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If you love creamy, tropical desserts that require no baking, this pineapple lush is the perfect pick for summer gatherings. It layers a crisp coconut‑graham crust with tangy cream cheese filling, juicy pineapple and silky vanilla pudding, all topped with toasted coconut. Bright, fresh and effortlessly impressive, it brings a burst of island flavor to your table with minimal effort. Ideal for potlucks or relaxing at home, this lush-style dessert looks fancy but is amazingly easy to make.

A creamy summer dessert with a crumbly crust on a white plate, featuring flavors inspired by Hawaiian pineapple and coconut cake, with a pineapple slice in the background.

Pineapple lush is a no bake tropical dessert layering creamy filling, fresh pineapple and pudding over a coconut‑graham crust for effortless summer indulgence.

Also try pineapple upside down cupcakes, granola bars, berry parfait, buttercream sandwich cookies, and cherry cheesecake icebox cake.

A fork holds a bite of creamy summer dessert with crust and pineapple, above a white plate—perfect as a no bake cake recipe for your next summer BBQ.

Why You’ll Love It

No bake ease: Perfect for hot days since there is no baking involved,
Tropical flavor: Pineapple, coconut and vanilla pudding create a bright island taste.
Impressive presentation: Layers look stunning in a glass dish without fuss.
Make‑ahead ready: Chill time rewards you with crowd‑pleasing dessert.

A slice of creamy summer dessert, this Hawaiian pineapple and coconut cake is topped with whipped topping and toasted coconut, served on a white plate.

Coconut Pineapple Lush Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Graham crumbs: Form the base for a sturdy, buttery crust.
Shredded coconut: Adds chewy texture and tropical flavor to the crust.
Butter: Binds the crust and adds rich flavor.
Cream cheese: Creates the creamy cheesecake layer.
Icing sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture smoothly.
Lemon juice: Adds brightness and balances the richness.
Pineapple: Fresh and juicy, it gives a sweet, fruity burst.
Vanilla pudding mix: Adds a smooth, flavorful layer.
Coconut milk: Enhances the tropical flavor.
Whipping cream: Whips into soft peaks to lighten the filling.

Various bowls with butter, cream cheese, milk, shredded coconut, crushed pineapple, graham crumbs, and a lemon—perfect ingredients for a creamy summer dessert like a Hawaiian pineapple and coconut cake.

How to Make Tropical Pineapple Lush

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Make the pudding: Prepare the vanilla pudding according to package instructions and set aside.
Make the crust: Combine graham crumbs, shredded coconut and melted butter, then press into a baking dish and refrigerate.
Mix the filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth, then mix in icing sugar and lemon juice until well combined.
Whip the cream: Beat whipping cream until soft peaks form, add coconut milk and beat to stiff peaks.
Fold and layer: Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture. Layer pineapple chunks on the crust, then add half the cheesecake mix, the pudding and the rest of the cheesecake mix.
Chill and top: Chill in the refrigerator to set. Toast additional coconut and sprinkle on top before serving.

A fork cutting into a creamy, coconut-topped Hawaiian pineapple and coconut cake makes this dessert perfect for a summer BBQ.

Substitutions and Variations

Use canned pineapple: If fresh pineapple isn’t available, use canned chunks, well-drained.
Swap pudding flavor: Try coconut or banana pudding instead of vanilla for a twist.
Make it gluten free: Use gluten free graham-style crumbs for the crust.

A close-up of a creamy lemon dessert bar with a crumbly crust and whipped topping—an irresistible creamy summer dessert that’s perfect for warm days.

Serving Suggestions

Appetizers: Start your delicious meal with spicy Thai basil chicken skewers or perhaps some flank steak tacos.
Main dishes: Next up, enjoy Caprese pasta salad or perhaps some honey ginger chicken with hibachi noodles.
Dessert: Finish off with this delicious pineapple lush.

A creamy summer dessert with a crumbly crust and pineapple filling, pineapple lush is topped with whipped cream and toasted coconut—perfect as a dessert for a summer BBQ.

How to Store Pineapple Lush

Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eat within 4 to 5 days.
Freeze: I don’t recommend freezing this dessert because the texture will break down.

A slice of creamy summer dessert topped with whipped cream and toasted coconut on a white plate with pineapple wedges—a perfect no bake cake recipe for a summer BBQ.

