Creamy, fruity, and utterly irresistible, this No-Bake Cream Cheese Dessert is the kind of treat that makes summer gatherings feel effortless and special. Imagine a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a pineapple-sweetened cream cheese layer, a neat row of bananas and fresh strawberry slices, and a cloud of whipped cream — finished with chopped walnuts, a drizzle of chocolate, and a maraschino cherry on each slice. Fun fact: many no-bake desserts were born from midcentury convenience cooking, when busy cooks wanted show-stopping results with minimal oven time. If you love easy chilled desserts, you might also enjoy the bright flavors in this No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake. Simple, quick, and family-friendly, this recipe is perfect for potlucks, weeknight treats, or lazy Sunday desserts — and I can’t wait for you to try it!
What is No-Bake Cream Cheese Dessert?
What’s in a name? No-Bake Cream Cheese Dessert sounds like a promise: no oven, lots of flavor, and a creamy payoff. Who named it — a dessert genius or a tired parent? Either way, the recipe’s charm is in its easy assembly and fruity layers that feel indulgent without fussy baking. Why might it be called this way? Maybe because the cream cheese filling is the star and it’s assembled, not baked — and because sometimes “no-bake” just sounds like permission to relax. After all, they say “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” So why not win everyone over with this chilled, crowd-pleasing dessert? Give it a try and see how fast it disappears.
Why You’ll Love This
- Creamy and refreshing: The smooth cream cheese layer paired with juicy pineapple and fresh fruit provides a wonderful contrast of creaminess and brightness that keeps every bite interesting.
- Budget-friendly: Making this at home saves money compared with store-bought desserts, and a single tray serves a crowd — perfect for family gatherings or feeding unexpected guests.
- Versatile toppings: From chopped nuts and chocolate drizzle to extra fruit or a sprinkle of toasted coconut, the topping options let you customize flavor and texture to suit your taste.
If you enjoy cream-cheese-forward desserts, check out this gorgeous Apple Cream Cheese Bundt Cake with Caramel Pecan Topping for a baked alternative that highlights similar flavors in a different format. Ready to make it? Let’s get to the simple steps.
How to Make
Quick Overview
This dessert is straightforward: make a buttery graham cracker crust, whip up a sweetened cream cheese mixture with crushed pineapple, layer on fruit, and finish with softly whipped cream. It’s easy to prepare, delightfully creamy, and chilled until ready to serve. Prep time is about 25 minutes, plus at least 2 hours chilling time for the best sliceability.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10-12 full crackers crushed)
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar (for the crust)
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 8 ounces can crushed pineapple, drained well
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar (for the cream cheese filling)
- 16 ounces strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 3 bananas, sliced
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
- 0.5 cup powdered sugar (for whipping)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Place a medium mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10–15 minutes to chill; cold tools help the cream whip faster.
- In a small mixing bowl, stir together 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs and 0.25 cup granulated sugar. Pour in 0.5 cup melted unsalted butter and stir until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even crust. Place the dish in the refrigerator or freezer to help the crust set while you prepare the filling.
- In a mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to combine 16 ounces softened cream cheese, the drained 8 ounces crushed pineapple, and 0.25 cup granulated sugar. Beat until smooth and well combined, scraping the bowl as needed. Remove the baking dish from the freezer and spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
- Arrange the banana slices evenly in a single layer on top of the cream cheese mixture. Place a strawberry slice on top of each banana slice, creating a neat fruit layer.
- Remove the chilled mixing bowl and beaters from the freezer. Pour in 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream, 0.5 cup powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high until soft peaks form — take care not to overbeat. Spread the whipped cream gently over the strawberry and banana layer to create a smooth top.
- Chill the assembled dessert in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until firm. Chilling helps the layers set so the dessert slices cleanly.
- Before serving, sprinkle the top with chopped walnuts, drizzle with chocolate sauce, and place a maraschino cherry on each individual serving. Additional banana slices and strawberry slices can be used as extra garnishes if desired.
What to Serve With
- Fresh fruit salad for an extra refreshing contrast.
- Iced coffee or iced tea to balance the sweetness.
- A light green salad with a citrus vinaigrette if serving as part of a luncheon.
- For an indulgent pairing, serve with a small scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream.
