No-Bake Pineapple Delight with Graham Cracker Crumbs

No-Bake Pineapple Delight

No-Bake Pineapple Delight is a chilled pan dessert with a compact graham-cracker base, a fluffy cream-cheese layer, and a separate pineapple-whipped layer beneath a generous coating of fine crumbs. The crust sets in the refrigerator, so no oven is needed. Drain the pineapple until it stops releasing free juice, then give the assembled dessert at least 4 hours to chill. Overnight is better for squares that hold their shape.

Prep time: 25 minutes | Cook time: 0 minutes | Chill time: At least 4 hours, plus 15 minutes for the crust | Yield: 9 generous squares

Ingredients for No-Bake Pineapple Delight

• 2 1/2 cups graham-cracker crumbs (250g), divided
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (115g)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (25g)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (225g)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (55g)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (120g)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 ounces frozen whipped topping, thawed (225g; about 3 cups), divided
• 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, well drained

How to Make No-Bake Pineapple Delight

1. Prepare the crumbs: Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper, if desired. Mix the graham-cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until evenly moistened. Set aside about 1/2 cup of the mixture for the topping.
2. Press and chill the crust: Press the remaining crumbs firmly into an even layer, including the corners. A flat-bottomed measuring cup helps compact them. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, until the crust does not shift when lightly touched.
3. Drain the pineapple: Press the crushed pineapple gently in a fine-mesh strainer. If it still releases free juice, squeeze it gently in cheesecloth or a clean towel. The pineapple should remain moist but should not drip freely; do not add the can liquid to the filling.
4. Make the cream-cheese layer: Beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Beat in the powdered sugar and vanilla, then gently fold in about 1 cup of the whipped topping.
5. Spread the first layer: Spread the cream-cheese mixture over the chilled crust, reaching the corners without pulling up the crumbs.
6. Add the pineapple layer: Fold the drained pineapple into the remaining whipped topping. Spread it gently over the cream-cheese layer without blending the two together.
7. Top and chill: Scatter the reserved crumbs evenly over the surface. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until the center looks set rather than flowing when the pan is gently moved. Cover the pan without pressing the covering into the crumbs.
8. Cut and serve: Cut into 9 squares, wiping the knife between cuts. Serve cold and refrigerate the remaining dessert between servings.

How to Keep the Bars Sliceable

Free juice from the pineapple can loosen the whipped layer, so drain it thoroughly without squeezing the fruit dry. The assembled dessert needs a much longer chill than the crust. If the center still shifts when the pan moves, refrigerate it longer before cutting. The filling should hold a square shape while remaining soft and creamy, not firm like baked cheesecake.

No-Bake Pineapple Delight Variations

• Vanilla-wafer crumbs: Use them in place of the graham-cracker crumbs, reserving some for the topping.
• Homemade whipped cream: Sweetened homemade whipped cream can replace the whipped topping, though the bars may be softer. Keep them well chilled.
• Briefly baked crust: For a toastier base, the pressed crust can be baked briefly. Cool it completely before adding the filling; baking is not needed for the main recipe.

For another no-bake dessert with a graham crust, try these No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Cups.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Assemble the dessert a day ahead if possible; an overnight chill helps it set. Cover leftovers and refrigerate them for up to about 3 days for the best texture. Keep the pan cold between servings, as the creamy layers soften at room temperature.

Freezing is possible, but the texture after thawing is uncertain. If freezing, wrap the dessert well, freeze for up to 3 months, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Expect the filling to be softer than when freshly chilled.

Nutrition

Approximate nutrition per serving, based on 1 of 9 squares (about 165g): 500 calories, 4g protein, 30g fat, and 52g carbohydrates. Approximate values per 100g: 305 calories, 3g protein, 18g fat, and 31g carbohydrates. Values vary with the brands used and the amount of liquid drained from the pineapple.