Creamy, fluffy and sweet, this pineapple-flavored dessert is perfect for warm summer evenings.
The exact origin of this dessert is unclear. Some attribute it to Palestine, others to Turkey or Iraq, but here it is commonly known as Pineapple Dream Dessert.
The original name, Torab el Melook, literally translates to “kings’ dust” (torab means dust and el melook means the kings). The dessert is a very creamy, fluffy treat layered and garnished with pineapple — once a rare, prized fruit in the Middle East — and finished with crumbled biscuits that resemble sand, or “torab.” So the name is often interpreted as “kings’ sand” or “kings’ dust.”
The name carries an underlying social commentary: the image of royalty walking on what the general population cannot afford reflects a contrast between luxury and hardship. In some places this dish has also been used humorously or sarcastically to poke fun at leaders and officials. Regardless of the symbolism, the dessert itself is light, rich and very enjoyable — especially on hot days.
For the creamiest result use table cream (such as Nestle) or mascarpone cheese for added richness. If you prefer a lighter, lower-calorie version, you can omit those and use whipped cream instead.
Related Recipes
- A dreamy, creamy no-bake dessert combining coffee, cocoa and mascarpone cheese. Tiramisu is a classic Italian layered dessert that’s perfect for entertaining.
Pineapple Dream Dessert Recipe
Print
Pin
Rate
Amira
Ingredients
- 40-50 plain biscuits
- 1 can of table cream (or a 3.5 oz tub of mascarpone)
- 1 can of pineapple slices with juice
- 1/2 to 3/4 can of condensed milk
- 1 package of Dream Whip or 1 cup of whipping cream
Instructions
-
Cut the pineapple slices into chunks, reserving three whole rings to be halved for decoration.
-
Prepare the Dream Whip according to the package directions (or whip the cream until soft peaks form).
-
Fold in the table cream or mascarpone and mix until smooth.
-
Add half the condensed milk and mix well. Taste and add more condensed milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your preferred sweetness.
-
Crush about 10 biscuits for the base and topping.
-
Sprinkle some of the crushed biscuits on the bottom of your serving dish.
-
Dip whole biscuits briefly into the pineapple juice and arrange a layer over the crushed base.
-
Spread a layer of the cream mixture over the biscuits and smooth the surface.
-
Add a layer of diced pineapple, then another layer of dipped biscuits.
-
Continue layering cream, pineapple and dipped biscuits until reaching the top of the dish.
-
Finish by sprinkling the remaining crushed biscuits over the top.
-
Arrange the reserved pineapple slices on top for decoration.
-
Chill in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before serving to allow it to set.
-
Serve cold and enjoy.
Tried this recipe? Pin it for later!