Description
Pineapple cake delivers a tropical twist without switching on the oven, combining creamy layers and fruity freshness in a simple no-bake dessert. Chilled and smooth, this quick treat becomes my go-to summer solution when craving something sweet and easy.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Base:
- 2.5 cups graham cracker crumbs (250g)
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted (113g)
Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (225g)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (120g)
- 8 oz whipped topping (225g)
Fruit Layer:
- 1 can crushed pineapple, drained (20 oz / 567g)
Instructions
- Crush 2 ½ cups (250g) graham cracker crumbs into fine texture. Pour ½ cup (113g) melted unsalted butter over crumbs and blend thoroughly until mixture resembles damp sand.
- Transfer crumb mixture into 9×9-inch dish. Press firmly and evenly across bottom using flat-bottomed measuring cup or fingers. Place prepared crust into refrigerator while preparing filling.
- Place 8 oz (225g) softened cream cheese into mixing bowl. Whip with electric mixer at medium speed for 2-3 minutes until creamy and light.
- Gradually add 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar to cream cheese. Beat for additional 1-2 minutes until completely smooth and no sugar lumps remain.
- Gently incorporate 8 oz (225g) whipped topping into cream cheese mixture. Fold carefully using silicone spatula to maintain airy texture.
- Drain 20 oz (567g) crushed pineapple completely. Press with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Fold drained pineapple into cream cheese mixture until ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Spread filling across chilled crust. Smooth surface using offset spatula for even layer.
- Refrigerate dessert for minimum 4 hours or ideally overnight. Slice into squares when thoroughly chilled.
Notes
- Drain pineapple thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the cake soggy, using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to squeeze out liquid.
- Use room temperature cream cheese for the smoothest, lump-free filling that blends easily with other ingredients.
- For a gluten-free version, swap graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs to keep the same delicious crust texture.
- Decorate the top with toasted coconut flakes or additional crushed pineapple just before serving to add extra flavor and visual appeal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Cakes
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg