This old-fashioned dessert starts with a base of Nilla wafer crumbs.
I originally shared this recipe for my Grandmas’s Pineapple Dessert during the pandemic when I was feeling especially nostalgic for my family. It’s an old-fashioned, tried-and-true recipe that includes a luscious layer of creamy, pineapple sandwiched between Nilla wafer cookie crumbs. A perfect way to cap off an Easter celebration or other spring meal, this dish is a hit with kids and adults alike. I updated the post with a note to make this dessert gluten-free.*
Original post from April 4, 2020:
There may not be any big family gatherings this Easter, but we can still bring our loved ones—past and present—to the table by serving cherished family recipes.
One of the dishes I will be making this year is my grandma Hilma’s Easter Pineapple Dessert. It’s a no-bake recipe that includes layers of crushed pineapple and whipped cream, sandwiched between Nilla Wafer crumbs.
Making this dessert transports me back in time to holidays at my grandma’s cozy house in Bemidji, Minn. I honestly don’t know how she managed to fit so many of us in that house or around her table, which was conveniently located in her kitchen.
There was no formal dining room, but it didn’t matter. We’d cram our group of a dozen or more aunts, uncles and cousins around her round kitchen table. So many people. So much food. So little space. But, we were just happy to be there and enjoy a great meal together.
It will be a quieter holiday this year with plenty of elbow room at our tables, but hoping your heart (and tummy) are full with your own family’s traditions and favorite foods.
Happy Easter!
*To make this recipe gluten-free:
- Use a gluten-free vanilla wafers instead of Nilla wafers. Thankfully, there are a variety of gluten-free vanilla wafers such as Kinnikinnick Vanilla Wafers that are just as good as the original.
- Gluten-free graham crackers would also work as a substitute for vanilla wafers.
6 Comments
Chris
August 2, 2024 at 4:56 pm
This was my Dad’s favourite dessert. My Mom’s recipe calls for some butter in the crumbs. It seems to hold together better.
Sarah
August 3, 2024 at 1:08 pm
That’s a good tip! Thanks. I will give that a try next time I make this.
Lynn Murphy
November 22, 2024 at 10:48 am
Raw eggs? This was a very similar recipe as my mom’s (for the most part) until I saw that! She also happened to use Dream Whip.
Sarah
November 26, 2024 at 3:17 pm
I know it seems odd to use raw eggs but I have seen this in other vintage recipes. I may rework it at some point and try it without the eggs and will report back.
Tee
December 21, 2024 at 4:32 am
I cannot find the recipe card for my Grandmother’s Icelandic Delight — I know most of it by heart but could not remember how the raw eggs worked! Her handwriting looks JUST like the photo, also on a faded note card. My Mum is also named Carol. I had to double look to see if I had posted this because it was too bizarre! My Grandmother’s name is Doreen though lol. Anyways tysm for sharing this — she uses Dream Whip for the whipped cream, as I noticed another member mentioned. I also have celiac so will be making it gluten-free… so many strange coincidences.
Manette
December 24, 2024 at 6:19 am
This was EXACTLY my mom and grandmas Vanilla Wafer Pudding recipe. Eggs and all. They’re both gone now. Not the fault of the raw eggs or sugar, I guarantee. They lived very long lives.
Make it per recipe. You can’t tell taste the eggs. They’re in there for a purpose. Just do it. You won’t regret this incredible dessert.
It’s now Christmas Eve at 1:17 a. m.
Im about to make it myself. Our family mixed the drained pineapple with the cool whip for the top layer. Quick n easy.
Enjoy