This website may contain affiliate links and advertising so that we can provide recipes to you. Read my disclosure policy.
Craving a bright and sunny dessert? This pineapple delight will hit the spot! With a buttery crust, creamy filling, and sweet pineapple topping, it’s light, tropical, and totally irresistible!
Pineapple Paradise on a Plate
- Sweet Meets Tangy: The creamy cheesecake layer and whipped topping are perfectly balanced with juicy pineapple.
- Buttery Crunch Factor: That golden graham cracker crust adds the perfect crisp contrast to all the soft, dreamy layers.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Since Pineapple Delight needs time to chill, this is an ideal dessert to prepare ahead.
Pineapple Delight Ingredients
- Fresh or Canned Pineapple: Fresh pineapple works too, just chop it finely. Unless it’s super ripe and flavorful, canned tastes just as good.
- Drain the pineapple well: Press the lid into the can and shake, or use cheesecloth to squeeze out excess juice so the whipped topping stays firm.
- Whipped Topping: You can use homemade whipped cream or store bought whipped topping. Whip 3 cups of cold heavy cream with ½ cup powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Just note it won’t hold up as long, and the dessert may soften after 2 days.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: To make graham cracker crumbs, crush the sheets in a ziplock bag with a rolling pin or pulse them in a blender or food processor.
How to Make Pineapple Delight
No fancy steps, just layer, chill, and watch it disappear! You’ll want to bring it to every family gathering this summer. Even my kids can’t get enough! You should also try my strawberry delight or my coconut lush desserts.
- Make the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350ºF and lightly spray a 9 x 13 x 2.5-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray, then set aside. Combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a medium bowl until the mixture resembles damp sand.
- Bake and Cool: Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan using a flat bottomed glass or measuring cup. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until fragrant and the edges are golden brown. Remove the crust from the oven and allow it to cool completely before adding the subsequent layers.
- Combine: Add the cream cheese and butter to a large bowl. Beat on medium high speed with a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until smooth. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed to ensure no lumps remain.
- Beat: Add the powdered sugar and vanilla, then beat on low until the sugar is mostly incorporated. Then increase the speed to medium-high until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Spread Over Crust: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
- Combine Pineapple with Cool Whip: Carefully fold the drained, crushed pineapple into the whipped topping.
- Spread: Spread the whipped mixture evenly over the top of the cream cheese layer. Then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Top pineapple delight with graham cracker crumbs and pineapple tidbits before serving.
Leftover Pineapple Dream Dessert
- In the Refrigerator: Pineapple delight should be stored in the fridge, covered tightly with plastic wrap, for up to 5 days.
- In the Freezer: You can freeze pineapple delight by wrapping the pan in 2-3 layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge, or serve it frozen!
Pin this now to find it later
Pin It
Pineapple Delight Dessert
Layers of buttery graham cracker crust, fluffy whipped topping, and sweet pineapple filling make this pineapple delight a crowd favorite.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 ¾ cups graham cracker crumbs additional for garnish, if desired
- 3 tablespoons granualted sugar
- ¾ cup melted salted butter
Cheesecake Layer
- 2 (8-ounce) packages softened cream cheese
- ½ cup softened salted butter
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Pineapple Topping
- 2 (20-ounce) drained cans crushed pineapple
- 2 (8-ounce) containers thawed whipped topping
- pineapple tidbits for garnish, if desired
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly spray a 9 x 13 x 2.5-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
Crust
- Combine 2 ¾ cups graham cracker crumbs, 3 tablespoons granualted sugar, and ¾ cup melted salted butter in a medium bowl until the mixture resembles damp sand.
- Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan using a flat-bottomed glass or measuring cup. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until fragrant and the edges are golden brown.
- Remove the crust from the oven and allow it to cool completely before topping it with the subsequent layers.
Cheesecake Layer
- Add 2 (8-ounce) packages softened cream cheese and ½ cup softened salted butter to a large bowl and beat on medium-high speed with a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until smooth. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed to ensure no lumps remain.
- Add 2 ½ cups powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract and beat on low until the sugar is mostly incorporated, then increase the speed to medium-high until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
Pineapple Topping
- Carefully fold 2 (20-ounce) drained cans crushed pineapple into 2 (8-ounce) containers thawed whipped topping before spreading the whipped mixture evenly over the top of the cheesecake layer.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Top with graham cracker crumbs and pineapple tidbits before serving.
Notes
Storing: Store pineapple delight in the fridge, covered, for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap it well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight or enjoy it frozen!
Nutrition
Calories: 478kcalCarbohydrates: 51gProtein: 4gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 67mgSodium: 320mgPotassium: 185mgFiber: 1gSugar: 42gVitamin A: 880IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 75mgIron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Tried this recipe?Mention @alyssa_therecipecritic or tag #therecipecritic!
