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Vintage Pineapple Dessert Recipe: Classic Pineapple Dream Treat

Vintage Pineapple Dessert

A classic no-bake pineapple dessert with a buttery graham-cracker crust and a fluffy cream cheese, pineapple, and whipped topping filling. Chill it thoroughly before cutting for tidy, creamy squares.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 4 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Crust
  • 1 1/2 cups (about 150 g) Graham-cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) Granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (113 g) Unsalted butter, melted
Filling
  • 1 package (8 ounces/226 g) Cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (120 g) Powdered sugar
  • 1 can (20 ounces/567 g) Crushed pineapple, very well drained
  • 1 container (8 ounces/227 g) Frozen whipped topping, thawed
Optional Topping
  • 1/2 cup Chopped pecans
  • A few Pineapple tidbits or maraschino cherries

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Line a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with parchment if easy removal is desired. Mix graham-cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until evenly moistened, then press firmly into the bottom of the dish.
  2. Chill the crust for 15–20 minutes while preparing the filling. Beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
  3. Fold the very well-drained crushed pineapple and thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture. Fold gently and stop once combined so the filling keeps its volume.
  4. Spread the filling evenly over the chilled crust. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  5. Garnish immediately before serving with chopped pecans, pineapple tidbits, or maraschino cherries. Cut into squares and serve cold.

Notes

Drain the pineapple thoroughly and press it in a fine-mesh strainer to remove extra juice. For a less sweet dessert, use 3/4 cup powdered sugar. Overnight chilling gives cleaner slices. Store covered in the refrigerator.