Join 50,000+ subscribers for German recipes, stories, traditions, & more!
Join 50,000+ subscribers for German recipes, stories, traditions & more!
- Home
- German Desserts Recipes
- No-Bake Pineapple Dessert
Oma’s Easy No-Bake Pineapple Dessert (Ananas-Kühlschrankdessert)
by: Gerhild Fulson / Oma Gerhild shares German recipes rooted in family tradition.
Updated: October 10, 2026
This easy no-bake pineapple dessert, or Ananas-Kühlschrankdessert, uses just 5 ingredients ... including soda crackers. Assemble this creamy icebox cake in 15 minutes, then chill overnight. It serves about 12, making it perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
It’s got that flaky, creamy vibe you’d expect from something fancy like German blätterteig or even French puff pastry ... but without all the fuss.
Just layers of plain soda crackers (yes, really!), pudding, and Cool Whip (or you can use real whipped cream).
Sounds a bit strange, I know, but trust me ... this one always gets rave reviews. Always.
Oma’s Recipe Rundown
- Ease of Making: Super simple ... no baking and just a bit of layering.
- Taste: Light, creamy, and sweet with a flaky, pastry-like bite.
- Time: 15 minutes to assemble, best chilled overnight.
Top Tips for Best Results
- Let It Rest: This dessert needs time ... overnight is best. It’s how those crackers turn into something flaky.
- Add Fruit for a Twist: Pineapple’s the classic, but try drained mandarins, cherries, or strawberries for a fruity flair.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Perfect for potlucks or Sunday brunch ... just assemble the day before.
- Gluten-Free Hack: Use gluten-free soda crackers ... just check they hold up well after chilling.
Pssst … quick note before you dive in: I almost didn’t share this one. It’s so simple, it feels like cheating. But oh, is it ever good.
Everyone who tries it ends up asking for the recipe ... every single time. No one’s quite sure where it came from, but we are sure it’s delicious.
It’s also a great one to make with the grandkids. Just layer, chill, and let time do its thing. That’s the real secret.
After a few hours, those humble soda crackers turn into something wonderfully flaky ... just like blätterteig.
From Oma's heart to your table
Complete your set today - order now!
It's the 'soda cracker dessert', below, that my older sister, Helen, also likes to make and take to church functions.
How can anything this simple taste so good? Here, she topped it with bananas and berries.
You can use frozen berries, like she does, or perhaps a can of pie filling. Almost anything! Check out my Black Forest inspired dessert below!
The only important thing is that you let this sit for at least 6 hours for the crackers to soften into tender, pastry-like layers!
After the first bite, I'm usually asked for the recipe. I hesitate to tell people just before they take that first bite, thinking that they'll probably stop.
But, even when I admit it's just crackers, pudding, and Cool Whip, people go back for seconds - it's THAT GOOD!
How to Make This Easy No-Bake Dessert
(Find the printable recipe with measurements in the recipe card below.)
Gather your soda crackers, instant vanilla pudding, milk, whipped topping, and crushed pineapple. Thaw the whipped topping and drain the pineapple well before you start.
Line the bottom of your dish with a single layer of soda crackers, breaking a few to fill any gaps.
Prepare the pudding, then gently spread half over the crackers without shifting them.
Gently spread half the whipped topping over the pudding.
Repeat with another layer of crackers, the remaining pudding, and the rest of the whipped topping.
Scatter the well-drained crushed pineapple over the top, then cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
That resting time softens the crackers into tender layers, so don’t rush it!
Cut into portions and serve straight from the fridge. Those crackers might surprise you ... especially once you’ve had your first bite!
Oma Says,
This is also one of those recipes for kids to cook (because there's no cooking involved!), but you need to plan ahead.
It takes several hours - preferably overnight - in the fridge for the crackers to change.
On a diet? Try it as a diet version. Use low-fat Cool Whip and low-fat instant pudding. Then, top with a mixture of fresh berries.
Is This German Food?
The origin of this recipe is unknown, but probably NOT German.
It's been passed around the internet for a long time, slightly varying in amounts and ingredients.
However, by adding some German flavors, such as in this Black Forest Dessert, you'd almost think it was. Wunderbar!
