Easy Pineapple Dessert Comes Together with 3 Ingredients
This is the easiest pineapple dessert recipe you'll find anywhere. Easy pineapple dessert has been one of the most popular desserts on my blog to date due to its simplicity and amazing taste. It's 2024 and this is still the very top recipe year after year. This post may contain affiliate links.
I can admit it, I'd eat dessert all day if I could pull it off. I've been in a fruity mood lately, so this is the perfect hack.
This easy pineapple dessert comes together with just three simple ingredients. Yes…just three.
Along with being so easy to throw together, it packs a yummy and surprising punch!
Last spring I made this Pineapple Lush Cake which blew my mind. So easy to make and the filling?
Well, that's what completely inspired this dessert idea.
Crushed pineapple is the star player in this simple treat.
EASY PINEAPPLE DESSERT
The extra juices in this simple recipe soak up vanilla instant pudding mix and when combined with whipped topping (Cool Whip) comes together into a very tasty and satisfying dessert.
Until I made this recipe, I never realized just how delicious a canned pineapple dessert could truly be.
All of these flavors just work so well together and you get to skip the mess of cutting up a fresh pineapple.
INGREDIENTS
Optional: Maraschino Cherries
SUPPLIES
I served this up in mini parfait cups that are perfect for just that little sweet bite every once and awhile.
Adding mini spoons is super fun, too. Yum!
Top with dollop of canned whipped cream and a cherry for a little added flair.
EASY PINEAPPLE DESSERT INGREDIENTS
- Crushed Pineapple in Juice, undrained - The simple yet delicious recipe will take you to the tropics! With a can of crushed pineapple on your shelf, get ready for your next impromptu party or barbecue.
- Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding, dry - This ingredient, used in many dessert recipes, provides the perfect vanilla flavor that is truly delicious and appetizing. Try adding it to your next boxed cake mix.
- Whipped Topping, thawed - make your favorite desserts even sweeter. Whether it's ice cream, cake, or cupcakes - every dessert is a better with some of this on the side.
This simple recipe is easily the best pineapple dessert with cool whip that I've ever made. So simple and easy but so delicious.
Easy Pineapple Dessert
Easy Pineapple Dessert with 3 Ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 can (20 oz.) Crushed Pineapple in Juice, undrained
- 1 pkg. (3.4 oz.) Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding
- 1 cup thawed Whipped Topping
Instructions
- Mix pineapple and dry pudding mix. Gently stir in whipped topping. Refrigerate for an hour before serving.
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Nutrition Information
Yield 6 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 100Total Fat 4gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 1mgSodium 95mgCarbohydrates 16gFiber 1gSugar 10gProtein 1g
This nutritional information is for reference only. We are not responsible for these calculations.
PINEAPPLE DESSERTS WITH COOL WHIP
If you like this quick dessert, check out:
You might like this blueberry version, too.
MORE NO BAKE DESSERT IDEAS
We've got some more recipes for you below. No bake recipes are a lifesaver on those days when your kitchen is hot or the power is out!
No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake
You can create a delicious dessert with just 3 ingredients in minutes! It's so easy to make these pineapple bars that you'll never want to buy one from the store again. They're easy to find, too.
Whip up this recipe for your next party or potluck dinner and see how quickly it disappears 🙂
Are you a dessert person?
What are your easy quick fix sweet recipes?
Do I need to prepare the pudding mix from the directions before I add it into this recipe?
Can you make this a day ahead? Iam thinking of making this as a desert shooter but layering cake in between.
Hiya! Yes, you absolutely can do that! 😉
Tried the pineapple version...fabulous AND easy!!!
All I can say is, Yummmm!! Delicious!!!
Made this with a cup of Cool Whip. Loved the idea of this, but it was way too sweet for my liking. Did I misread the directions? Was I supposed to use 8 oz of Cool Whip, not a measured cup?
@Jeannine, it says 1 cup cool whip but video shows more than a cup
Hi, I'm in Australia and would like to know what I can use instead of whipped topping, (cool whip), as I have never seen it here. I don't think it is available.
@Francesca, I would just use real whipped cream. I never use Cool
Whip because it’s full of nothing but chemicals! Yuck!
@Francesca, or you could try Mascarpone cheese, but I'd either thin it with whipped cream or just whip it really well. Maybe whip the cheese see the consistence then add some 35% cream and whip again.
@Meredith, Cool Whip is mainly water, oil, and sugars with texturers and stabilizers. Commercial whipped cream is also loaded with stabilizers which makes it equivalent to Cool Whip for the purpose of this recipe. You also get the benefits of a dairy (vitamins and calcium) while Cool whip is made with saturated oil like palm oil with almost no nutritional benefits. Cool Whip is also usually 50% costlier by weight and as it contains some milk derivatives, it is not suitable for a dairy-free regimen. I will stick with the good old whipped cream.
When you say 1 cup cool whip, is that literally 1 C or an 8 oz container?
Yummy!!! This pineapple dessert was just as it said, “easy”, and very tasty as well! My bunch loved it! I added a bit more cool whip just to make it fluffier. Next time I’m making it & putting in a graham cracker pie crust (Yummy again)! Can’t wait to try the recipe using mandarin oranges.
Can this be made the day before?
Can I substitute pineapple tidbits for crushed
@Susie, No, you must use crushed pineapple always!!
Can this be converted to sugar free pudding and if so, what equivalent?
Years ago my Aunt Marion shared her recipe for Pineapple Dream Pie; knowing my love of pineapple …
Small can of crushed pineapple ( drained); box ( 3ounce, small one) of instant vanilla pudding ( I sometimes sub
it with the French vanilla) and a small ( 8 ounce) of coolwhip; then once all mixed put it into a graham cracker crust and can top with more coolwhip & pineapple when served…
@Bernice Faloon,
That’s exactly what I was thinking. Adding some graham crackers crumbs to the bottom. That might be tasty!!
Bake a yellow cake in a sheet pan. Top with this and cut into 3x3 squares.
Fantastic for a potluck. I double the recipe so there is a nice thick pudding layer and top with shredded coconut and a cherry and mint leaf centered in each square
I made for Super Bowl party today! Huge hit. Sprinkled some shaved coconut on it. Will be making this regularly now. Might try as a pie filling too. Thanks!!!!!
I don’t have any small cups to put this dessert in. Can I just make it and put it in a bowl so everyone can just dish out what they want? Just for a small gathering .
Thanks
@Rita,
@Rita,
I use small throw away plastics clear
cups that way you can hold it then throw away cups no cleanup
@Rita, Absolutely not! You can never use your own head when you are cooking or baking!! You have to adhere to the recipe exactly as it is written. Serving it in a bowl? Why, that would be as-living, wouldn’t it? And we cadaver that, now can we?
Are you for real?
@Meredith, why the sarcasm? Rude
In Australia where I am we don't have cool whip, can I use whipped cream in place of it in this easy delicious dessert , it's sounds lovely 🌞🇦🇺
Hi there! Yes, you absolutely can! Let us know what you think. 🙌
I made this and we could not eat it was so so sweet, Why ! I did exactly what the recipe said
@Desley, did you use sweetened pineapple? If so, that may have done it.
This was a huge hit with family and friends. Such a quick, elegant dessert. I tried it out on my family then made it for the church bake sale. I love how it looks like it took a long time in those kettle cups. The whole thing took about 1/2 hour .
I changed the recipe a little. I put 2 cups of whipped cream in the pineapple one. In the mandarin orange on I used the large can of mandarin oranges, drained off some liquid, 2 boxes of pudding and 2 cups whipped cream. So, so good!!!!!
Hi there. I made this and absolutely loved it. Just a question though, do you think it’ll go well if I layer this on top of ladyfingers?
THANKS MIDS HAVE SOCCER ⚽ PRACTICE ITS A FALL DAY NOT HOT NOT COLD. BUT DRIZZLE - THIS WILL BE A PERFECT DESSERT FOR OUR 3 ENERGETIC GRAND KIDS
Can I use fresh pineapple?
Do you refrigerate the mixture first before putting in parfait cups.
@Denise,
@Denise, Yes that is how I do it.. it's important for all the juices to absorb. Hope that helps!
