14 Tropical Pineapple Treats Perfect for Summer Desserts

Nothing beats the sweet, tangy flavor of pineapple when you’re craving something tropical and delicious. These amazing desserts bring sunshine to your kitchen with every bite.

From creamy ice creams to fluffy cakes, these pineapple treats will transport you straight to paradise without leaving your home.

01. Tropical SPAM Caramel Ice Cream

This unique Hawaiian-inspired ice cream combines sweet pineapple with dragon fruit and surprising SPAM caramel. It sounds crazy but delivers an unforgettable tropical experience that melts beautifully on your tongue.

Ingredients: 2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup whole milk, ¾ cup sugar, 6 large egg yolks, 1 cup diced fresh pineapple, ½ cup diced dragon fruit, 4 oz SPAM (diced), ½ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

How To Make Tropical SPAM Caramel Ice Cream

1. Heat cream and milk in a heavy saucepan over medium heat until steaming. Whisk egg yolks with ¼ cup sugar until pale and thick, then slowly pour hot cream mixture while whisking constantly to prevent curdling.

2. Return mixture to saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until it coats the back of a spoon and reaches 170°F. Strain through fine-mesh sieve and stir in vanilla extract.

3. For SPAM caramel, cook diced SPAM in a dry skillet until golden and crispy. Add brown sugar and butter, stirring until melted and caramelized, about 3 minutes.

4. Cool custard completely, then churn in ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s directions. Fold in pineapple, dragon fruit, and cooled SPAM caramel during last 2 minutes of churning.

02. No-Bake Banana Split Cheesecake

All the classic banana split flavors come together in this creamy no-bake cheesecake. With bananas, pineapple, and cherries layered throughout, it’s pure dessert magic without any oven time required.

Ingredients: 24 oz cream cheese (softened), 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 container whipped topping, 2 ripe bananas (sliced), 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained), ½ cup maraschino cherries (chopped), 1 graham cracker crust, ¼ cup chocolate syrup.

How To Make No-Bake Banana Split Cheesecake

1. Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar using an electric mixer until completely smooth and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Make sure there are no lumps for the silkiest texture.

2. Gently fold in half the whipped topping until just combined, being careful not to deflate the mixture. This keeps your cheesecake light and airy instead of dense.

3. Layer half the cream cheese mixture into the graham cracker crust, then add sliced bananas, drained pineapple, and chopped cherries in even layers.

4. Top with remaining cream cheese mixture and spread smoothly. Drizzle with chocolate syrup and add remaining whipped topping. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours until completely set and firm.

03. Mini Hawaiian Fruit Tarts

These bite-sized tarts pack tropical flavors into perfect party portions. Filled with pineapple preserves and fresh fruit, they’re ideal when you want something sweet but not too heavy.

Ingredients: 24 mini tart shells, ¾ cup pineapple preserves, 4 oz cream cheese (softened), ¼ cup powdered sugar, 1 cup diced fresh pineapple, ½ cup shredded coconut, ¼ cup chopped macadamia nuts, whipped cream for topping.

How To Make Mini Hawaiian Fruit Tarts

1. Bake tart shells according to package directions until golden brown and crispy. Cool completely on wire racks before filling to prevent the shells from getting soggy.

2. Beat cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. If you can’t find pineapple preserves, make your own by cooking diced pineapple with sugar until thick and jammy.

3. Spread a thin layer of pineapple preserves in each cooled tart shell, then add a dollop of the sweetened cream cheese mixture on top.

4. Top each tart with diced fresh pineapple, a sprinkle of coconut, and chopped macadamia nuts. Add a small swirl of whipped cream just before serving for the perfect finishing touch.

04. Pineapple Wedding Celebration Cake

This moist pineapple-studded cake brings celebration vibes to any occasion, not just weddings. The tropical flavors and tender crumb make it disappear faster than you can slice it.

Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 cups sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 cup crushed pineapple (undrained), 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon salt, 8 oz cream cheese (softened), ½ cup butter (softened), 3 cups powdered sugar.

How To Make Pineapple Wedding Celebration Cake

1. Mix flour, sugar, eggs, undrained pineapple, baking soda, vanilla, and salt in a large bowl until just combined. Don’t overmix – the batter should be slightly lumpy for the most tender cake.

2. Pour into a greased 9×13 inch pan and bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.

3. Cool cake completely in the pan before frosting. For the cream cheese frosting, beat softened cream cheese and butter until fluffy, then gradually add powdered sugar until smooth and spreadable.

4. Spread frosting evenly over cooled cake using an offset spatula. I like to create decorative swirls on top for a beautiful presentation that matches the cake’s celebratory nature.

05. Southern Hummingbird Layer Cake

This beloved Southern dessert combines spiced bananas with sweet pineapple in a moist, flavorful cake. The cream cheese frosting makes it absolutely irresistible for any special gathering.

Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour, 2 cups sugar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon salt, 3 large eggs, 1¼ cups vegetable oil, 2 ripe bananas (mashed), 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained), 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 cup chopped pecans.

How To Make Southern Hummingbird Layer Cake

1. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. In another bowl, beat eggs with oil, mashed bananas, drained pineapple, and vanilla until well combined.

2. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir just until moistened. Fold in chopped pecans for extra texture and Southern authenticity that makes this cake so special.

3. Divide batter between three greased 9-inch round pans. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached.

4. Cool layers completely on wire racks before frosting. This prevents the cream cheese frosting from melting and sliding off your beautiful cake layers.

5. Frost between layers and all over the outside with your favorite cream cheese frosting. Press additional chopped pecans around the sides for an elegant finishing touch.

06. Moist Carrot Pineapple Sheet Cake

This carrot cake celebrates pineapple as a star ingredient, not just a supporting player. Both fruits add incredible moisture and tropical sweetness to every single bite.

Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 cups sugar, 2 teaspoons baking soda, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon salt, 4 large eggs, 1½ cups vegetable oil, 3 cups shredded carrots, 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained), 1 cup chopped walnuts.

How To Make Moist Carrot Pineapple Sheet Cake

1. Combine flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Beat eggs with oil in another bowl until smooth and well blended.

2. Pour egg mixture into flour mixture and stir until just combined. Fold in shredded carrots, drained pineapple, and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

3. Pour into a greased 9×13 inch pan and bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes until the center springs back when lightly touched and edges pull slightly from pan sides.

4. Cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting. For special occasions, you can divide this batter between two 8-inch round pans to create an impressive layered cake instead.

07. Fudge Cookie Fruit Parfait Salad

This unusual dessert salad combines vanilla pudding with tropical fruits and fudge stripe cookies. It sounds strange but creates an absolutely delightful parfait-style treat everyone will love.

Ingredients: 1 large box vanilla instant pudding, 3 cups cold milk, 1 container whipped topping, 1 can pineapple chunks (drained), 1 can mandarin oranges (drained), 1 package fudge stripe cookies (crushed), ½ cup mini marshmallows.

How To Make Fudge Cookie Fruit Parfait Salad

1. Prepare vanilla pudding according to package directions using cold milk. Whisk for 2 minutes until thick and smooth, then refrigerate for 5 minutes to set properly.

2. Fold whipped topping into chilled pudding until completely combined and fluffy. This creates the creamy base that holds all the delicious mix-ins together perfectly.

3. Gently fold in drained pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, and mini marshmallows. Add crushed fudge stripe cookies just before serving to maintain their crunch.

4. Layer in a clear glass bowl for beautiful presentation, or serve immediately in individual cups. Some people love substituting chopped Twix bars for the cookies – both versions are absolutely amazing.

08. Fluffy Million Dollar Frosting Cake

Any cake becomes special with this incredible pineapple frosting that tastes like a million dollars. The light, airy texture and tropical flavor make it absolutely addictive on any cake.

