If you grew up in the ’80s or ’90s, chances are you’ve had a slice of Pineapple Delight at some point in your life. Maybe it was at a church potluck, a neighbour’s BBQ, or straight from the fridge at your grandma’s house (my core memory). With its crumbly graham cracker crust or creamy pineapple topping, this dessert was everywhere—and for good reason.
But here’s the thing: when I went to make it the other day, I realized that the recipe called for raw eggs in the filling. I just couldn’t do it. I wanted to keep all the nostalgia and flavour of that original recipe, but make it easier, lighter, and a little more …safe lol.
This updated Pineapple Delight skips the raw eggs entirely and swaps the dense filling for a luscious, whipped, cream cheese–based layer that’s every bit as dreamy—if not more so—than the original. It’s a simple, no-bake dessert that you can make ahead, which means it’s perfect for entertaining.
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Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Delight Version
- No raw eggs – Just creamy, safe-to-eat bliss.
- Easy to make ahead – Actually better after a night in the fridge.
- A crowd-pleaser – Retro desserts have a way of disappearing quickly.
- Nostalgic, but better – Keeps the spirit of the original, with a fresher, lighter taste.
Pineapple Delight: A Dessert Worth Sharing
When I made this for my family, it disappeared before I could even get a second slice. The best part? Everyone had a story about when they first tried Pineapple Delight—turns out this recipe is as much a conversation starter as it is a dessert. That’s the magic of nostalgic food: it’s delicious, yes, but it’s also a little time machine, taking us back to simpler days.
Tip for Smaller Batches of Pineapple Delight
Feeding a smaller crowd? You can easily cut this recipe in half. Use an 8 x 8-inch square baking dish instead of a 13 x 9, and halve all the ingredients (1 cup graham cracker crumbs, 1 tablespoon sugar, ¼ cup melted butter, 1 cup whipping cream, 1 package cream cheese, ½ cup sugar, ½ tablespoon vanilla, and 1 tin of crushed pineapple). The method stays the same—just keep an eye on the crust as it bakes, since a smaller pan can brown a touch faster.
I think you’re going to love this take on a true classic, let me know in the comments below!
More Recipes Like This
If you love retro-inspired, simple desserts as much as I do, here are a few more sweet treats to try next:
- Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake Jars
- Peanut Butter Pie
- Classic Apple Pie
- The Best No-Bake Cheesecake
- Cafe Au Lait Cheesecake
Pineapple Delight Recipe
Pineapple Delight
Meet your new favourite throwback treat: Pineapple Delight. This no-bake dessert was a staple at potlucks and family gatherings in the ’80s and is a total core memory for me. My updated version skips the raw eggs, and is light, creamy, and bursting with sweet pineapple, it’s a nostalgic bite of sunshine you can whip up in minutes.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ½ cup melted butter
Filling
- 2 cups whipping cream
- 2 226 g packages brick cream cheese
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 2 398 mL tins crushed pineapple well drained
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 F and line a 13 x 9-inch baking pan or dish with parchment paper.
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In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Add the melted butter and stir to combine. Transfer into the prepared pan, spread evenly, and press firmly. Bake for 12 minutes and set aside to cool.
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In a large bowl, beat the whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
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In a separate large bowl, combine the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Using an electric mixer, beat until smooth. Add the whipping cream and drained pineapple and beat until just combined.
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Transfer the filling on top of the prepared crust and smooth to even with a rubber spatula. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 2 days in advance.
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