Tried this and served it in mini phylo pastry shells and it was awesome.
I would suggest trying to fold in some ground grains of paradise for the filling -- it would elevate a mini desert bite to the next level with a balance of sweetness and tangy, citrus spiciness
I want to make this dish for myself
Can you make this without the instant vanilla pudding?
can I use the cool whip frozen?
Can this recipe be used in a pie or will it not set up well enough?
@Donna Hetheriton, I tried this in a pre-made Graham Cracker pie crust. works fine
@Donna Hetheriton,
I used a baked pie shell, added just a tad more pudding mix (I buy my pudding mix at Bulk Barn) and it made an awesome pie! I added whipped cream to the top & garnished with fresh strawberries and it got absolute rave reviews.
Does this make 6 parfait cups ?
I make this with banana sugar free pudding mix, has more flavor, then use as topping for mandarin orange cake.
@Shirley shusta,
Wow I am sure it taste very delicious
makes great topping for mandarin orange cake. I use banana pudding mix for more flavor
I make it with coconut cream instant pudding mix, Pina' Colada. Yall
This sounds wonderful! I think I’m going to put it in mini jars with some no bake cheesecake filling in the bottom and see how that turns out.
My adult sons love this. I also took this recipe, took out pineapple and but in fresh strawberries mushed up, sooo good! Going to try peaches next. Thank you so much for such an easy, quick dessert.
How may parfait cups were you able to make out of one batch and what size cups did you use?
Do you think this could be frozen in individual servings cups?
@Sally, would you be eating them frozen or thawing out?
How far in advance can you make this????
@Judy, I'd say 2 days... hope that helps 😉
@dawn lopez, yes still good at 3 days! makes a lot
I'm gonna try this tonight but I love pistachio and am thinking of trying it with pistachio pudding instead.. im thinking it will be like Watergate salad stuff
I also use an angel food cake for this. Just slice the cake horizontally to make 3 sections. Put the mix in between each layer then finish off the top with the remainder.
Is the pineapple drained or is the juice incorporated into the measurement.
@Darlene, you incorporate the juice
Can you use prepared vanilla pudding
My mom used to make this 45+ years ago. She bought a store bought angel food cake, broke it into bite size pieces and added everything together. She added coconut to the mix and some macadamia nuts, chopped into it. The finished product was amazing, and she added more macadamia nuts to the top for additional appeal. I believe she got the recipe from a C & H sugar box and it was called "Aloha Hawaiian Dessert". It has been a family favorite recipe in my house for years! Thanks for giving us this amazing recipe and keep it up!
Do you have to use the whip cream?
It would be something completely different if you didn't.... not creamy.. and too sweet to handle.
Yummy!
Could pineapple and blueberry be mixed together?
Cool whip comes in 8 oz, a cup is 8 oz, so are you saying measure out an actual cup and not use the full 8 oz of cool whip?
Hi there. It is literally the one cup. An 8 ounce container of cool whip surprisingly has about 3 cups in it. Hope that helps.
Ooops, I used almost the whole tub! Oh well, I should have read the ingredient list more carefully, I saw the "1" and assumed it was the tub!!!! I'm guessing it will still taste great b/c I tasted a spoonful before chilling it an already liked it. Can't wait to have it later tonight. Made it super quick (last min., as I had the ingredients on hand) to bring to a friends for dessert tonight! (no parfait cups, but found a graham cracker pie crust on hand so spooned it in there and it's chilling as we speak. no idea how the crust will go with it but it seemed like a good idea; and easy to transport!)
Thanks for the recipe!
Can I substitute sugar free vanilla pudding and sugar free cool whip? Would I still use the same amounts? Sugar free pudding is a 1 ounce package verses the regular which is 3.4 ounces?
@Bama, why don’t u just use… the 8 oz of cool whip…
@Bama, It is literally the one cup. An 8 ounce container of cool whip surprisingly has about 3 cups in it. Hope that helps.
This turned out extremely delicious and is quick to make. I added half cup more of whipping cream by mistake and it tastes awesome!!! I made this for a birthday and this was a great hit with the adults!!!! I have made this four times already within a month and passed the recipe to atleast 10 people.😀
This is the frosting for my pig picking cake.
