No-Bake Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie

This tropical No-Bake Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie layers a sweet filling studded with juicy pineapple chunks between a crisp graham cracker crust and billowy whipped cream topping. With just a quick mix, spread, and chill, you can create this easy, no-oven pie bursting with bright pineapple flavor.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

No Oven Needed: No-bake desserts are a great option when you are looking for an easy recipe that has great flavor. And this luscious pineapple pie recipe puts a fresh spin on the classic no-bake pie recipe.

Easy Dessert: With just 6 ingredients (including a secret ingredient that is different from other recipes) plus the crust, this is the easiest dessert to make! It's like pineapple fluff and cheesecake all mixed into one easy pie recipe.

Refreshing Flavor: Many no-bake pies rely on pudding or sweetened condensed milk for flavor, but not this one! This filling highlights juicy pineapple chunks mixed into rich and tangy cream cheese for an utterly addictive tropical twist. It is a delicious dessert for a hot summer day.

Ingredient and Substitution Info

Pineapple: This recipe uses about 2 ½ cups of pineapple, but the type used is a matter of personal preference. I love to use canned pineapple tidbits, as they are small but still add a good texture. If you want a smoother pie, use crushed pineapple. 

Cream Cheese: Use room temperature full-fat cream cheese for the best consistency. I prefer the Philadelphia brand because it has a lower moisture content than many other brands.

Sugars: Brown sugar is used in the crust to add more moisture, which helps hold the no-bake crust in shape. The filling uses granulated sugar to sweeten it without adding much flavor.

Heavy Cream: For best results, use heavy whipping cream with at least 36% milkfat.

Ginger: The flavor of ginger complements pineapple so well. It is very mild and hardly distinguishable, but it adds a nice warmth and depth that you won't find in other pineapple pie recipes.

Crust: I've included a recipe if you want to make your own graham cracker crust, but a storebought pie crust works too! 

How to Make Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie

1) Make the Pie Crust

• Mix the graham cracker crumbs with brown sugar and salt, then add the melted butter and mix well.
• Press into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate. 
• For a completely no-bake pie, you'll need to chill the crust for 2 hours before filling.
• If you want a less crumbly crust, bake it at 350°F (180°C) for 10 minutes, then cool it completely.

2) Prepare Whipped Cream

• This whipped cream is a little bit sweeter than a traditional recipe because it sweetens the filling without any added steps.
• Whip the cream to stiff peaks, where it stands straight up when you remove the beater.
• The whipped topping will be divided in half, with 2 cups used in the cream cheese mixture and the remainder used on top of the pie.

3) Make the Pineapple Filling

• Place softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl and beat it using an electric mixer until it is completely smooth.
• Stir in the drained pineapple chunks and the ground ginger.
• Gently fold in the whipping cream, taking care not to deflate the cream.

4) Chill

• Spread the pineapple mixture into the prepared pie shell, smoothing it with a spatula. 
• Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 hours. This chilling time helps the dessert thicken.
• Spread the remaining whipped cream over the pie filling before serving.

Expert Tips

• I do not recommend that you use fresh pineapple as it contains more of the enzyme Bromelain than canned does. This enzyme breaks down proteins and can make your pie runny.
• Drain the pineapple juice from the fruit completely as added moisture will keep your pie from setting.
• If you are making your own cookie crumbs then you will want very fine crumbs. Crush the graham crackers in the food processor, or place them in a large resealable bag and crush them with a rolling pin until the crumbs are like fine sand.
• Beat the whipped cream to stiff peaks so it is nice and thick, then fold gently into the cream cheese.
• Make sure your cream cheese has softened to room temperature so that it mixes in smoothly and without lumps.
• For clean slices, place the chilled pie in the freezer for 15 minutes before slicing.

Variations and Substitutions

Cool Whip - If you prefer to use Cool Whip over freshly whipped cream you will need a 12-ounce container. Use half for the filling and half for the topping. ⅓ cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract will also need to be added to the filling, as this cream recipe is sweeter than Cool Whip.

Pie Crust - Replace the graham cracker crumbs with digestive biscuits, crushed Ritz crackers, or Nilla wafers.

Topping Ideas - Toasted coconut provides great tropical flair. You can also add garnishes like pineapple slices, maraschino cherries, or lime zest.

Caramel - Take it next level by adding a layer of caramel sauce on top of the crust or by drizzling caramel as a topping. 

Other Fruit - This recipe also works well with sliced strawberries, blueberries, and mandarin oranges.

Storage

You can make Pineapple Pie a day or two in advance, but it is best to add the whipped cream topping just before serving. 

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap it with a layer of plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

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