Description
A delightful tropical dessert featuring creamy Cool Whip and fresh pineapple, perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (8-ounce) tub Cool Whip, thawed
- 1 (3.4-ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup cottage cheese or 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained well (reserve 2 tbsp juice)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Whipped cream, maraschino cherries, toasted coconut flakes, crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafers (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: In a large mixing bowl, add your softened cream cheese or blended cottage cheese. Beat it until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in the Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle in the instant vanilla pudding mix along with the reserved pineapple juice. Blend until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy.
- Incorporate Pineapple: Gently fold in your well-drained crushed pineapple, leaving small chunks for added texture and flavor.
- Add the Cool Whip: Carefully fold in the Cool Whip until it becomes an airy, cloud-like mixture.
- Stir in Marshmallows and Nuts: Add in the mini marshmallows, coconut, and nuts if you choose to include them.
- Set and Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 120 minutes, or overnight if time allows.
- Serve and Garnish: When ready to serve, fluff gently with a spatula, then add a generous topping of whipped cream, maraschino cherries, and crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafers over the top.
Notes
For best flavor, prepare a day in advance. Can be customized with other fruits or nuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg