar to “millionaire pie” so, I think I would top this treat with toasted pecan pieces.
Pam says
I would use graham crackers. But wonder how it would be using half graham crackers and half wafers.
Glo-bug72 says
I would add nothing new.
It’s perfect as written.
KACY HAYES--------------- says
would make this with the pre-made graham cracker pie crusts …kinda semi home made. Going to try this with some mixed fruit cocktail that has been drained, might be adding some coconut and chopped walnuts. Great recipe to mess with…lol
Stephanie Schiltz says
I love pineapple desserts. This one looks light, fluffy and yummy.
Laura Yarzebinski says
This sounds delightful,! Easy and refreshing on a hot summer day!
Laura Berenguer says
I love this with a mix of graham cracker crumbs and vanilla wafer crumbs for the crust
Kristen Hawley says
I absolutely LOVE pineapple desserts! I’d even go as far as to add some toasted coconut to the top! 🍍🥥🍍🥥
Grace says
I loved it. I love all your recipes.
Linda Murray says
I do love pineapple desserts!
Joy says
I love anything pineapple! I definitely would make this with the graham cracker crumbs.
Kelly Kardos says
Definitely would make this with graham crackers!
Lorna Hayes says
On the eve of a major holiday weekend, Memorial Day, this is the perfect dessert to have on hand. We have been experiencing temperatures in the high 90’s to low 100’s recently. This pineapple dessert will be refreshing and cooling for guests. It also has that reminiscent taste of “pineapple whip” which everyone enjoys and has special memories of where they first tasted it. This is definitely a WINNER. Thank you for sharing.
Dot Buck says
This is absolutely our new dih, .None left to worry about left overs!!!!!!!
Lori Pennington says
I don’t care for pineapples except on a ham when I am baking it my mom loved pineapple upside down cake
Lisa says
Love the ease of this recipe. I would certainly try this recipe with vanilla wafers.
Thanks for posting Amazing recipes.
Lisa
Haelie says
This look so delicious! I love pineapple desserts!
Vionel Bell says
I love anything to do with pineapple for dessert
Holly L Cropleymccall says
Definitely graham cracker crust, plus coconut flakes on top.
Marta Watters says
I love pineapple!! I love it in recipes and I love it fresh. I have to stop myself from eating all the pineapple in just one sitting. This looks delicious!
Miki says
My entire family loves pineapple desserts. They are good any time of the year. They can be refreshing as a light dessert after a big meal or eaten as a snack any time. I’ve even been know to finish off this particular dessert for breakfast!
Joyce waldner says
I love pineapple desserts, sprinkled with coconut…my favorite lasagna dessert is cherry pie filling. Everybody in my family loves cherry desserts.
Mili says
My entire family loves pineapple desserts. They are good any time of the year. They can be refreshing as a light dessert after a big meal or eaten as a snack any time. I’ve even been know to finish off this particular dessert for breakfast!
Sherri S says
This is so light and refreshing. Pineapple reminds me of warm vacation destinations. I would make this crust vanilla cookies, I don’t think the chocolate sauce is necessary it’s perfect just as it is.
Arlene Gawlik says
I love anything with pineapple in it. This recipe looks and sounds so amazing and I will be making this very soon. I may try it with the cookie crust as well to see which way I like better. Thank you so much for your wonderful recipes.
Sally says
This a great dessert for 4th of July, I would do the crust with vanilla waffles
Beth says
This recipe sounds delicious and seems to be very simple to make! I think I would toast some coconut to sprinkle on top instead of the graham cracker crumbs, but I would also add a little to the crust before I fill the pie. YUMMMMMM!!!!
juanita scroggin says
looks great will try an if chocolate lovers are around i will drizzle some on top. thanks for the different ideas!
Norma says
I will be making this. Maybe today
Aly says
This is so wonderful.
I prefer graham cracker crust it my favorite over waffers
Heidi says
Love this dessert. Cannot go wrong with pineapple ans gram cracker crust. Oh ya cool whip ♥️
Genna Hering says
I love pineapple desserts or anything with pineapple period!!!!😃😃
Doris McCann says
Have not made this recipe, but have made one quite like it. It is very easy to put together and is very, very good. The one I made was made with the graham crackers and that’s what I would use in this one. Great recipe.
Teresa says
I love pineapple I can’t wait to make this dessert!!!
Teresa says
I love pineapple and can’t wait to try this recipe!!
Judy Graham says
I live pineapple and this recipe is the best.
Liz Walsh says
Friday, May 27, 2022
I love pineapple desserts.
