Hawaiian Jello Cheesecake Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide

Updated On: October 14, 2025

Welcome to a tropical escape right in your own kitchen with this delightful Hawaiian Jello Cheesecake recipe. This dessert is a vibrant, fruity, and creamy treat that perfectly blends the tangy sweetness of pineapple and the bright flavors of jello with the smooth richness of cheesecake.

Whether you’re throwing a summer party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving a nostalgic dessert, this recipe will not disappoint. The colorful layers and refreshing taste make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare, requiring no baking and minimal ingredients, which makes it ideal for both beginners and seasoned dessert lovers alike.

Keep reading to discover why this Hawaiian Jello Cheesecake will become your new favorite recipe, complete with helpful tips and serving suggestions to elevate your dessert game!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Hawaiian Jello Cheesecake is a perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and refreshing. The no-bake cheesecake layer offers a luscious texture that melts in your mouth, while the vibrant jello layer adds a playful, colorful touch that’s sure to take you straight to the islands.

It’s also versatile—feel free to customize it with your favorite tropical fruits or jello flavors. The recipe is straightforward and quick to assemble, making it a fantastic option for last-minute gatherings or whenever you want a slice of paradise.

Additionally, it’s a great make-ahead dessert since it needs time to chill and set, which means you can prepare it in advance and impress your guests without last-minute stress.

Ingredients

  • 1 package (3 oz) pineapple-flavored gelatin (Jello)
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1/2 cup cold water
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • Optional: maraschino cherries and pineapple chunks for garnish

Equipment

  • 9-inch springform pan or a similar-sized baking dish
  • Mixing bowls (at least two)
  • Electric mixer or hand mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl (for melting butter)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand.
  2. Press the crust: Transfer the mixture into the bottom of your springform pan. Press firmly and evenly to form a solid base. Place in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
  3. Make the gelatin: In a medium bowl, pour the pineapple gelatin powder over 1 cup boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved. Add 1/2 cup cold water and mix well. Set aside to cool but not set.
  4. Prepare the cream cheese layer: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy using your mixer.
  5. Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream with the vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
  6. Combine the cream and cream cheese: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated. Then fold in the crushed pineapple.
  7. Add gelatin: Slowly pour the cooled but liquid gelatin into the cream cheese mixture, folding gently to combine. Make sure the gelatin isn’t too warm or it will melt the whipped cream.
  8. Assemble the cheesecake: Pour the creamy gelatin mixture over the chilled crust in the springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
  9. Refrigerate: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the cheesecake is fully set.
  10. Garnish and serve: Before serving, garnish with maraschino cherries and pineapple chunks for an extra tropical flair.

Tips & Variations

Want to make it even more tropical? Try using mango or coconut-flavored gelatin instead of pineapple for a fun twist.

For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with whipped coconut cream. This also makes the cheesecake dairy-free!

If you prefer a crunchier crust, mix in some toasted shredded coconut into the graham cracker crust.

Tip: When dissolving gelatin, be sure the water is boiling hot to fully activate the gelatin, but allow it to cool slightly before mixing with the cream mixture to avoid curdling.

For an extra pop of color, layer the cheesecake with a clear or complementary flavored jello on top, letting each layer set before adding the next.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving (1 slice)
Calories 320
Fat 22g
Saturated Fat 13g
Carbohydrates 27g
Sugars 20g
Protein 4g
Cholesterol 65mg
Sodium 180mg

Serving Suggestions

This Hawaiian Jello Cheesecake is best served chilled straight from the fridge. Pair it with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a tropical drink like pineapple juice or a fruity mocktail for an island-inspired experience.

For a festive party, serve slices alongside other tropical treats or fruit platters featuring mango, papaya, and coconut. Adding a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top just before serving can also enhance the flavor and presentation.

If you’re looking for more dessert inspiration, check out our Berry Cobbler Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy or try some refreshing ideas from our Vegan Icecream Recipe: Easy, Creamy, and Delicious Treats.

Conclusion

This Hawaiian Jello Cheesecake recipe is a delightful way to bring a taste of the tropics into your home kitchen. Its colorful layers, creamy texture, and sweet pineapple flavor make it an irresistible dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re a beginner looking for an easy no-bake dessert or a seasoned cook wanting to impress guests, this cheesecake hits all the right notes.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and garnishes to make it your own. And if you loved this recipe, be sure to explore more culinary delights like our Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping or the Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious for savory meals.

Happy cooking and aloha!

📖 Recipe Card: Hawaiian Jello Cheesecake

Description: A creamy, no-bake cheesecake layered with tropical pineapple and vibrant Hawaiian jello. Perfectly sweet and refreshing for any occasion.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT4H20M

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1 package (3 oz) Hawaiian Punch flavored gelatin
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 cup cold water
  • 1 cup whipped topping

Instructions

  1. Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar; press into 9-inch springform pan.
  2. Beat cream cheese until smooth; add powdered sugar and vanilla, mix well.
  3. Fold in crushed pineapple and whipped topping.
  4. Spread cream cheese mixture over crust evenly.
  5. Dissolve gelatin in boiling water; stir in cold water and chill until slightly thickened.
  6. Pour gelatin over cream cheese layer; refrigerate at least 4 hours until set.
  7. Slice and serve chilled.

Nutrition: Calories: 320 | Protein: 5g | Fat: 22g | Carbs: 25g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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