Creamy Pineapple Dessert (No Gelatin)
This Creamy Pineapple Dessert Without Gelatin is a light, smooth, and refreshing treat made with simple pantry ingredients. Sweet crushed pineapple is folded into a creamy base and chilled until perfectly set—no gelatin needed. The result is a nostalgic, old-fashioned dessert that’s fluffy, cool, and just sweet enough. It’s ideal for summer gatherings, Sunday dinners, or anytime you want something easy and comforting.
Ingredients
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1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple (do not drain)
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3 tablespoons cornstarch
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3/4 cup granulated sugar
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1 cup whole milk
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold)
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Optional garnish: toasted coconut, maraschino cherries, or graham cracker crumbs
Equipment
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Medium saucepan
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Whisk
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Mixing bowls
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Hand mixer or stand mixer
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Rubber spatula
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Serving dish or individual dessert cups
Prep Time
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Active prep: 15 minutes
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Cooking: 10 minutes
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Chilling: 2 hours
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Total time: ~2 hours 25 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pineapple Base
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In a medium saucepan, combine the crushed pineapple with its juice, granulated sugar, and cornstarch.
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Whisk well until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
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Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly.
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Slowly add the milk while stirring.
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Cook for 8–10 minutes, until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency.
Tip: Keep stirring to prevent scorching. The mixture should coat the back of a spoon when ready.
Step 2: Cool the Mixture
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Remove the saucepan from heat.
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Stir in the vanilla extract.
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Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let it cool to room temperature (about 20–30 minutes).
Important: The mixture must be cool before adding whipped cream or it will melt and lose volume.
Step 3: Whip the Cream
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In a cold mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
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Do not overbeat—stop as soon as the cream holds its shape but remains smooth.
Step 4: Fold Everything Together
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Gently fold the cooled pineapple mixture into the whipped cream using a spatula.
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Fold slowly to keep the dessert light and fluffy.
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Continue until fully combined and no streaks remain.
Step 5: Chill and Set
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Spoon the mixture into a serving dish or individual dessert cups.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully chilled and set.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve plain for a classic, creamy dessert
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Top with toasted coconut for texture
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Add graham cracker crumbs for a pie-like feel
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Garnish with cherries or fresh pineapple for color
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Spoon into a graham cracker crust for a no-bake pineapple cream pie
Storage
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Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
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Do not freeze—freezing will affect the texture
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Stir gently before serving leftovers if needed
Tips for Success
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Do Not Drain Pineapple: The juice is essential for flavor and thickening.
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Cornstarch Is the Secret: It replaces gelatin and creates a silky, custard-style base.
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Cool Completely: Warm filling will deflate the whipped cream.
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Fold Gently: This keeps the dessert light and airy.
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Make Ahead: This dessert tastes even better after chilling overnight.
Easy Variations
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Coconut Pineapple: Replace 1/4 cup milk with coconut milk
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Pineapple Cream Pie: Pour into a graham cracker crust
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Pineapple Orange: Add 2 tablespoons orange juice to the base
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Lighter Version: Use whipped topping instead of heavy cream
This Creamy Pineapple Dessert Without Gelatin is smooth, refreshing, and wonderfully old-fashioned. It’s proof that you don’t need gelatin to make a dessert set beautifully. Every spoonful delivers sweet pineapple flavor balanced with rich creaminess, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Perfect for family dinners, church potlucks, summer cookouts, or anytime you want a simple, comforting dessert that feels homemade and special.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: ~2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6–8