This delightful Chilled Pineapple Dessert recipe is made with juicy, crushed pineapple and light, frothy evaporated milk, whipped to velvety, rich smoothness. It’s been an all-time family favorite in our home for years, and I’m sure you’ll love it too!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Pineapple Fridge Tart requires no baking at all, making it the perfect easy, fuss-free dessert.
It can be prepared in advance and left to chill in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld together and creating an even more melt-in-the-mouth texture.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Chilled Pineapple Tart
Canned pineapple pieces in light syrup: Ensure to drain the syrup for the recipe. Fresh pineapple chunks can be used as an alternative.
Pineapple Jello powder: Adds flavor and helps set the pudding. Gelatin or vegetarian-friendly alternatives can be used.
Evaporated milk: Provides creaminess to the pudding. Coconut milk for a tropical twist or a non-dairy milk for a vegan version.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the evaporated milk mixture. Granulated sugar can be used, adjusting to taste.
Crackers: Forms layers in the pudding. Graham crackers, digestive biscuits, or ladyfinger biscuits can be alternatives.
Butter: Combines with crackers for the crust. Margarine or a non-dairy alternative can be used.
Toasted coconut (optional): Adds a nutty, tropical flavor. Shredded coconut can be used without toasting.
Toasted almond slivers (optional): Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can be used.
How to make Chilled Pineapple Dessert
This easy pineapple dessert takes about 10 minutes to prepare, and then all you have to do is pop it in the fridge for a few hours. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Prepare jello Mixture
Drain the syrup from the canned pineapple.
Heat the syrup and Jello powder, and stir until dissolved.
Cool in the fridge, ensuring it doesn’t set.
Step 2: Whip Evaporated Milk
Beat chilled evaporated milk until frothy.
Add powdered sugar gradually, continue beating until thickened.
Step 3: Combine jello and Milk Mixtures
Gently fold cooled jello mixture into whipped evaporated milk.
Add drained pineapple pieces, fold gently.
Step 4: Prepare Crushed Cracker Base
Grease a dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Combine the melted butter with the cracker crumbs, and mold onto the bottom of the greased dish.
Step 5: Add the Milky Jello Filling
Pour the jello mixture over the cracker crumb base.
Smooth the top with a spatula, sprinkle toasted almonds and/or coconut, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
I highly recommend following these simple tips to get the absolute best version of this fridge pudding. They’ll make a world of different to the final result.
Well-drained pineapple: Ensure that the canned pineapple pieces are well-drained to prevent excess liquid in the pudding.
Chill the jello mixture, don’t let it set: Cool the pineapple Jello mixture in the fridge, but don’t let it fully set. It needs to be pourable for easy mixing.
Chilled evaporated milk: Use chilled evaporated milk for a frothier, fluffier result when whipping.
Gradual sugar addition: Add powdered sugar gradually while whipping the evaporated milk, for a smooth mixture.
Gentle folding technique: When combining the jello and milk mixtures, use a gentle folding technique to maintain the airiness of the whipped evaporated milk.
Storage
Store Pineapple Fridge Pudding by covering tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid and placing it in the refrigerator.
It should stay firm for up to 3 days, thereafter the fridge tart may become watery and mushy.
Chilled Pineapple Dessert FAQs
If you opt for fresh pineapple, make sure it’s ripe and juicy for the best flavor. Cut into chunks and blend for a few seconds until crushed.
Yes, you can use gelatin instead of jello powder. Follow the instructions on the gelatin packet to dissolve it properly and adjust the amount accordingly. The flavor and setting time may vary.
While whipped topping or whipped cream can provide a similar creamy texture, they may alter the taste and consistency of the pudding. It’s best to use evaporated milk for a frothy, light texture.
Absolutely! Mangoes, passon fruit, and all sorts of berries are great options to try.
Chilled Pineapple Dessert (No Bake Pineapple Fridge Pudding)
Ingredients
- 1 can pineapple pieces in light syrup
- 1 packet pineapple jello
- 1 can evaporated milk chilled
- 5 Tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 packet crackers crushed
- 5 Tbsp butter melted
- 6 Tbsp toasted coconut optional
- toasted almonds chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Drain the pineapple pieces and reserve the syrup.
- Heat the syrup in a saucepan over medium low heat, and add the jello powder, stirring until dissolved.
- Transfer the heated syrup to a bowl and place in the fridge to cool the jello down, but not to set it.
- In another bowl, whip the chilled evaporated milk until frothy and powdered sugar, continuing until thick and about three times its original volume.
- Fold in the cooled jello and then gently fold in the pineapple pieces.
- Grease an 8-in or 9-in square dish with cold butter.
- Mix the crushed crackers with the melted butter to form a soft crust, and shape the crust in the bottom of the dish.
- Pour in the jello mixture and top with toasted coconut and almonds, if using.
- Chill the pudding in the fridge for at least 4 hours or until firmly set.
I hope you try this pineapple fridge dessert to surprise your family. I just know they’re going to love it! Let me know what you think.