Description
This classic Northern Irish recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients to create three distinct and delicious layers. The beauty of this no-bake dessert is its simplicity and minimal active time. The hardest part is waiting for it to chill!
Ingredients
- oz () Digestive Biscuits or Shortbread Cookies
- oz () Unsalted Butter, divided
- oz (about cups) Powdered (Icing) Sugar
- oz () Whipped Cream Cheese, softened
- oz ( cup) Heavy Whipping Cream, chilled
- (20 oz) can Canned Crushed Pineapple, in juice
Instructions
- Prep the Pan & Pineapple: Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. Pour the can of crushed pineapple into a fine-mesh sieve over a bowl and let it drain thoroughly, pressing down gently to remove as much liquid as possible.
- Create the Biscuit Base: Crush the biscuits into fine crumbs using a food processor or a rolling pin. Melt half the butter (4 oz) and mix it into the crumbs until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan.
- Whip the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the remaining 4 oz of butter with the powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the softened whipped cream cheese and beat until completely smooth. Spread this filling in an even layer over the biscuit base.
- Prepare the Pineapple Topping: In a clean bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the well-drained crushed pineapple until just combined.
- Assemble and Chill: Gently spread the pineapple cream mixture over the cream cheese layer. Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the dessert to set completely. Once chilled, lift out of the pan, cut into 16 squares, and serve.
Notes
- Drain Pineapple Thoroughly: This is the most crucial step! Draining the pineapple very well in a fine-mesh sieve prevents the topping from becoming watery and ensures the traybake sets properly.
- Essential Chilling Time: Don’t rush the chilling. The minimum 4-hour chilling time is essential for the layers to firm up for clean slicing.
- Easy Removal: Use the overhanging parchment paper as “handles” to easily lift the entire traybake out of the pan before cutting.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert, No-Bake, Traybake
- Method: No-Bake, Chilling
- Cuisine: Northern Irish, Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 290kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
