If you love the tropical flavors of pineapple and coconut, get ready to fall head over heels for this Pina Colada Lush! Itโs a dreamy, no-bake dessert with layers of creamy coconut pudding, juicy pineapple, and a buttery graham cracker crust. Every bite is a taste of paradise, and the best part? Itโs ridiculously easy to make! Whether youโre hosting a summer gathering or just craving a little tropical escape, this dessert is sure to impress.
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Why Youโll Love Pina Colada Lush
No-Bake & Easy: No need to turn on the ovenโjust layer, chill, and enjoy!
Tropical Bliss: Bursting with pineapple and coconut flavors, itโs like a mini vacation in every bite.
Perfect for Parties: A crowd-pleaser thatโs easy to transport and serve.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Even better after a few hours in the fridge, making it ideal for prepping in advance.
Light & Creamy: The layers of pudding, whipped topping, and fruit create an irresistibly smooth texture.
Ingredients in Pina Colada Lush
Hereโs what makes this dessert so specialโsimple ingredients that come together to create something unforgettable:
Graham Cracker Crumbs: The buttery, slightly sweet base that holds everything together.
Butter: Helps bind the crust and gives it that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Cream Cheese: Adds a luscious, tangy contrast to the sweetness.
Powdered Sugar: Lightly sweetens the creamy layers without being overpowering.
Whipped Topping: The fluffy, airy layer that makes everything extra light and dreamy.
Instant Coconut Pudding Mix: Brings that signature tropical flavor.
Cold Milk: Used to mix the pudding, keeping it smooth and creamy.
Crushed Pineapple: Juicy bursts of tropical sweetness in every layer.
Shredded Coconut: For added texture and coconut goodness.
Maraschino Cherries: The perfect finishing touch!
Instructions
Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a baking dish to form an even crust. Chill while preparing the filling.
Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in a portion of the whipped topping. Spread over the chilled crust.
Prepare the Pudding Layer: Whisk the instant coconut pudding mix with cold milk until thickened. Gently spread over the cream cheese layer.
Add the Pineapple & Coconut: Evenly distribute the crushed pineapple over the pudding layer, then sprinkle with shredded coconut.
Top It Off: Spread the remaining whipped topping over the top, making sure to cover everything evenly.
Chill & Serve: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to let the layers set. Before serving, garnish with maraschino cherries and additional coconut if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Chill Time: [Time needed for chilling]
Total Time: [Total time needed]
How to Serve Pina Colada Lush
Straight from the Fridge: This dessert is best served chilled for the ultimate creamy texture.
With Extra Toppings: Try a sprinkle of toasted coconut, a drizzle of caramel, or even a few chopped nuts for extra crunch.
Alongside Fresh Fruit: Mango slices or extra pineapple chunks make a delicious addition.
In Individual Cups: Perfect for partiesโlayer the dessert in small cups for easy serving.
Additional Tips
Make It Ahead: Prepping this the night before makes the flavors even better!
Use a Different Crust: Swap graham crackers for vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies for a fun twist.
Lighten It Up: Use light cream cheese, sugar-free pudding, and a lower-fat whipped topping if desired.
Store Properly: Keep leftovers in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
A1: Absolutely! Just whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar until stiff peaks form.
Q2: Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
A2: Yes! It actually tastes even better after chilling overnight.
Q3: Can I freeze Pina Colada Lush?
A3: Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy layers may separate when thawed.
Q4: Can I add rum extract for a true piรฑa colada flavor?
A4: Yes! A small splash of rum extract adds an extra tropical kick.
Q5: What can I use instead of graham crackers for the crust?
A5: Try crushed vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, or even a pretzel crust for a salty-sweet contrast.
Q6: Can I use different pudding flavors?
A6: Yes! Vanilla or banana pudding can work if you prefer a milder flavor.
Q7: Whatโs the best way to store leftovers?
A7: Keep it covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q8: Can I make this dessert dairy-free?
A8: Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese, coconut whipped topping, and a non-dairy milk alternative.
Q9: Can I add nuts for extra texture?
A9: Absolutely! Chopped macadamia nuts or pecans would be delicious.
Q10: Is this dessert overly sweet?
A10: Itโs lightly sweet with a balanced tropical flavor, but you can reduce the sugar if needed.
Enjoy this Pina Colada Lush and let me know how it turns out! Itโs the perfect dessert to bring a little tropical sunshine into your day.
PrintPina Colada Lush
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
ndulge in this easy Pina Colada Lush, a creamy tropical dessert featuring layers of graham cracker crust, coconut pudding, cream cheese, pineapple, and toasted coconut. Perfect for summer gatherings or whenever you crave a sweet escape!
Ingredients
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Crust:
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1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full sheets, crushed)
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1/4 cup granulated sugar or brown sugar (or a combo of both)
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6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil)
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Cream Cheese Layer:
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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4 oz whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
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1/2 cup powdered sugar
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1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
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Pudding Layer:
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1 box (3.4 oz) instant coconut pudding mix
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1 cup milk
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Remaining drained crushed pineapple
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Topping:
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4 oz whipped topping
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1/2 cup toasted coconut
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Maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)
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Instructions
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Prepare the Crust
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Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs and mix with melted butter and sugar.
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Press the mixture firmly into an 8ร8-inch glass baking dish.
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Make the Cream Cheese Layer
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In a bowl, beat together cream cheese, whipped topping, powdered sugar, and 1 cup of drained pineapple until smooth.
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Spread evenly over the crust.
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Prepare the Pudding Layer
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Mix the coconut pudding mix and milk in a bowl, then stir in the remaining drained pineapple.
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Let sit for a few minutes, then spread over the cream cheese layer.
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Add Toppings & Chill
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Spread the remaining whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer.
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Sprinkle toasted coconut on top.
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Cover and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
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Serve & Enjoy!
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Garnish with maraschino cherries before serving, if desired.
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Notes
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Make it for a crowd! Double the recipe and use a 9ร13-inch pan.
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For a lighter version, use light cream cheese and sugar-free pudding.
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Add a splash of rum extract for extra Pina Colada flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg