Traditionally, the filling is two layers and the crust and topping is just graham cracker crumbs and butter. I’ve updated it to make the process simpler (without any loss in flavor) by turning the filling into a single layer and added even a little more flavor to the crust.
Pineapple Dream Dessert
Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 9 servings
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 2 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the filling:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, very well drained
- 1 (8-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
Instructions
For the crust:
- Preheat the oven to 300°F.
- Melt the butter and combine the graham crackers, butter, sugar, and salt. Stir until the graham crackers are coated in the butter. Pour about 2 cups of the mixture into the bottom of an 8x8-inch baking dish and firmly press flat to form the crust. I like to use the bottom of a metal measuring cup for this. Set the remaining crumb mixture aside to be used as the topping. Bake the crust for about 10 minutes. Cool completely.
For the filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together. Add the powdered sugar and mix well. Add the drained pineapple and stir to combine. Fold in the whipped topping.
- Once the crust has cooled, spread the pineapple mixture evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the top with the remaining crumb mixture. Refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours) to allow the filling to set.
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Vickie says
Thank you for this post and memory! My Mama used to make this recipe but she called it refrigerator cheesecake. In fact, she preferred it frozen and served it that way! She has been gone for a few years now and it has been several more before that since she last was able to make this. I had completely forgotten about it and am going to her recipe book to see if I still have her copy-hope it is in her handwriting! But it is nice to know I have this one as a backup!
Stacey says
Those handwritten recipes are such treasures, Vickie!
Tina Blake says
I would have too give this a 5-star.
I just got finished making my 2nd
One. This is absolute delicious.
This isn’t a hard recipe at all too make. If you are thinking about making it, I would recommend 100
Percent go for it. There will not
Be any regrets. Thanks,,
Southern bite.
Stacey says
So glad it turned out GREAT for you!
Patti Moss says
This looks absolutely delicious and refreshing! I can hardly wait to try it. Thanks, Stacey.
Stacey says
Thanks! I sure hope you’ll enjoy it!!
Julie @ Back To My Southern Roots says
I bet this tastes amazing. I love the combination of creamy and crunchy!
Stacey says
Thanks, Julie! We just love it!
Pat Mapley says
I made this as written for Father’s Day. Very easy and pretty good. I think it would be better with 2 cans of well drained pineapple which should give it more of a pineapple flavor.
Stacey says
Hmmm… interesting idea! I might have to try that.
Barbara Anderson says
I make one simular to this but with a layer of bananas then the pineapple and the cool whip on top sprinkles with pecans and cherries on top. We call it banana split cake!
Stacey says
Sounds amazing!!
Dana says
This looks like a version of a pie my Mother used to make many years ago called Million Dollar pie. Hers was in a graham cracker crust shell and also had pecans in it. It was SOOO good!
Stacey says
🙂 🙂 🙂
Amy McPeters says
The tastes of this cream mixture reminds me of a childhood favorite of mine called strawberry yum-yum! I use dream whip in it but this was just as great with less work! I think I drained too much juice off my pineapple because I could barely taste it. I had leftover crumb mixture and still felt like I used too much. Even though I’ll do it a little differently next time, I will make again! Thanks for the recipe! 🙂
Stacey says
Glad you enjoyed it, Amy!
Karen says
Just like Grandma’s without the raw egg! Loved it. 5 stars!
Stacey says
So glad you enjoyed it, Karen!!
Sadie Day says
Making this for the 4th of July. I took a small taste and it was very good.
Stacey says
Hope everyone loved it!
Dawn says
Can you make this in a 13 X 9 pan. My mom used to make something like this it was good.
Stacey says
I’ve only ever done it in an 8×8.
Val says
Can this be frozen than thawed
Stacey says
Hmm… I don’t see why not – though I’ve never tried it.
Judie says
One of my coworkers brought this dessert to work yesterday. Pineapple Dream is so light and one of freshest desserts I’ve ever tasted. Great recipe!!
Stacey says
So kind of your coworker to share! So glad y’all enjoyed it!