Hi!!!
Can this recipe be made the night before and served the next day in the afternoon?
Guidance would be extremely helpful.
Thank you
Absolutely, I believe it tastes even better that way! 😉
Made this am I’m having a little after lunch could not wait to try. Thank you for the suggestions on the ready whip cream, I used 1.5. Cups of ready whip. It’s so delicious and refreshing. I did use French vanilla pudding yum. I will use 2 cups next time. The color wasn’t as light as the picture.
Yay, I am SO glad you found a combo that worked for you! I am so glad you came back to share the results. That sounds AMAZING!!
How much of fresh whipping cream would I use instead of cool whip. Not a fan of cool whip. Definitely need to try this. Would I need to beat with electric mixer to equal the 1 cup of cool whip you mentioned?
I would try using 1 cup of the real prepared whipping cream - not in liquid form. Using a liquid in this recipe wouldn't have the same outcome. Hope that helps!
@Jodi, Yes, it would. I'd say about 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream with (optional) 1-2 teaspoons of powdered sugar. Whipped to firm peaks and folded into the pudding pineapple mixture.
How long will the dessert last in the refrigerator (left over)?Will the dessert get watery?
The good thing about this is that you can just remix it if it gets a little watery or separates. I would say that this would be best to be eaten within 4-5 days based on the ingredients, as long as it stays refrigerated. Hope that helps! .
I just made this recipe tonight and used a French vanilla pudding mix since I didnt read the box before I grabbed it from the store... its refrigerating as we speak, it tastes absolutely divine!
Ooh that twist sounds AMAZING!!!
I tried your recipe and it is awesome.
Thank you 😉
Love to make things ahead of time so that when the company arrives I can spend my time visiting instead of in the kitchen. How far ahead can this be prepared / how long will it keep in the fridge?
This is so easy to make and very tasty. The texture of the crushed pineapple mimics the shred of coconut, which adds to this dessert. This recipe makes a big bowl so it is a great recipe for a crowd. It is light and airy, a perfect dessert option for summer. This recipe is a keeper!
I found this recipe as a weight watchers recipe. It was with yogurt ,sugar free pistachio pudding , crushed pineapple in own juice and and sugar free cool whip
It was called green dreams
My son is diabetic and coming for Christmas can you give me the amount of yougurt, pudding, cool whip and pineapple? Thanks Sue
Is the nutrition information correct? Even with lower calories substitutions, I’m getting more than 100 calories per serving.
@April, yes me too more than what recipe states
Soooo good! I made it with sugar free instant vanilla pudding and fat free Cool Whip and it was amazing! I am gonna add some shredded coconut next. Thanks for a yummy treat!
Can you make it with prepared vanilla pudding
If I use sugar free pudding do just use 1 box with only 1.34 ounces?
I just made this...but only had chocolate instant pudding. I also added some crumbled up Oreo cookies...So Good!
I just made this with the pineapple but also added 1 can of drained mandarin oranges. Used the full cool whip! Delicious!
I made this tonight and it was delicious! I used sugar free cheesecake pudding instead because I didn’t have vanilla. I also added a little bit of coconut flakes. 😋
That sounds SO yummy! Love the idea of coconut flakes!
Hi Dawn, Just saw this recipe on pinterest today, and had to try it. Well It was an easy and very delicious dessert. I have been making recipes lately with 3 ingredients, mainly cakes or dessert. this was an excellent one. I will be making this one again for sure.. cheers
You can also put ingredients into pre made graham cracker piecrust for a delicious pie
What size whipped topping tub. My husband loves pineapple.
Thank you for getting back to me.
Sorry my daughter didn’t see it said 1 cup
Hi ... want to try this ... I am assuming you don't drain the pineapple?
Would it work the same with sugar free pudding mix?
I make it with yogurt and then the pudding and pineapple, it's amazing!!
Could you tell me if the carb information is correct in the nutrition information. 95mg of carbs just doesn’t sound right.
Jan, I think you misread the nutrition info.. The sodium is 95 mg and the carbs are 16 g.
