If you’re searching for the ultimate taste of summer packed into one dreamy, creamy dessert, you need to try the Pina Colada Lush. This no-bake treat layers buttery graham crackers, rich cream cheese, pineapple, coconut, and fluffy whipped topping for a dessert that’s both effortless to make and sure to impress. If you love the sunny flavors of a classic piña colada cocktail, this chill dessert will whisk you right to the tropics—no passport required!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Pina Colada Lush plays a special role, working together for that signature sunny sweetness and irresistible texture. Most are pantry picks, but each adds something unique—you’ll taste and see it in every lush bite.

Graham cracker crumbs: Bring on the beachy, buttery crust with a familiar cookie crunch.
Unsalted butter: Melted butter binds the crumbs and helps everything hold together beautifully.
Granulated sugar: Just a touch brings extra sweetness and balances the tangy and tropical notes.
Cream cheese: The secret to a luscious, dreamy layer—be sure it’s perfectly softened for easy mixing.
Powdered sugar: Fine and fluffy, it sweetens the creamy filling without any graininess.
Whipped topping: Lightens every layer with cloud-like softness; use half inside and half on top!
Crushed pineapple: Don’t skip draining—this adds a burst of juicy, sunny flavor to the pudding without making things watery.
Instant coconut cream pudding mix: The game-changer that delivers luscious tropical taste, quick as a flash.
Cold milk: Makes the pudding instantaneously smooth and spoonable.
Shredded sweetened coconut (toasted): Toasting brings extra crunch and a gorgeous golden color—don’t skip it!
Maraschino cherries (optional): For a cheerful, retro garnish that makes each slice extra special.

How to Make Pina Colada Lush

Step 1: Make the Graham Cracker Crust

Start your Pina Colada Lush adventure by mixing together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Stir until the mixture looks like wet sand, then press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This becomes the sturdy, buttery foundation for all those creamy tropical layers.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer

In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until it’s fluffier than a beach towel in the breeze. Gently fold in one cup of the whipped topping with a spatula, then spread this dreamy layer evenly over your crust. It’s rich, tangy, and the perfect contrast to what comes next.

Step 3: Mix the Pineapple Coconut Pudding

Grab another bowl and whisk together the coconut cream pudding mix with cold milk. In just about two minutes, it will thicken to pudding perfection. Stir in the well-drained crushed pineapple (the more juice you drain, the better!), and spread this fruity, coconutty mixture over your cream cheese layer.

Step 4: Top with Whipped Topping and Toasted Coconut

Spoon the rest of the whipped topping over the pudding, swirling it gently for a fancy finish. Lightly sprinkle the top with toasted coconut for a burst of irresistible texture and a pop of golden color.

Step 5: Garnish and Chill

Drop a few maraschino cherries on top for that classic pina colada look (totally optional but seriously fun!). Cover and refrigerate your Pina Colada Lush for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight. Patience pays off—the longer it chills, the better the flavors mingle and the easier it is to slice.

How to Serve Pina Colada Lush

Garnishes

Let’s dress it up! The finishing touches are what truly make Pina Colada Lush extra special. Toasted coconut brings crunch and a sun-kissed look, while maraschino cherries give a playful, vintage vibe. For more island-inspired flair, try fresh pineapple wedges, a little lime zest, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Side Dishes

Since Pina Colada Lush is unapologetically decadent, pair it with light, fresh accompaniments. Slices of juicy mango or watermelon, a simple green salad with a citrusy vinaigrette, or even some sparkling water with lime all help refresh the palate between bites of creamy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to get playful! Try cutting Pina Colada Lush into squares and serving them in cupcake liners for a party-worthy hand-held treat. Or, spoon individual layers into dessert glasses for a parfait-style presentation—mini umbrellas optional, but highly encouraged!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Pina Colada Lush stores beautifully. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to airtight containers and keep them in the refrigerator. It’ll stay dreamy and delicious for up to 4 days—if it lasts that long!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze slices for a future tropical craving! Place individual servings on a tray in the freezer, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil once frozen solid. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture, knowing the whipped topping may soften a bit but all the flavors will still shine.

Reheating

This dessert is best served cold and creamy, so no reheating is necessary. Just let it chill in the fridge until you’re ready to slice and serve. If it’s been frozen, allow time to defrost in the refrigerator before digging in.

FAQs

Can I make Pina Colada Lush ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dessert is even better when made a day in advance, which gives all those luscious layers time to set and meld together. Just assemble, cover, and chill until you’re ready to serve.

What can I use instead of coconut pudding mix?

If you can’t find coconut cream pudding, substitute vanilla or white chocolate pudding and stir in an extra teaspoon of coconut extract. You’ll still get that tropical flavor in your Pina Colada Lush.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the graham cracker crumbs for your favorite gluten-free variety. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so everyone can join the tropical party!

Does Pina Colada Lush contain alcohol?

Nope, not in the base recipe—so it’s perfect for all ages! For a grown-up twist, add a tablespoon of rum extract to the pudding mixture for even more piña colada flavor, no actual alcohol required.

How do I toast coconut for the topping?

Spread the shredded sweetened coconut in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 5 minutes, stirring once or twice, until golden and fragrant. Watch it closely—it can go from toasted to burnt quickly!

Pina Colada Lush: Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a showstopper that’s easy, breezy, and instantly transports you to the tropics, Pina Colada Lush is the dessert for you. Every cool, creamy bite bursts with pineapple and coconut sunshine, so don’t wait—grab your ingredients, and let this no-bake beauty become your new favorite summer celebration treat!

Pina Colada Lush Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (includes chilling time)
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in a taste of the tropics with this delightful Pina Colada Lush dessert. Layers of creamy goodness, pineapple, and coconut come together in a no-bake treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Graham Cracker Crust:

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar

Cream Cheese Layer:

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping, thawed and divided

Pineapple Coconut Layer:

1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, well drained
1 (3.4-ounce) package instant coconut cream pudding mix
1 cup cold milk
1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut, toasted
Maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Graham Cracker Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form the crust.
Cream Cheese Layer: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in 1 cup of whipped topping. Spread over the crust.
Pineapple Coconut Layer: Mix pudding mix with cold milk until thickened. Stir in drained crushed pineapple. Spread over the cream cheese layer.
Top with remaining whipped topping, toasted coconut, and cherries. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

Notes

For a stronger tropical flavor, add 1 tablespoon of rum extract to the pudding mixture.
This dessert is best made a day ahead to let the layers set. Keep chilled until ready to serve.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American, Tropical-inspired