Need a dessert that’s as easy as it is irresistible? These Pineapple Bliss Bars are soft, creamy, and layered with tropical sunshine. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a silky pineapple cream filling, and a whipped topping that melts in your mouth—these bars are bliss, bar none.
This recipe has serious vintage charm. Inspired by church potlucks and my nana’s love of anything canned pineapple, these bars have become a go-to for holidays, BBQs, and Sunday desserts.
🌟 Why You’ll Love These Pineapple Bliss Bars
- Tropical and tangy: A bright twist on classic cream bars.
- No bake (except crust): Minimal oven time, maximum reward.
- Versatile: Great for parties, potlucks, or a weekday pick-me-up.
- Make-ahead magic: Even better after chilling overnight!
Table of Contents
🍍 Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, drained (reserve 2 tbsp juice)
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup cold milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- Optional: toasted coconut or chopped pineapple for garnish
🔥 Instructions
Step 1: Make the Crust
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
- Press mixture firmly into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Chill in fridge while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Pineapple Filling
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk pudding mix and milk until thickened (about 2 minutes).
- Stir in vanilla extract and reserved pineapple juice.
- Fold the pudding into the cream cheese, then fold in crushed pineapple.
Step 3: Assemble and Chill
- Spread the pineapple filling evenly over the crust.
- Top with whipped topping and smooth out.
- Chill for at least 2 hours or overnight for best texture.
Step 4: Slice and Serve
- Cut into squares, garnish with toasted coconut or fresh pineapple if desired, and enjoy chilled.
🔁 Substitutions & Variations
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
- Vegan-friendly: Sub vegan cream cheese and coconut whipped topping.
- Add crunch: Layer in chopped pecans or macadamia nuts.
- Boost the tropical: Add a splash of coconut milk to the filling.
🧊 Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Freeze bars (without toppings) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Best served cold: These bars are creamiest and most refreshing straight from the fridge.
🍴 Perfect Pairings
- Drinks: Pineapple spritzers, sweet white wine, or coconut water.
- Plates: Great on dessert trays with lemon bars or key lime pie.
- Toppings: Add a cherry on top or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
Pineapple Bliss Bars
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 (makes ~8 bars)
- Category: Dessert, No-Bake Treats
- Method: No-Bake (with optional crust baking)
- Cuisine: American, Tropical-Inspired
Description
Tropical, sweet, and irresistibly soft—these Pineapple Bliss Bars are your new go-to treat for sunny vibes and easy dessert cravings!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, drained (reserve 2 tbsp juice)
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup cold milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- Optional: toasted coconut or chopped pineapple for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Crust
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
- Press mixture firmly into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Chill in fridge while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Pineapple Filling
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk pudding mix and milk until thickened (about 2 minutes).
- Stir in vanilla extract and reserved pineapple juice.
- Fold the pudding into the cream cheese, then fold in crushed pineapple.
Step 3: Assemble and Chill
- Spread the pineapple filling evenly over the crust.
- Top with whipped topping and smooth out.
- Chill for at least 2 hours or overnight for best texture.
Step 4: Slice and Serve
- Cut into squares, garnish with toasted coconut or fresh pineapple if desired, and enjoy chilled.
Notes
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
- Vegan-friendly: Sub vegan cream cheese and coconut whipped topping.
- Add crunch: Layer in chopped pecans or macadamia nuts.
- Boost the tropical: Add a splash of coconut milk to the filling.
Keywords: pineapple dessert bars, no bake pineapple bars, pineapple cream cheese bars, summer dessert recipe, tropical dessert, graham cracker crust bars, creamy pineapple bars, potluck dessert, chilled pineapple dessert, pineapple bliss recipe
❓ FAQ: Pineapple Bliss Bars
Can I use fresh pineapple?
Yes, just make sure to chop it very finely and drain it thoroughly so the bars don’t get watery.
Can I use a different pudding flavor?
Absolutely—coconut, banana cream, or cheesecake flavors are great swaps.
Is this a good make-ahead dessert?
It’s perfect for that. The flavors and texture improve after chilling.
What if I want to double the recipe?
Just use a 9×13-inch pan and double all the ingredients.
🧡 Bliss in Bar Form
Whether you’re hosting brunch, need a summer treat, or just want a cheerful little dessert to brighten your day, these Pineapple Bliss Bars bring sunshine to your plate. Sweet, creamy, and bursting with tropical flavor—what’s not to love?
