Pineapple Delight is a refreshing and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. This layered dessert features a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich and creamy filling, and a sweet and tangy pineapple topping. It’s topped off with a generous layer of whipped cream, making it a delightful treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a summer party or just want a sweet treat, this Pineapple Delight dessert is sure to impress.
Ingredients
The Crust
- 3 cups crushed graham crackers
- 3/4 cup butter, melted
Filling
- 3/4 cup butter, melted
- 2.5 cups powdered sugar (icing sugar)
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pineapple Layer
- 2 cans (20 ounces each) crushed pineapple, drained (approximately 1 cup per can)
Whipped Cream Topping
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar (icing sugar)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers and melted butter.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form an even layer.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until it’s lightly browned. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
2. Prepare the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the melted butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Spread the filling evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust.
3. Add the Pineapple Layer
- Drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
- Spread the drained pineapple evenly over the filling layer.
4. Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping
- In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until it starts to thicken.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to whip until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the whipped cream evenly over the pineapple layer.
5. Chill and Serve
- Cover the dessert with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the layers to set.
- Before serving, you can garnish the top with additional crushed graham crackers, pineapple chunks, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Cook’s Notes
- Draining Pineapple: Make sure to drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly to avoid making the dessert soggy. You can use a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to squeeze out excess juice.
- Chilling Time: Allowing the dessert to chill for several hours or overnight helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to slice and serve.
- Egg Safety: If you’re concerned about using raw eggs, you can use pasteurized eggs or an egg substitute in the filling.
Variations
1. Tropical Delight
- Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the filling for a tropical twist.
- Top the dessert with toasted coconut flakes for extra flavor and texture.
2. Chocolate Pineapple Delight
- Add a layer of chocolate ganache between the crust and the filling. To make the ganache, melt 1 cup of chocolate chips with 1/2 cup of heavy cream until smooth.
- Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top of the whipped cream layer for added decadence.
3. Nutty Pineapple Delight
- Mix 1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the graham cracker crust for a nutty flavor.
- Sprinkle additional chopped nuts over the whipped cream layer before serving.
Keto Version
To make a keto-friendly version of Pineapple Delight, you can substitute some ingredients to lower the carb content.
Crust
- 3 cups almond flour
- 3/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup erythritol or other keto-friendly sweetener
Filling
- 3/4 cup butter, melted
- 2.5 cups powdered erythritol or other keto-friendly sweetener
- 2 pasteurized eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pineapple Layer
- Use fresh pineapple, finely chopped, and use less to control the carb content.
Whipped Cream Topping
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered erythritol
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Follow the same instructions as the original recipe, using the keto-friendly ingredients.
Low-Carb Version
For a lower-carb version, use similar substitutions as the keto version but with a bit more flexibility in ingredient choices.
Crust
- 3 cups crushed low-carb cookies or almond flour
- 3/4 cup butter, melted
Filling
- 3/4 cup butter, melted
- 2.5 cups powdered erythritol or another low-carb sweetener
- 2 pasteurized eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pineapple Layer
- Use fresh pineapple, finely chopped, and reduce the amount to lower the carb content.
Whipped Cream Topping
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered erythritol
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Follow the same instructions as the original recipe, using the low-carb ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different type of fruit?
- Yes, you can substitute the pineapple with other fruits like peaches, strawberries, or blueberries. Just make sure to drain any canned fruit thoroughly or use fresh fruit to avoid excess moisture.
2. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Pineapple Delight is actually best when made a day ahead and chilled overnight. This allows the layers to set and the flavors to meld together.
3. How do I store leftovers?
- Store any leftover dessert in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The whipped cream topping may lose some of its firmness over time, but the dessert will still be delicious.
4. Can I use a different type of crust?
- Yes, you can use a different type of crust, such as a shortbread crust or a cookie crust, if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly if needed.
5. Can I freeze Pineapple Delight?
- Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the whipped cream and the filling may change upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh from the refrigerator.
Pineapple Delight is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its layers of buttery graham cracker crust, creamy filling, sweet pineapple, and fluffy whipped cream, it’s a treat that everyone will love. Whether you stick to the classic recipe, try a variation, or opt for a keto or low-carb version, this dessert is sure to be a hit. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful dessert with friends and family!
