What-Cha-Ma-Callit
A creamy pineapple dessert layered with graham crackers, combining tropical flavors and cool whipped topping, perfect for summer gatherings or family desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain pineapple in a bowl, reserving the juice.
- Use the pineapple juice, water, and enough cornstarch to thicken well; bring to a boil and cook a couple of minutes.
- Add pineapple flavoring to the mixture and refrigerate until very cold.
- Soften the cream cheese and mix with pineapple and powdered sugar.
- Add the cold, thickened juice mixture and Cool Whip to the cream cheese mixture and blend well.
- Line the bottom and sides of a 9 x 13 x 2-inch pan with graham crackers.
- Pour the pineapple mixture over the graham crackers.
- Top with graham cracker squares.
- Refrigerate overnight before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute light cream cheese and use sugar-free Cool Whip. If you don't have pineapple flavoring, consider using a bit of vanilla extract for a different but complementary taste. Ensure the juice mixture is thick enough to prevent excess moisture from making the graham crackers soggy, similar to how graham crackers hold up in Graham-Cracker Key Lime Pie.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dessert chilled, garnished with fresh pineapple chunks or a sprinkle of toasted coconut for added flavor and texture. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side. For a delightful twist, try serving it alongside Chocolate Goodie for a contrasting dessert experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The dessert can be enjoyed cold, and if it becomes too soft, simply chill it to firm it up again. Avoid freezing, as this may alter the texture of the cream cheese and Cool Whip combination.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of What-Cha-Ma-Callit contains roughly 159 calories, with 1g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
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 reduce the juice accordingly. Fresh pineapple will add a vibrant flavor, but you may need to adjust the sweetness since fresh pineapple can be less sweet than canned.
Is there a non-dairy substitute for Cool Whip?
Absolutely! You can use coconut whipped cream or any other non-dairy whipped topping. This will maintain the airy texture of the dessert while keeping it dairy-free, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
How can I make this recipe more colorful?
Incorporate colorful fruits like strawberries, kiwis, or blueberries as a layer on top of the pineapple mixture before refrigerating. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a burst of flavor, making it a festive treat for gatherings.
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).