I would make this with a graham cracker crust.
Definitely top with chocolate sauce.
My favorite flavor of dessert lasagna is S’mores.
I would put the coconut 🥥 on the side. This way people can choose if they want coconut 🥥 on the Pineapple 🍍 Dessert.
wende says
I love everything pineapple…desserts, salad, pizza, etc!!! This dessert is delicious and refreshing. I use graham cracker crumbs and would never top it with chocolate or coconut. I want the pineapple flavor to stand out. Thanks for posting!
Laura says
We used to make this all the time in the late 70s, early 80s. It’s really easy and so good.
Melinda Pettijohn says
I would make this dessert with the vanilla wafer crust. I’d probably skip the chocolate but I’d definitely add coconut!!
madeleinemulanix says
I like graham crackers but am not a fan of graham cracker crust, so I would make it with vanilla wafers.
Joyce Steadman says
I absolutely love anything pineapple and can’t wait to dive into this recipe!
Nancy Martin says
Yes, I love pineapple deserts.
Debbie mckenzie says
love anything pineapple…and i used grahm cracker crust.
lynda says
For the crust i substituted with 1/2 & 1/2 crushed graham crackers and pecans. I also added 1/2 tsp pineapple extract as i really like pineapple.
Sandy says
So yummy! I sprinkled toasted coconut flakes on the top.
Susan says
I do love pineapple desserts, and pineapple in general. I do think this would be better with the Graham cracker crust.
marilynn Morris says
I would make it with graham crackers for sure…yummmm
Lois Imel says
This Pineapple Delight recipe sounds Awesome!!! Will make real soon.
Yes, I love pineapple. I will make this recipe with graham cracker crust. No, I will not top it with chocolate, maybe nuts. Really don’t have a favorite lasagna dessert, this one might be it. No, I will not top it the coconut flakes. Hubby nor I like coconut.
Keep sending your Awesome recipes. Can’t wait to try a lot of them real soon.
Sam says
Hello 🙂 I have a question regarding the nutritional information: I’m assuming it’s broken down for 8 peices from and 8×8 pan but I wanted to double check.
Thank you and I’m definitely looking forward to making this! It looks really tasty!
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Sam – that’s correct. Enjoy!
Brenda says
Can you use a ready made graham cracker crust? Or does it have to be in 8×8 pan?
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Brenda – we haven’t tried it with a premade crust. I think a premade crust would be thinner than what we have here and the dessert might not hold up as good without the thicker crust.
claudia orr says
When only for family I use a graham cracker pie crust works fine.
I sprinkle the top with graham cracker crumbs.
Nancy says
Can you use strawberry for this recipe?
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Nancy – we haven’t tried it with strawberry so I’m not sure how it would turn out. You can make our strawberry delight, that’s very yummy. Enjoy!
Ali says
Great dessert! I was hesitant about the cream cheese layer because it seemed like it would be too much, but it turned out fantastically! I just finished my first batch and I’m already thinking about making another. Thanks for the great recipe!
JETTE MORTENSEN says
Thank you so much for the excellent recipes. Easy, delicious. Yummy
Vielean says
This dessert I made this past weekend. It was absolutely amazing, this is from someone who loves everything about pineapples, cream cheese and cool whip. I also love shredded coconut and I added the coconut as my garnish instead of the graham cracker crumbs. Try it you will enjoy.
Jacqueline Oster says
My mom used to make this when i was a kid, so so good I would eat so much but i had a question before I start today, for the butter, is it salted or unsalted?
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Jacqueline! I use salted butter in mine, but some people prefer unsalted. Enjoy!
Martha Durrett says
Can you use fresh pineapple for less sweet dessert?
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Martha – we haven’t tested this with fresh so I’m not sure how it would turn out.. please let me know if you try it!
Rhonda says
Made this for Thanksgiving…was great! Making it again today just because I keep thinking about it!
I did change things up a bit though the first time…I stired the pineapple into the cream cheese mixture and then folded in the whipped topping placed into a 9″x13 “pan( graham wafer crust as per recipe) it’s a little lighter this way and not so rich. For us it is perfect!
Ames says
Made a gluten free version for my celiac! Currently on an overnight chill!
Cannot wait to indulge in this goodness! 🤤
Jody Hughes says
I like this recipe it so easy
Joyce Pretzer says
Looks yummy. Haven’t made it yet but know it will be a winner. I bake for a Bingo group twice a week….they will love this pineapple dessert. Thanks
Joanne says
Came out picture perfect like yours!! It was really good!!