Delicious Graham Cracker Dessert

Prep: 20 min Cuisine: American

A creamy, fruity graham cracker dessert layered with pineapple, nuts, and jello, perfect for make-ahead gatherings and family occasions with nostalgic flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup Crisco
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 stick margarine
  • 2 eggs
  • 3/4 cup crushed pineapple
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts
  • 1 package Jello gelatin (any flavor)
  • Graham crackers

Instructions

  1. Cream together Crisco, sugar, and margarine.
  2. Add eggs and mix well.
  3. Stir in crushed pineapple and chopped nuts.
  4. Layer the bottom of an oblong dish with graham crackers.
  5. Spread a layer of the mixture over the graham crackers.
  6. Repeat layering with graham crackers and mixture, ending with a layer of graham crackers on top.
  7. Pour partially jelled jello over the dish and set until firm.
  8. Cut into squares and serve.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter version, consider using light margarine and reducing the sugar by a third. If you don’t have Crisco, unsalted butter can be a great substitute. For added flavor, try mixing in coconut flakes or using flavored graham crackers. The combination of crushed pineapple and Jello can also be adjusted to your taste, adding more or less based on preference.

Serving Suggestions

Cut into squares and serve chilled for a refreshing treat. This dessert pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside fresh fruit or even a slice of Layered Pudding Delight for a delightful dessert spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the dessert starts to get soggy, try placing a layer of plastic wrap between the dessert and the container lid to minimize moisture. To serve, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before cutting to ensure cleaner slices.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Delicious Graham Cracker Dessert contains roughly 709 calories, with 6g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is a good source of calcium (16% of the Daily Value), protein (12% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 565mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).

709 kcal 35% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.2g 12% DV
Total Fat 47.5g 61% DV
Carbs 68.1g 25% DV
Fiber 3g 11% DV
Sugar 6.9g 14% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 565.1mg 25% DV
Potassium 465.3mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 72.9mg 24% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 18.6mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 11.1mg 12% DV
Calcium 212.6mg 16% DV
Iron 2mg 11% DV
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 different flavors of Jello for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can choose any flavor of Jello that you prefer, such as strawberry or lime, to complement the crushed pineapple. Each flavor will give your dessert a unique taste, making it versatile and fun to experiment with.

How can I make this dessert gluten-free?

To make this dessert gluten-free, simply use gluten-free graham crackers. Many brands offer gluten-free options that taste just as good as traditional ones. Additionally, double-check the labels on the other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.

Can I prepare this dessert in advance?

Yes, this dessert is ideal for making ahead of time. You can prepare it a day or two in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to store it covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.

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).

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