Looking for a sweet treat that takes only minutes to make and tastes like a vacation in a bowl? Meet your new favorite: the Easy Pineapple Dessert. With just three ingredients—and no baking required—this recipe is the perfect fix for busy days, surprise guests, or those times when your sweet tooth just won’t wait.

Light, fruity, and oh-so-refreshing, this dish is equal parts creamy and tropical, making it ideal for spring and summer gatherings. Whether served solo in a parfait glass or spooned over cake, this simple dessert feels both comforting and indulgent.

🍍 Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Dessert

✅ Only 3 ingredients
✅ No baking or cooking required
✅ Quick to prepare – ready in under 5 minutes (plus chill time)
✅ Kid- and adult-approved
✅ Perfect for last-minute gatherings or easy weeknight treats

This is the kind of dessert your guests will beg you for the recipe—only for them to be amazed when they find out how easy it really is.

🛒 Ingredients – What You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this sunshine-in-a-bowl dessert:

1 can (20 oz.) crushed pineapple in juice, undrained
1 package (3.4 oz.) vanilla flavor instant pudding mix
1 cup thawed whipped topping (like Cool Whip)

📝 Tip: Make sure the whipped topping is fully thawed before mixing for the best texture.

👩‍🍳 Instructions – Simple as Stir, Chill, Serve

No fancy tools, no baking, and hardly any cleanup. Here’s how to make this Easy Pineapple Dessert:

Mix the pineapple and dry pudding mix in a medium bowl. Make sure to include the juice from the can—this activates the pudding mix.
Gently fold in the whipped topping until fully combined and smooth.
Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving to allow it to chill and thicken.

🕒 Recipe Snapshot

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Skill Level: Super easy

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This dessert is incredibly versatile. Try serving it in:

Parfait glasses for a pretty individual serving
Mini dessert cups for parties and potlucks
Over angel food cake or pound cake
As a dip with vanilla wafers or graham crackers
Topped with toasted coconut or chopped nuts

🔁 Variations to Try

Once you fall in love with the original, try mixing it up with these fun additions:

Tropical Twist: Add shredded coconut and chopped mango or mandarin oranges
Creamy Crunch: Fold in mini marshmallows, chopped pecans, or granola
Pineapple Cream Pie Filling: Use as the filling for a graham cracker crust and top with extra whipped topping
Layered Trifle: Alternate with layers of vanilla cake and fresh berries

🍌 Try it with a banana slice topping for a creamy fruit parfait vibe.

🧊 Storage Tips

This dessert stores well for a few days, making it great for meal prep or leftovers.

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days
Do not freeze: Freezing can alter the texture of the pudding and whipped topping

💬 Real-Life Praise

“This is my go-to dessert when I need something fast and delicious. Everyone always asks for the recipe!”
— Shelby H.

“I added some coconut and marshmallows, and it tasted like a tropical ambrosia salad. So good!”
— Trina G.

“We spooned it over shortbread cookies for a quick pineapple cream tart—amazing!”
— Mason R.

📌 Final Thoughts – A Tropical Treat in Every Spoonful

If you love recipes that are easy, crowd-pleasing, and quick to whip up, this Easy Pineapple Dessert is sure to become one of your go-to favorites. Whether you’re trying to beat the summer heat or just want something light after dinner, it delivers fruity flavor and creamy texture without the fuss.

So grab a can of pineapple and a box of pudding—dessert is served.