Easy No-Bake Pineapple Lush Dessert
Easy no-bake pineapple lush dessert with coconut is a wonderful and refreshing treat that is not only easy to make but budget-friendly and perfect for spring and summer.
The lush recipe features graham cracker crumbs smothered in butter and topped with fresh pineapple, fluffy whipped cream topping, and plenty of coconut.
Just Like A Pina Colada
If you love piña coladas, you will love this recipe. The creamy summer dessert is fresh, perfect for family gatherings, and is an easy recipe.
The no bake dessert recipe is a dreamy pineapple delight. It’s similar to what people call a dessert lasagna with the layers – a pineapple lasagna!
Plus, it’s one of those beautiful lush cake desserts that people love to see at parties.
Growing Pineapples
A couple of years ago, our former neighbor gave us the crown of a pineapple, and my husband, John, decided to plant it in the backyard.
Much to our happiness, the pineapple grew, and John continued to plant more. On occasion, he’d replant a pineapple, and the top would grow two more!
You can see in the pictures below that the pineapples grow out of the top of the plant. We have a couple planted in planters on the back patio and some in the backyard.
Check out John’s YouTube video on How to Grow Pineapples at Home
How Long Does it Take To Grow a Pineapple?
Pineapples take about one year to grow, and the leaves grow dark green, are thick, and can be sharp on the edges. They are almost serrated on the edges. We’ve learned that little critters, like rabbits running through the yard, like to chew on the leaves.
The pineapple also goes through several different colors before turning yellow and ripening.
When planting pineapples, the first plant will grow one pineapple, and when you plant the top of the pineapple, sometimes the next plant will grow two!
The pineapple pictured above is now ready to pick and eat.
Two pineapples grew out of this planter from one crown.
The pineapple is ripe and ready to eat!
What Ingredients Do I Need To Make Pineapple Lush Dessert?
(Full recipe and printable instructions listed at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.)
- Cream cheese
- Whipped topping
- Pineapple chunks
- Powdered sugar
- Shredded coconut
- Chopped Pecans
- Graham crackers
- Butter
How To Make No-Bake Pineapple Dessert?
- Crush the graham crackers in a bag, measure them out, and pour them into a greased 8″ x 8″ casserole dish.
- Pour the melted butter into the dish and mix with the graham crackers until they are covered, and press into the bottom of the baking dish.
- In a medium-sized bowl, add the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar and mix until well combined and creamy.
- Add the crushed pineapple, whipped topping, and half of the coconut and mix well. Spread over the top of the buttery graham cracker crust.
- Top with cubed pineapple, the other half of the shredded coconut, and the chopped pecans.
- Refrigerate the easy, no-bake pineapple lush dessert for several hours to firm up.
Step-By-Step Instructions for Making No-Bake Pineapple Lush Dessert
Start by cutting off the pineapple crown and skin.
Cut the pineapple into small pieces, so you have some chunks for the top of the dessert. Next, crush some pineapple to add to the cream cheese mixture and set aside.
Crush the graham crackers and place them into an 8″ x 8″ casserole dish.
Melt the butter and pour it into the dish to create the graham cracker mixture. Make sure all of the graham crackers are covered, and then press them into the bottom of the pan.
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar and mix until creamy with an electric mixer or in a stand mixer.
Add half of the whipped cream, crushed pineapple, and the shredded coconut and mix well.
Spread the cream cheese layer into the pan on top of the graham crackers.
Place the pineapple chunks on top for the top pineapple layer.
Finally, sprinkle the chopped pecans and the remainder of the shredded coconut on top and refrigerate for several hours to help firm it up for the best results.
That’s all you have to do for this delicious dessert. The hardest part is waiting for it to firm up in the refrigerator.
Optional Ingredients
- Maraschino cherries
- Walnuts
- Vanilla wafers for the crust instead of graham crackers.
- Fresh berries
How To Store No Bake Pineapple Lush
Store the dessert in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
Tips for Growing Pineapples:
- Pineapples grow best in warm environments
- Thailand grows most of the pineapples in the world.
- Pineapples grow in the ground (and little critters love them), or you can use a large planter.
- To grow a pineapple, you must plant the crown of the pineapple.
- Pineapples take at least one year to grow and ripen, sometimes even longer!
- Pineapples are a pretty hearty plant but are susceptible to scales–or a bug–and the best solution for getting rid of them is a little bit of dish soap and some water. The bugs suck the nectar out of the plant and the leaves, so it’s best to get rid of them as soon as you spot them.
- Water them about three times a week and fertilize every couple of months.
More Delicious Desserts
- Old fashioned pineapple upside down cake – this is one of those easy desserts that is perfect for any occasion.
- How to grill pineapple – perfect for summertime picnics.
- Easy pecan tart recipe – a tasty recipe with simple ingredients that everyone loves.
- Pineapple delight cake from Food.com
Be sure to get a copy of the easy pineapple dessert recipe below. This is a great make-ahead dessert that is perfect for any time of year.
Easy No-Bake Pineapple Lush Dessert
Ingredients
Lush
- 8 oz. cream cheese softened
- 8 oz. whipped topping
- 1 pineapple 1/2 chunks and 1/2 crushed OR 8 oz. crushed and 8 oz. canned cubed pineapple
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/8 + 1/8 cup shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
Crust
- 1-1/2 cups graham crackers crushed (about one sleeve)
- 1 stick butter melted
Instructions
- Crush the graham crackers and add to an 8" x 8" casserole dish.
- Add the melted butter to the graham crackers, mix, and press into the dish.
- In a large bowl, add the cream cheese and powdered sugar and mix until creamy.
- Add the crushed pineapple, whipped, topping, and half of the coconut and mix well. Spread over the graham crackers.
- Top with the cubed pineapple, chopped pecans, and the remainder of the shredded coconut.
- Refrigerate for at least four hours.