Ingredients: 1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients called for), 1 large box vanilla instant pudding, 1 cup crushed pineapple (undrained), 1 container whipped topping, ½ cup powdered sugar, ½ cup shredded coconut, ¼ cup chopped pecans.

How To Make Fluffy Million Dollar Frosting Cake

1. Prepare and bake cake according to package directions in a 9×13 inch pan. Cool completely before adding the amazing frosting that makes this dessert so special.

2. Mix instant pudding with undrained crushed pineapple instead of milk. Whisk until thick and creamy, about 2 minutes. The pineapple juice helps the pudding set while adding incredible flavor.

3. Fold whipped topping and powdered sugar into the pineapple pudding mixture until light and fluffy. This creates that signature “million dollar” texture everyone raves about.

4. Spread frosting over cooled cake and sprinkle with coconut and chopped pecans. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving – this makes the frosting even more delicious and helps it set perfectly.

09. Coconut Pina Colada Rum Cake

All your favorite pina colada flavors come together in this moist, boozy cake. Coconut, pineapple, and rum create the perfect tropical dessert for summer entertaining or any special occasion.

Ingredients: 1 box yellow cake mix, 1 box coconut cream pudding mix, 4 large eggs, ½ cup dark rum, ½ cup vegetable oil, 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained), ½ cup shredded coconut, ½ cup butter, 1 cup sugar, ¼ cup rum.

How To Make Coconut Pina Colada Rum Cake

1. Beat cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, ½ cup rum, and oil with electric mixer for 2 minutes until smooth. Fold in drained pineapple and shredded coconut for authentic pina colada flavor.

2. Pour into a greased bundt pan and bake at 325°F for 50-60 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. The lower temperature ensures even baking throughout.

3. While cake bakes, make rum glaze by melting butter with sugar and ¼ cup rum in a small saucepan. Simmer until sugar dissolves and mixture becomes syrupy.

4. Poke holes all over warm cake with a skewer, then slowly pour rum glaze over top, allowing it to soak in completely. Cool in pan for 15 minutes before turning out onto serving plate.

10. Banana Split Dessert Bars

Get all the banana split flavors without the melting ice cream mess. These bars layer graham crackers with creamy filling and classic banana split toppings for perfect portion control.

Ingredients: 2 cups graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup melted butter, 2 cups powdered sugar, ½ cup softened butter, 2 large eggs, 3 ripe bananas (sliced), 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained), 1 container whipped topping, ½ cup chopped nuts, ¼ cup chocolate syrup.

How To Make Banana Split Dessert Bars

1. Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press firmly into bottom of a greased 9×13 inch pan. This creates a sturdy base that won’t fall apart when you cut the bars.

2. Beat powdered sugar, softened butter, and eggs for 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Spread this sweet layer evenly over the graham cracker crust using an offset spatula.

3. Arrange sliced bananas over the butter layer, then sprinkle drained pineapple evenly on top. Save the pineapple juice to brush on banana slices – it prevents them from browning too quickly.

4. Spread whipped topping over fruit layers and sprinkle with chopped nuts. Drizzle with chocolate syrup in decorative patterns. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours until firm before cutting into bars.

11. Classic Pineapple Custard Pie

When fresh berries aren’t available, crushed pineapple makes an incredible pie filling. The fruit becomes thick and luscious in the oven, creating the perfect complement to vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients: 1 unbaked pie crust, 2 cups crushed pineapple (drained), ¾ cup sugar, 3 tablespoons cornstarch, 2 large eggs, ¼ cup butter (melted), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons lemon juice.

How To Make Classic Pineapple Custard Pie

1. Place unbaked pie crust in a 9-inch pie pan and crimp edges decoratively. Preheat oven to 375°F while you prepare the luscious pineapple filling.

2. Whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a large bowl. Add eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and lemon juice, whisking until completely smooth and well combined.