Oma's Disclaimer
Okay, deep breath … yes, I use Cool Whip. I know some of you are cringing already ... “My Oma would never!” ... but this Oma? Sometimes, she does. And that’s the key word: sometimes. Life gets busy, and having a tub tucked in the freezer for those swamped, no-time-to-whip-cream moments has saved dessert more than once.
This little gem of a recipe is my go-to fallback. You know ... the kind you throw together the day before, forget about, then suddenly become the hero of the potluck. True story: someone once asked me to bring it to their wedding shower after trying it at a luncheon.
So don’t knock it till you try it. Or skip it and browse my other wunderbar from-scratch German desserts. Either way, your sweet tooth wins.
Oma’s Easy No-Bake Pineapple Dessert (Ananas-Kühlschrankdessert)
This easy pineapple icebox cake layers soda crackers with vanilla pudding, whipped topping, and crushed pineapple. Assemble in 15 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Chill Time:
6 hours
Total Time:
6 hours 15 minutes
Servings:
Makes about 12 servings
Ingredients:
- About 8 ounces (225 grams) unsalted soda crackers (approximately 2 sleeves, enough for 2 layers)
- 1 package (1.1 ounces [30 grams]) Jell-O instant vanilla pudding mix (4-serving size)
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) cold milk (for pudding)
- About 4 cups (1 liter) Cool Whip or whipped topping, thawed
- 1 can (14-ounce [398-milliliter]) crushed pineapple, well-drained (about 225 - 250 grams drained weight)
Instructions:
- Line a 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33 cm) dish with soda crackers.
- Prepare pudding with milk according to package instructions and let the pudding slightly thicken.
- Gently spread half the pudding over crackers, then gently add half the Cool Whip.
- Add another layer of crackers, then gently spread remaining pudding and Cool Whip.
- Top gently with drained crushed pineapple.
- Cover and chill at least 6 hours or overnight.
Notes/Hints:
- Use low-fat Cool Whip and pudding if desired.
- Yes, you can use homemade whipped cream frosting instead of Cool Whip. Whip up 2 cups (480 milliliters) of heavy cream with 2 packages of Dr. Oetker's Whip It (to stabilize it), adding sugar to taste until firm peaks form.
- Use any mixture of berries or even pie filling.
- Make some simple substitutions and create a delicious Black Forest dessert. So good!
- If using frozen berries, thaw and drain before placing on top.
* * * * *
Unless otherwise noted recipe, images and content © Just like Oma | www.quick-german-recipes.com
Recipe updated on October 10, 2026
Helpful Tips & FAQ
Can I Make This Pineapple Dessert Ahead of Time?
Can I Make This Pineapple Dessert Ahead of Time?
Yes ... making it the day before gives the crackers time to soften and makes serving easy. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
Can I Use Regular Saltines?
Can I Use Regular Saltines?
Unsalted-top soda crackers are my first choice, but regular saltines can be used if you don’t mind a little extra saltiness. Arrange them in a single layer, breaking a few to fill the gaps.
Can I Use Real Whipped Cream Instead of Cool Whip?
Can I Use Real Whipped Cream Instead of Cool Whip?
Yes! Whip 2 cups (480 milliliters) of heavy cream with 2 packages of Dr. Oetker’s Whip It and sugar to taste until firm peaks form. Use half in each layer, just as you would the whipped topping.
Can I Use a Different Fruit?
Can I Use a Different Fruit?
Absolutely! Try thawed, well-drained berries, canned mandarin oranges, or your favorite pie filling. My sister Helen also makes hers with bananas and berries.
Why Is My Dessert Watery?
Why Is My Dessert Watery?
Excess juice from pineapple or thawed fruit can thin the filling, so drain it thoroughly. Also, check that you’re using instant pudding and the correct milk quantity for your mix.
Why Are the Crackers Still Firm?
Why Are the Crackers Still Firm?
They probably need more time in the fridge, or some weren’t fully covered by the filling. Spread the pudding evenly over the crackers and allow at least 6 hours for them to soften.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Keep the dessert covered in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below and use within 3 days of assembly. The cracker layers will continue to soften as it sits.
