Sweet, exotic and tropical, this coconut pineapple lush cake is to die for! It’s a Hawaiian pineapple and coconut cake, also known as pina colada lush, which is easy to make and so tasty. Although this creamy summer dessert is sometimes made with a baked pastry crust, this recipe requires no baking at all. A no bake cake recipe is always a winner during the warmer months! Make this coconut pineapple dessert for a summer BBQ and it will be a hit.
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With its creamy layers, juicy chunks of pineapple, and a crunchy graham cracker crust, this dessert is a slice of sunshine on a plate. Whether you’re planning a summer barbecue or just craving a sweet escape, this pineapple coconut lush is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
This layered lush dessert is luscious and rich. Make it for your church or neighbourhood potluck, your friends at the office, your girlfriends on movie night, or whenever you crave it. It’s also an idea dessert for a summer BBQ. There are so many occasions this coconut pineapple lush cake would be great for, so worry about that afterwards. For now, just make it! It will disappear fast at any gathering.
Coconut Pineapple Lush Ingredients
The crust is made with graham crumbs, shredded coconut and melted butter. I used sweetened shredded coconut (not the unsweetened kind) because there’s no added sugar in the crust. The filling has icing sugar, cream cheese, pineapple, and lemon.
You will also need vanilla pudding mix for this creamy summer dessert as well as cold mix to make up the pudding. Coconut milk and whipping cream are the last ingredients. You can also decorate this layered lush dessert with maraschino cherries if you want.
How to Prepare the Pineapple Lush Dessert
I love no-bake dessert recipes, whether they’re cheesecakes, jello parfait cups or ice cream cone cannolis. They’re so quick and easy to throw together and perfect when the weather is warm and you don’t want the oven heating up the kitchen.
This coconut pineapple lush cake is a favourite of mine because it’s quick and simple. The perfect dessert for a summer BBQ or any kind of get-together, even someone who doesn’t make desserts will find this a breeze. After combining the graham cracker crumbs, coconut and butter, you will press the mixture into a dish. Pop it in the refrigerator so it can set firmly.
Meanwhile, beat the cream cheese and icing sugar for this coconut pineapple lush cake. Add the lemon juice too. Let this mixture firm up in the refrigerator.
Now you can beat the heavy cream and coconut milk and then fold this into the cream cheese mixture. Use a wide metal spoon to ‘fold’ it in, not an electric whisk. The pineapple chunks decorate the crust of this no-bake cake recipe creating the pineapple layer and then you can spoon in the vanilla pudding and then the creamy filling.
Let this layered lush dessert set for at least 2 hours. I often make it a day ahead and keep it refrigerated until I’m ready to serve it. If you want a dessert for a summer BBQ that’s good to make ahead, this one definitely is.
Variations for this Creamy Summer Dessert
This Hawaiian pineapple and coconut cake is amazing just as it is. That doesn’t mean you can’t have fun experimenting with the ingredients though! You can use a different flavour pudding instead of vanilla if you want, add some fresh berries or even some melted white chocolate chips to the graham cracker crust. You could even make the crust from shortbread cookies instead of graham crackers.
You could use Cool Whip instead of fresh whipped cream if you prefer. Try making this with coconut cream instant pudding if you can’t get enough coconut flavour! Homemade coconut custard is another option. Oh and why not add a splash of Malibu or dark rum to the filling too?
Use either canned pineapple (without pineapple juice) or fresh pineapple in this coconut pineapple lush cake. Either way, press it between paper towels to get most of the liquid off. If it’s too wet it can make the crust a little soggy. I love fresh pineapple but if you can’t get it then simply open a can.
Decorate this pineapple lush dessert recipe with your choice of chopped nuts, shredded coconut, maraschino cherries, or some chopped or crushed pineapple.
Creamy Dreamy Perfection!
Whether you are looking for a creamy summer dessert the kids will love or dessert for a summer BBQ, this layered lush dessert with a whipped topping is always great.
It’s super-easy to throw together this no bake pineapple lush dessert with coconut and you can even make it ahead. It boasts all the wonderful tropical flavours of a Hawaiian vacation without you even having to leave home. Just close your eyes and imagine you’re on a sun-kissed Hawaiian beach eating this!
Layered Pineapple Lush Dessert FAQs
A lush (sometimes known as a dessert lasagna) is a layered dessert that has a graham cracker or cookie crust and then has a layer of cheesecake mousse or pudding, and whipped cream. Some recipes, like this coconut pineapple lush, will include fruit. Lush desserts are no bake, perfect for a pot luck, can be made ahead and easy to transport.
No Bake Coconut Pineapple Lush Cake Recipe
No Bake Tropical Coconut Pineapple Lush Cake
Ingredients
crust
- 1 1/2 Cup graham crumbs
- 1/2 Cup shredded coconut unsweetened
- 1/4 Cup butter melted
- 1 Tablespoon butter
topping
- 8 Ounces cream cheese
- 1 Cup icing sugar
- 1 Teaspoon Lemon juice
- 1 Cup pineapple fresh, cut into chunks
- 1 Box vanilla pudding mix 4 serving size box, plus milk amount as per box
- 1/2 Cup coconut milk
- 1 Cup whipping cream
Instructions
- Make pudding according to package. Set aside.
- Add graham crumbs, shredded coconut, and melted butter to a mixing bowl. Combine and pour into an 8×8 baking dish. Pat down and place in refrigerator.
- With an electric mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add icing sugar and beat again until any lumps are gone. Add lemon juice and mix again. Place in refrigerator to set.
- Beat heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add coconut milk and beat again until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold whipped cream mixture into cream cheese mixture.
- Place pineapple chunks onto crust. Add half the cheesecake mixture on top and spread evening. Add pudding and spread evenly. Pour remaining cheesecake mixture over top. Place in fridge for at least two hours to set.
- When ready to serve, toast 1/2 cup shredded or flaked coconut and sprinkle on top.
Nutrition
The nutrition information provided are only estimates based on an online nutritional calculator. I am not a certified nutritionist. Please consult a professional nutritionist or doctor for accurate information and any dietary restrictions and concerns you may have.
So the next time you are in the mood for a taste of the tropics and you want a dessert like a pina colada, consider this pineapple coconut dessert. You can’t go wrong with this layered pina colada dessert recipe! The Hawaiian pineapple and coconut flavours are so good – you will want to make this again for sure! This will become one of your favourite no bake desserts!
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Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a storyteller, food lover, dog mom and adventure seeker living on the Pacific coast. She shares her passion for food, dogs, fitness, adventures, travel and philanthropy, in hopes of encouraging followers to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places and stand for a cause. Bella lives with Type 1 Diabetes and Celiac Disease.
Yum! This looks so tasty!