Coconut-Ice Cream Dessert
A creamy coconut ice cream dessert layered with crunchy Ritz cracker crumbs, perfect for cooling gatherings and satisfying fans of coconut and sweet treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Roll Ritz crackers into crumbs and stir in melted margarine.
- Put half of the cracker crumbs in the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Save the remaining crumbs for topping.
- Mix milk and instant coconut cream pudding, then add slightly softened vanilla ice cream and Cool Whip; mix thoroughly.
- Pour the mixture over the crumbs in the pan, then sprinkle the remaining crumbs over the top.
- Store in the freezer.
- Thaw slightly for 15 to 30 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, consider using crushed graham crackers instead of Ritz for the base. You can also substitute regular cream with coconut cream for a more intense coconut flavor. If you're short on time, pre-made whipped topping works well in place of Cool Whip. Make sure the ice cream is slightly softened to blend smoothly with the pudding mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This Coconut-Ice Cream Dessert is perfect for warm weather gatherings and pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Consider serving it alongside a slice of Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake for a delightful dessert spread. Garnishing with toasted coconut flakes adds an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer to maintain freshness. To enjoy later, allow the dessert to sit at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes before serving, which will make slicing easier. Avoid refreezing after thawing to ensure the best texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Coconut-Ice Cream Dessert contains roughly 1235 calories, with 18g protein, 162g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (69% of the Daily Value), calcium (60% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1050mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
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
How do I know when the dessert is ready to serve?
The dessert is ready to serve when it has set properly in the freezer, usually after a few hours. Thawing it for 15 to 30 minutes before serving will give it a softer texture, making it easier to scoop.
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).