I do this using banana cream pudding or coconut cream pudding. I put it in small graham cracker pie crusts. Everyone loves it.
I would like to know the nutritional values of this please????
I would add shredded toasted coconut and chopped pecans. Maybe put a bit of whipped cream and cherry on top. 😋
I make this and poke holes in a yellow cake pour on top yummy. My family loves it.
My daughter loves this! Me too!
Can I put it in a graham cracker pie crust?
Dawn, I made this beautiful pineapple dessert this evening and it was incredibly delicious! Yum. Yum. What a great pick-me-up during this stay-at-home time! Next week I'll be making this recipe again, but this time doubling it so I'll have enough to share with my parents.
I have a major obsession with whipped topping.... So yeah. This will definitely happen
My mother used to make something similar and of course we called it pineapple pudding. It was made just like banana pudding. We would layer vanilla wafers, pudding and then the crushed pineapple and repeat, then top with whipped cream. We made it in a 9 x 13 pan, not in parfait glasses. It was great. Nice memory, back in the 60’s
I'm thinking about crumbling graham cracker crumbs and mixing in to the pineapple and pudding and Cool whip do you think that would work
You might be better off sprinkling on top once it's ready to eat or making a crust for the bottom. I think it might absorb the liquid if you put it into the mixture. Let me know what you try and how it comes out!
I will try this. Looks so good
Thank you for the recipe. I whipped heavy whipping cream, used fresh pineapple, and added walnuts. So easy and fast to make. Thanks!
Heavy whipping cream how much would I use. Would prefer to use instead of cool whip too many chemicals. Thank you.
We use this as a frosting for the Pig-Pickin' Cake. It is also good to add a package of cream cheese to it.
Ooh! That sounds interesting! Will definitely have to try that!
What is a Pig-Pickin Cake?
Terri, you must be from North Carolina!! I haven’t heard of a pig picking cake since my mom and dad held actual pig pickings on my grandparents farm!! Would you share your recipe for the cake😋❤️
I'm going to make this tomorrow and was thinking of toasting coconut to sprinkle on top. I would add walnuts if I had some. Thanks for the recipe.
I am making this for a baby shower and wondering if this can be made up the night before and refrigerated, or does it become too watery?
Did you end up making this ahead of time? I am planning to do the same and wondering if it will hold.
Made this tonight with sugar free fat free pudding and it came out so great!
Thanks for the recipe
Oh yay, Cindy! I am SO glad to hear that the sugar free version worked for you! That sounds so perfect for a Saturday! Thanks for letting me know!
I used sugar free vanilla pudding mix and sugar free Cool Whip.
Pudding mix doesn't come in 3.5 package 1.5 largest.
Comes in 3.4 close enough.
clearly says 3.4 oz. on the package order link.
How much does this make?
Hi Natasha! This makes about 6 servings! Hope that helps!
Hub saw this months ago while I was browsing. He has not let up reminding me about it. Well, I figured Father's Day is a good time to make it.
It was a hit. I did modify a bit (cuz I just can't leave well-enough alone). First off, we don't use prepared whipped topping so I beat up some whipping cream instead. My guys have big appetites so I wanted to bulk it up a little. Since I had some pound cake on hand, I cubed it up and layered it parfait style with the pineapple dessert mix.
Well, let me simply say - IT WAS A HIT!
I will try the mandarin orange version next.
Oh I’m sooo glad that this was a hit! And I don’t blame you for wanting to make this a little extra something special! I can imagine how amazing this was with pound cake! My mouth is watering just thinking about it! Thank you so much for leaving a comment and letting me know your experience, you have no idea how much I appreciate the feedback! 😋
This looks good. How earlier in advance can you make it before it becomes too watery?
Can you repost the Pineapple Lush cake recipe again. I love pineapple and would love to try it. I also make the Easy Blueberry cake with the lemon frosting. It was a real big hit with my friends.
Hi Doris, here is the link to the cake recipe over here: https://cutefetti.com/2014/04/kraft-ing-an-easy-pineapple-lush-cake-recipe-for-spring.html
So glad you enjoyed the blueberry cake as well! That is one of my easy favorites! 😁