Angelic Cream Squares
Creamy vanilla pudding layered with crushed vanilla wafers and pecans, topped with a smooth cream cheese mixture—perfect for a sweet, nostalgic treat enjoyed by all.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Crush the Sunshine vanilla wafers and chop the pecans.
- Combine crushed wafers, chopped pecans, and melted butter to form the crust.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a serving dish or pan.
- Prepare the vanilla pudding by adding about 1/4 cup more sugar to the packet and using 1 3/4 cups of milk instead of 2 cups.
- Cook the pudding according to package instructions, then let it cool.
- Mix the softened cream cheese with rum flavoring until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled pudding layer.
- Chill the assembled dessert in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using crushed graham crackers instead of vanilla wafers or swap pecans with walnuts. To make it gluten-free, choose gluten-free vanilla wafers. Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing. If you prefer a sweeter dessert, you can add powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture. This dessert can be made a day ahead for a more developed flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These Angelic Cream Squares are delightful on their own but can be enhanced with fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries on top. A drizzle of Easy Sundae Sauce can also elevate the presentation and flavor. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. They make a lovely addition to any gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the texture, avoid freezing the dessert as it may lead to a watery consistency when thawed. Serve chilled directly from the fridge for the best taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Angelic Cream Squares contains roughly 821 calories, with 5g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 87g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (11% of the Daily Value), and protein (10% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant pudding instead of regular vanilla pudding?
Using instant pudding is not recommended, as it won't set properly for this recipe. The texture of the dessert relies on the cooked pudding to create a creamy layer. Stick with the non-instant version for best results.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this dessert dairy-free, substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream or tofu cream cheese. For pudding, use a non-dairy milk alternative, and ensure the vanilla pudding mix is dairy-free. This way, you can enjoy a delicious dessert without the dairy.
What can I use instead of rum flavoring?
If you prefer to avoid rum flavoring, you can substitute it with vanilla extract for a different flavor profile. Alternatively, almond extract can add a nice touch. Adjust the amount to your taste preference, as extracts can vary in strength.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).