Jiffy Pineapple Dessert
A refreshing pineapple dessert with creamy cheese, tender cake, and fruity topping, perfect for summer gatherings or casual family treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Gradually add milk to softened cream cheese and blend until smooth.
- Add instant pudding mix to the cheese mixture and blend well.
- Refrigerate the mixture to thicken.
- Drain the crushed pineapple.
- Bake the yellow cake mix in a 9 x 13-inch pan at 350°F for 20 minutes or less, then let cool.
- Spread the vanilla-cheese pudding over the cooled cake.
- Sprinkle the drained pineapple over the pudding.
- Top with your desired topping, refrigerate, and cut into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat cream cheese and skim milk. You can also substitute the vanilla pudding mix with coconut for an extra tropical flavor. Make sure to blend the cream cheese thoroughly with the milk to avoid lumps. If you want to elevate your dessert, adding a layer of whipped cream on top before serving can enhance its appearance and taste. This dessert pairs beautifully with Cold Oven Walnut Cake.
Serving Suggestions
This dessert is perfect for summer gatherings or potlucks. Serve it chilled, and consider garnishing with fresh mint leaves or maraschino cherries for added flair. It pairs well with fresh fruit salads or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a fun twist, serve alongside Easy Hot Dogs for a casual outdoor event.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the texture, avoid freezing the dessert, as the cream cheese layer may separate upon thawing. When ready to enjoy, simply cut a square and serve cold or let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften slightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jiffy Pineapple Dessert contains roughly 551 calories, with 5g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is a good source of iron (17% of the Daily Value), calcium (16% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (16% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but make sure to finely chop it and drain excess juice to avoid making the dessert soggy. Fresh pineapple will add a vibrant flavor, but ensure it’s ripe for the best sweetness.
What can I use instead of cake mix?
If you prefer a homemade option, you can make a simple yellow cake from scratch using flour, sugar, baking powder, eggs, and butter. This will give you more control over the ingredients and can enhance the overall flavor of the dessert.
How can I make this dessert gluten-free?
To make this dessert gluten-free, use a gluten-free cake mix instead of regular yellow cake mix. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as the pudding mix, are certified gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy this delicious treat without dietary restrictions.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).