3. Fold in drained crushed pineapple until evenly distributed throughout the custard mixture. Pour into prepared pie crust, spreading evenly to edges.

4. Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350°F and continue baking for 30-35 minutes until center is set and top is golden brown. Cool completely before serving with vanilla ice cream.

12. Easy Pig Pickin’ Pineapple Cake

This humble yet special cake uses just seven ingredients to create something truly magical. The rustic frosting style reflects its down-home roots while delivering incredibly moist, not-too-sweet perfection.

Ingredients: 1 box yellow cake mix, 4 large eggs, 1 cup vegetable oil, 1 can crushed pineapple (undrained), 1 box vanilla instant pudding, 1 container whipped topping, 1 cup shredded coconut.

How To Make Easy Pig Pickin’ Pineapple Cake

1. Beat cake mix, eggs, oil, and undrained pineapple with electric mixer for 2 minutes until well blended. The pineapple juice replaces some liquid and adds incredible moisture to every bite.

2. Pour into a greased 9×13 inch pan and bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and center springs back when lightly touched.

3. While cake cools, mix instant pudding with whipped topping until smooth and fluffy. This creates the signature “rustic” frosting that makes this cake so beloved.

4. Spread pudding mixture over completely cooled cake and sprinkle with shredded coconut. The rough, homestyle appearance is part of its charm – don’t worry about making it look perfect.

13. Fluffy Coconut Snowball Cake

This almost-furry looking dessert transforms boxed cake mix into something spectacular. Layers of pineapple-studded whipped topping and loads of coconut create a beautiful, delicious showstopper that tastes heavenly.

Ingredients: 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients called for), 1 large box vanilla instant pudding, 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained), 2 containers whipped topping, 2 cups sweetened flaked coconut, ½ cup powdered sugar.

How To Make Fluffy Coconut Snowball Cake

1. Prepare cake mix according to package directions and bake in two 9-inch round pans. Cool completely on wire racks before assembling this stunning layered creation.

2. Mix instant pudding according to package directions, then fold in drained pineapple and one container of whipped topping until light and fluffy.

3. Place one cake layer on serving plate and spread half the pineapple mixture on top. Add second layer and spread remaining mixture over top and sides of entire cake.

4. Mix remaining whipped topping with powdered sugar and spread over entire cake. Press flaked coconut all over the surface until completely covered, creating that signature “snowball” appearance that’s absolutely gorgeous.

14. Cast Iron Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

This classic dessert gets perfectly caramelized in a cast iron skillet. The sugar-pineapple-cherry topping becomes beautifully golden while the cake bakes to tender perfection underneath the fruit.

Ingredients: ¼ cup butter, ⅔ cup brown sugar, 7 pineapple rings, 7 maraschino cherries, 1⅓ cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, ⅓ cup shortening, 1½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ⅔ cup milk, 1 large egg.

How To Make Cast Iron Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

1. Melt butter in a 10-inch cast iron skillet in a 350°F oven. Remove and sprinkle brown sugar evenly over melted butter, then arrange pineapple rings over sugar.

2. Place one cherry in the center of each pineapple ring. The fruit will caramelize beautifully as the cake bakes, creating that signature upside-down presentation.

3. Beat remaining ingredients with electric mixer for 30 seconds on low speed, then 3 minutes on high speed until smooth and well combined.

4. Pour batter carefully over fruit in skillet, spreading gently to edges without disturbing the arrangement. Bake for 45-55 minutes until golden brown and toothpick comes out clean.

5. Immediately run a knife around edges to loosen cake, then place serving plate upside-down over skillet. Flip quickly and let skillet remain for 1 minute before lifting off to reveal the beautiful caramelized fruit topping.

Final Thoughts

These pineapple desserts bring tropical sunshine to any kitchen, from simple no-bake treats to impressive layered cakes. Each recipe offers its own special way to celebrate this amazing fruit.

Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something sweet, these treats will transport you straight to paradise with every delicious bite.