Summer is a time of get-togethers for our family. We love to prepare delicious dishes and desserts – but we don’t always feel like baking – not when it is so hot outside! That’s why this pineapple icebox dessert is one of my go-to ideas!

I like to have a few recipes up my sleeve during the warm months that require little baking, so I use my stove as little as possible. This Pineapple Icebox Dessert is no disappointment in flavor.

The Pineapple Icebox Cake only needs a few ingredients, so it’s a pretty frugal dessert. It only takes about 30 minutes to make, so you can whip it up quickly. It has those classic summer flavors of pineapple and cream. And it is just oh, so yummy!

What is an icebox cake?

An icebox cake is a type of no-bake dessert that typically consists of layers of wafers or cookies and whipped cream or pudding. The dessert is assembled and then refrigerated for several hours or overnight, allowing the wafers or cookies to soften and absorb moisture from the cream or pudding layers. This creates a cake-like texture without the need for baking.

The term “icebox” refers to the refrigerator, as these cakes were popularized before modern electric refrigerators when iceboxes were used to keep food cold.

Icebox cakes can be made with various flavors and ingredients. In the example you provided, the author describes a pineapple icebox dessert, which likely incorporates pineapple flavors into the cream or pudding layers and may use vanilla wafers or a similar type of cookie for the layers.

Check out these other fun summer desserts to try:

Pineapple Icebox Dessert

Print Recipe

Author: Sammie
Prep Time: 6 hours 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 6 hours 25 mins
Category: Dessert

Ingredients

Scale

2 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers (about two sleeves)
1/2 cup butter, softened
20 oz can of crushed pineapple, drained
2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
4 oz cream cheese
8 oz Cool Whip (or use my easy whipped cream recipe)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 300.
Crush your graham crackers until they are fine crumbs (a food processor will help).
Add in 1/2 cup softened butter to the crumbs, and mix well with a fork.
Press 2 cups of your crust mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9 pan
Bake at 300 for 8-10 minutes.
Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
In a large bowl, combine the unsalted butter and the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth.
Slowly add powdered sugar, while still mixing.
Add one heaping spoon of the crushed pineapple and mix well.
Spread the pineapple cream mixture over the crust.
In another large bowl, combine the cool whip and the crushed pineapple gently with a spoon.
Spread the pineapple whipped cream mixture over the top of the cream cheese layer.
Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of the graham cracker mixture.
Refrigerate overnight or for 4-6 hours minimum.
Serve chilled.

Could you use another fruit than pineapple for this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely substitute the pineapple with other fruits in an icebox cake recipe. Some popular alternatives include:

Strawberries: Layer sliced fresh strawberries or strawberry pudding or jam for a strawberry and cream flavor.
Peaches: Use fresh sliced peaches or peach pudding for a summer-inspired peaches and cream dessert.
Bananas: Layer sliced bananas and use vanilla pudding or whipped cream for a banana pudding icebox cake.
Mangoes: Use fresh sliced mangoes or mango pudding for a tropical twist.
Berries: Incorporate a mix of berries, such as raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries, for a mixed berry icebox cake.
Cherries: Use cherry pie filling or fresh cherries for a cherry-flavored dessert.
Lemon: Create a lemon icebox cake using lemon pudding or curd and layer with whipped cream for a refreshing citrus dessert.

Remember that you may need to adjust the amount of sugar or other flavorings in the recipe depending on the sweetness and flavor profile of the fruit you choose. Additionally, consider the texture of the fruit and how it will hold up in the layered dessert. Firmer fruits like peaches or mangoes may work better than softer fruits like raspberries or blackberries, which could make the layers too soggy.

What are some tips for storing pineapple icebox dessert?

Here are some tips for storing your pineapple icebox dessert to ensure it stays fresh and delicious:

Refrigerate immediately: After assembling your pineapple icebox cake, place it in the refrigerator right away. This will help the layers set and prevent spoilage.
Cover tightly: Securely cover with plastic wrap or an airtight container. This will prevent the cake from absorbing other flavors from the fridge and help maintain its texture.
Store in the coldest part of the fridge: Place your icebox cake in the back of the refrigerator where it’s typically coldest. Avoid storing it in the door, as temperature fluctuations from opening and closing can affect the dessert’s consistency.
Consume within 3-4 days: Icebox cakes are best enjoyed within 3-4 days of preparation. After this time, the wafers or cookies may become too soggy, and the cream or pudding layers may start to break down.
Avoid freezing: While it may be tempting to freeze leftover icebox cake, I don’t recommend it. The texture of the wafers and the cream can change significantly when frozen and thawed, resulting in a less enjoyable dessert.
Add toppings just before serving: If you plan to garnish your pineapple icebox cake with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or other toppings, add them just before serving. This will prevent the toppings from sinking into the cake or becoming soggy in the fridge.