Exquisite Pineapple Delight is a tropical-inspired dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent. It combines the natural sweetness of pineapple with creamy, velvety layers and a touch of elegance. This dessert is perfect for summer gatherings, special occasions, or whenever you’re in the mood for a light yet luxurious treat. Here’s a recipe that will make your taste buds sing!
Exquisite Pineapple Delight Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Pineapple Layer:
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained (reserve juice)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Creamy Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
For the Garnish:
- Fresh pineapple slices (or chunks)
- Toasted coconut flakes (optional)
- Mint leaves (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until all crumbs are moistened.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan or pie dish to form an even layer.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Let it cool completely while you prepare the rest of the dessert.
2. Prepare the Pineapple Layer:
- In a saucepan, combine the drained crushed pineapple, lemon juice, cornstarch, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes a syrupy consistency (about 3-5 minutes). Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
3. Prepare the Creamy Layer:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and well combined.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk and mix until fully incorporated.
4. Assemble the Dessert:
- Once the crust has cooled, spread the creamy layer evenly over the graham cracker crust.
- Spoon the cooled pineapple mixture over the creamy layer and spread it gently to cover evenly.
5. Chill:
- Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 3-4 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to set.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Before serving, garnish with fresh pineapple slices or chunks, toasted coconut flakes, and mint leaves for an extra touch of elegance.
Why It’s Exquisite:
- The graham cracker crust adds a crunchy, buttery foundation.
- The pineapple layer is sweet, tangy, and refreshing with a beautiful syrupy finish, perfectly balancing the richness of the creamy layer.
- The creamy layer is velvety smooth, thanks to the combination of cream cheese, heavy cream, and condensed milk, providing a luscious contrast to the tangy pineapple.
- The garnishes bring a pop of color and a burst of tropical flavor to each bite.
This Exquisite Pineapple Delight is an absolute showstopper. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday, a dinner party, or just as a treat for yourself, this dessert is sure to impress with its tropical flavors and creamy texture!