Top Tips for Perfecting
- Substitute crushed graham crackers with digestive biscuits or shortbread crumbs for a different flavor base.
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the filling — leave at room temperature for 30–60 minutes.
- Drain crushed pineapple thoroughly; excess juice can make the filling runny.
- If you prefer a firmer set, chill overnight. If short on time, freeze for 30 minutes after assembly, then transfer to refrigerator.
- Avoid overwhipping the cream — stop when soft peaks hold but the cream is still glossy to keep it light and spreadable.
For another cream-cheese-rich dessert that’s baked and equally satisfying, you might like the texture contrast in this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crust will soften slightly but the flavors improve after a few hours.
- Freezing: You can freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Note that fresh fruit may become softer after freezing.
- Reheating: This is a chilled dessert and should be served cold; do not reheat. To restore a light texture if the whipped cream becomes slightly deflated, briefly re-whip a small batch of cream and spread a thin layer on top before serving.
FAQs
How long does this dessert need to chill before serving?
Chill for at least 2 hours to allow the layers to set well. For the best texture and easier slicing, chilling overnight is ideal.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned crushed pineapple?
Yes. Use finely chopped fresh pineapple and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess juice before folding into the cream cheese.
Can I make this ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely. Assemble the dessert a day ahead, keep it covered in the refrigerator, and add the chopped walnuts, chocolate drizzle, and cherries just before serving for maximum freshness.
What can I use instead of graham cracker crumbs?
Digestive biscuits, crushed vanilla wafers, or crushed shortbread make great alternatives and change the flavor profile subtly.
Is there a dairy-free version of this dessert?
You can substitute a dairy-free cream cheese and use coconut cream whipped with powdered sugar and vanilla. Note that texture and flavor will be different from the original.
Conclusion
This No-Bake Cream Cheese Dessert is an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that delivers creamy texture, bright fruit flavor, and nostalgic charm with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy cooks wanting big flavor without turning on the oven, and it’s highly adaptable to what you have on hand. If you enjoy mastering no-bake favorites, this recipe pairs well with classic techniques in other no-bake cheesecakes — for inspiration, check out Sally’s Baking perfect no-bake cheesecake recipe for a gently different take on chilled cream cheese desserts. Give this recipe a try, share it with family and friends, and enjoy every creamy, fruity bite.
No-Bake Cream Cheese Dessert
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- 9x13-inch Baking Dish
- Hand Mixer
Ingredients
Crust Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Graham cracker crumbs (about 10-12 full crackers crushed)
- 0.5 cup Unsalted butter melted
- 0.25 cup Granulated sugar for the crust
Filling Ingredients
- 16 ounces Cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 8 ounces Crushed pineapple drained well
- 0.25 cup Granulated sugar for the cream cheese filling
- 16 ounces Strawberries hulled and sliced
- 3 pieces Bananas sliced
- 2 cups Heavy whipping cream cold
- 0.5 cup Powdered sugar for whipping
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Place a medium mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10–15 minutes to chill; cold tools help the cream whip faster.
- In a small mixing bowl, stir together 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs and 0.25 cup granulated sugar. Pour in 0.5 cup melted unsalted butter and stir until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even crust. Place the dish in the refrigerator or freezer to help the crust set while you prepare the filling.
- In a mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to combine 16 ounces softened cream cheese, the drained 8 ounces crushed pineapple, and 0.25 cup granulated sugar. Beat until smooth and well combined, scraping the bowl as needed. Remove the baking dish from the freezer and spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
- Arrange the banana slices evenly in a single layer on top of the cream cheese mixture. Place a strawberry slice on top of each banana slice, creating a neat fruit layer.
- Remove the chilled mixing bowl and beaters from the freezer. Pour in 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream, 0.5 cup powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high until soft peaks form — take care not to overbeat. Spread the whipped cream gently over the strawberry and banana layer to create a smooth top.
- Chill the assembled dessert in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until firm. Chilling helps the layers set so the dessert slices cleanly.
- Before serving, sprinkle the top with chopped walnuts, drizzle with chocolate sauce, and place a maraschino cherry on each individual serving. Additional banana slices and strawberry slices can be used as extra garnishes if desired.
