Meet your new go-to summer treat: Easy No-Bake Pineapple Dessert. This recipe is pure sunshine in a bowl—refreshing, creamy, and bursting with tropical flair, it’s perfect for those moments when you want big flavor but not a hot oven. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, need a quick make-ahead dish for a party, or just want a sweet pick-me-up, this chilled dessert comes together in minutes, looks beautiful, and always disappears fast. Trust me, after one spoonful, you’ll wonder how something so simple can be so addictively delicious!

Easy No-Bake Pineapple Dessert Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the dessert:
- 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple in juice, undrained
- 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- graham crackers or vanilla wafers for serving

How to Make Easy No-Bake Pineapple Dessert

Step 1: Mix Pineapple and Pudding

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the entire can of crushed pineapple (juice included) with the instant vanilla pudding mix. Stir the mixture for about a minute, until it starts to thicken and the pudding dissolves. This is where the magic happens—the pudding transforms the pineapple juice into a lusciously silky base.

Step 2: Fold in the Whipped Topping

Add the whipped topping to the pineapple-pudding mixture. Gently fold it in with a spatula to keep things airy. You’ll notice your easy no-bake pineapple dessert becoming light, fluffy, and undeniably inviting at this point—try to resist sneaking a taste!

Step 3: Add Mini Marshmallows, Coconut, and Pecans

Toss in the mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans (if you’re using them). Fold everything together until the add-ins are evenly distributed throughout. Each bite should have a little tropical chew, nuttiness, and soft sweetness.

Step 4: Chill Until Set

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This chilling time lets the dessert firm up and the flavors mingle, making each spoonful even more luscious and cohesive.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once chilled, scoop generous portions into bowls or glasses. Serve with graham crackers or vanilla wafers on the side—or crumble some on top for a bit of crunch. And that’s it! Your Easy No-Bake Pineapple Dessert is ready to steal the show.

How to Serve Easy No-Bake Pineapple Dessert

Garnishes

Elevate presentation by topping each serving with a sprinkle of toasted coconut, a cherry, or a little extra chopped pecan. A dollop of extra whipped topping or a fresh mint sprig adds color and makes each bowl feel special.

Side Dishes

Pair this cool pineapple treat with a fresh fruit salad, or serve it alongside grilled summer classics like burgers and corn. It’s also a delightful partner for hot coffee or iced tea, balancing out rich or hearty meals with a sweet finish.

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond bowls! Spoon the dessert into parfait glasses for a layered look, or serve in hollowed-out pineapple halves for extra tropical flair. Mini dessert cups, mason jars, or even a sheet pan topped with extra cookies make it irresistibly charming for parties or potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simply cover your Easy No-Bake Pineapple Dessert tightly in its bowl or transfer to an airtight container. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days, keeping its texture light and flavors vibrant. Just stir gently before serving leftovers in case any ingredients have settled.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, it can impact the creamy texture of the dessert and cause the whipped topping to separate. If you do freeze it, allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge and give it a gentle stir before serving for best results.

Reheating

No reheating is necessary—or recommended! This dessert is at its best thoroughly chilled, straight from the refrigerator. If it’s been frozen, just give it time to thaw slowly in the fridge before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Fresh pineapple is delicious, but it contains enzymes that can prevent pudding from setting properly. If using fresh, cook it briefly or look for alternate methods to neutralize the enzymes, but canned is easiest and most reliable for this dessert.

Is there a dairy-free version of this dessert?

Absolutely! Swap the whipped topping for a non-dairy alternative (many coconut-based options work great), and check that your pudding mix is dairy-free. This way, everyone can enjoy a scoop of Easy No-Bake Pineapple Dessert.

How far ahead can I make this dessert?

You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. It actually benefits from chilling overnight, as the flavors meld and the texture becomes even creamier. Just keep it tightly covered until it’s time to serve.

What can I use instead of marshmallows or coconut?

For a nutty crunch, chopped walnuts or even a handful of raisins make fun swaps. If coconut isn’t your thing, simply leave it out—the dessert is still dreamy and tropical thanks to all the pineapple and creamy pudding.

Can I turn this into a layered trifle?

Absolutely! Make an Easy No-Bake Pineapple Dessert trifle by layering with crushed graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or additional fruit in a clear glass bowl. It looks gorgeous and gives each bite a little extra crunch.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a sunny, crowd-pleasing treat with no oven required, you can’t go wrong with this Easy No-Bake Pineapple Dessert. It’s a recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again—easy, flexible, and guaranteed to bring smiles. Dive in and let every bite transport you somewhere tropical!

Easy No-Bake Pineapple Dessert Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes plus chilling
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Easy No-Bake Pineapple Dessert is a delightful, creamy treat filled with tropical flavors. Perfect for a quick and simple dessert option that requires no oven time.

Ingredients

Scale

For the dessert:

1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple in juice, undrained
1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
1 cup mini marshmallows
1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
graham crackers or vanilla wafers for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed pineapple with its juice and the instant vanilla pudding mix. Stir until the mixture thickens slightly.
Fold in the whipped topping until well combined.
Add mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans if using, and stir until evenly distributed.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until chilled and set.
Serve chilled with graham crackers or vanilla wafers, or enjoy on its own.

Notes

You can substitute chopped walnuts for pecans or leave out the nuts altogether for a nut-free version.
For extra tropical flavor, add a handful of chopped maraschino cherries or diced mango.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American