Can I Freeze It?
Can I Freeze It?
For the most predictable texture, make this dessert ahead in the refrigerator instead. Freezing and thawing may change the consistency of the pudding and fruit.
Readers' Comments
The following comments were sent in by some of our readers:
Sharon from Brampton, ON Canada writes:
I took it to two parties and it went over very good. Everyone said how good it was after a meal. It just went down so smooth. :) Did not get any pictures. It went to fast. :)
Helen from Powassan, ON Canada writes:
My variation on this dessert is that I used Lemon Pudding instead of Vanilla Pudding. Instead of crushed pineapple, I sliced bananas over the top.
Here's another variation. Once, when I didn't have soda crackers, I substituted Vanilla Social Tea Biscuits. Tastes great as well.
All are great desserts to take to a buffet!
An anonymous reader writes:
Or similarly is chocolate pudding . . . . . and then layer top with grated chocolate bar . . . . yum!
Comments? Questions?
You can leave a comment about this recipe or ask a question...
Pop right over to my private Facebook group, the Kaffeeklatschers. You'll find thousands of German foodies, all eager to help and to talk about all things German, especially these yummy foods.
Meet with us around Oma's virtual table, pull up a chair, grab a coffee and a piece of Apfelstrudel, and enjoy the visit.
Recent Articles
-
German Christmas
Oct 22, 26 09:23 AM
Yes, we have real Christmas trees and real candles, not false ones. Every room has a door, so the parents can put up the Christmas tree before the evening -
Sauerbraten
Oct 15, 26 07:54 AM
My grandmother always made Sauerbraten but did not leave a recipe. I tried for many years to find one that tasted like hers. Loads of expriements until -
Cucumber and Dill Pickle Salad (Gurkensalat mit Gewürzgurken)
Sep 27, 26 01:04 AM
This cucumber salad with pickles is creamy, crunchy, and full of fresh flavor. It makes an easy side dish that pairs perfectly with your favorite German-inspired meals.
Words to the Wise
"The blessing of the Lord makes a person rich, and He adds no sorrow with it."
Proverbs 10:22 (NLT)
Let's connect...
From Oma's heart
to your table
Complete your set today - order now!
Hi, I'm Oma Gerhild! As a food writer and cookbook author, I'm always looking to find ways to pass on my German heritage using local ingredients. Quick and easy. That's my goal. Wunderbar food. That's the result.
What others are saying about Oma's cookbooks
As a German-American that is a bit culinarily challenged, this book is a true blessing...
This classic cookbook (German Meals at Oma's) has not only a variety of different recipes, but also key notes to help even those with little experience in the kitchen learn to make excellent German cuisine.
Erika Neumayer Ehrat, Owner & designer of Rare Dirndl
Discover our Just Like Oma family of websites:
Across media platforms, the Just Like Oma family of websites are celebrated for making German cooking, travel, and heritage fun & simple to understand, and easily accessible for everyone!
%20A%20creamy%20make-ahead%20dessert%20for%20potlucks%2C%20family%20gatherings%2C%20or%20afternoon%20coffee.){kind=link}
Copyright © | Quick German Recipes (Just like Oma) | A Fulson Media Group Inc. Brand | All Rights Reserved
Powered by: Make Your Knowledge Sell!
AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Quick German Recipes is a brand of Fulson Media Group Inc., which participates in various affiliate advertising to provide a means to earn advertising fees by linking to retail websites. Additionally this website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and affiliated sites. We do not promote products we do not own or would not buy ourselves. Our goal is to provide you with product information and our own personal opinions or ideas. At times, we will showcase services, programs, and products. We aim to highlight ones that you might find interesting, and if you buy future items from those companies, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale. We are independently owned and the opinions expressed here are our own.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Throughout this site, you'll find mostly photos that we've taken in our kitchen(s). We also feature some reader-contributed images and curated stock IMAGES BY Deposit Photos and others, offering further perspectives on recipes and all things German.
YOU SHOULD ALWAYS PERFORM DUE DILIGENCE BEFORE BUYING GOODS OR SERVICES ONLINE.