Top Tips

Use room temperature cream cheese: This ensures a smooth, lump-free filling.
Chill each layer briefly: A few minutes in the fridge between layers helps keep things tidy.
Toast the coconut last minute: This keeps it crunchy and aromatic for serving.

A creamy pie with a crumbly crust, topped with toasted coconut and a hint of pineapple lush—perfect as a dessert for a summer BBQ, with a slice already removed to tempt your guests.

Layered Pineapple Lush Dessert FAQs

What is a lush?

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.

Does it need to set overnight?

No, a few hours in the fridge is enough, but overnight does help it slice better.

Can I make this in a larger pan?

Yes, double the recipe for a 9 x 13-inch pan and adjust the layering.

A slice of creamy summer dessert—Hawaiian pineapple and coconut cake—topped with whipped cream and toasted coconut, served alongside pineapple slices on a white plate.

No Bake Coconut Pineapple Lush Cake Recipe

A creamy pineapple lush dessert with a crumbly crust and coconut flakes on a white plate—an easy no bake cake recipe perfect as a dessert for a summer BBQ.
Print
5 from 6 votes

Pineapple Lush

By: Bella Bucchiotti
This no bake pineapple lush cake is creamy, cool and perfect for hot weather. With its tropical pineapple and coconut flavors, it’s the kind of dessert that feels like a vacation. Make it ahead for stress-free entertaining.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Refrigerate to Set: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 16

Equipment

Ingredients 

For the Crust

  • 1 ½ Cups graham crumbs
  • ½ Cup shredded coconut, unsweetened
  • ¼ Cup butter, melted

For the 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
  • ½ 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-inch square 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 2 hours to set. 
  • When ready to serve, toast ½ cup shredded or flaked coconut and sprinkle on top. 

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese: This ensures a smooth, lump-free filling.
Chill each layer briefly: A few minutes in the fridge between layers helps keep things tidy.
Toast the coconut last minute: This keeps it crunchy and aromatic for serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 221kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 155mg | Potassium: 89mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 423IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 1mg
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Various bowls with butter, cream cheese, milk, shredded coconut, crushed pineapple, graham crumbs, and a lemon—perfect ingredients for a creamy summer dessert like a Hawaiian pineapple and coconut cake.
A metal mixing bowl with milk and a mound of white powder on a light surface, next to a towel—perfect for whipping up a creamy summer dessert like pineapple lush, an ideal dessert for a summer BBQ.
A bowl of creamy yellow custard sits on a striped kitchen towel, making a perfect dessert for a summer BBQ.
White bowl with shredded coconut, graham cracker crumbs, and melted butter next to a blue baking dish—perfect ingredients for a no bake cake recipe like pineapple lush, an ideal dessert for a summer BBQ.
A square baking dish with a crumbly, golden crust—this pineapple lush dessert sits atop a white and yellow checkered cloth, ready to impress lovers of Hawaiian pineapple and coconut cake.
A stand mixer with whipped cream on the whisk attachment above a bowl of more whipped cream—perfect for topping a creamy summer dessert or your favorite no bake cake recipe.
A creamy summer dessert, this pineapple lush features a square graham crust topped with pineapple pieces and white cream, served on a yellow-checkered towel—perfect as a dessert for a summer BBQ.
A square dish of pineapple lush, topped with shredded coconut, sits on a yellow and white checkered cloth—perfect as a creamy summer dessert for a BBQ.
Nine frosted Hawaiian pineapple and coconut cake bars, topped with coconut flakes, arranged on a cloth with pineapple slices nearby.

This pineapple lush cake is a crowd-pleasing dessert that checks every box for summer parties, barbecues and potlucks. It’s creamy, cool and layered with tropical flavor, yet easy enough for any home baker to pull off. Whether you serve it after a casual dinner or as part of a big spread, this no bake treat will always be a hit. The balance of fresh fruit, smooth filling and crunchy coconut crust makes every bite of this pineapple coconut dessert absolutely irresistible.

Other Recipe to Try

A fork holds a bite of coconut pineapple no-bake lush cake with creamy and crumbly layers—an irresistible dessert for a summer BBQ.
A slice of Hawaiian pineapple and coconut cake with layers, served on a white plate with pineapple slices—a creamy summer dessert perfect for any occasion.
Bella Bucchiotti

Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.

 

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Recipe Rating




5 from 6 votes (5 ratings without comment)

2 Comments