Drumstick Dessert
A creamy, chocolate-peanut layered dessert with a crunchy crust, perfect for parties and gatherings, combining peanut butter, vanilla wafers, and cool whip for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix 2/3 cup crushed peanuts, crushed vanilla wafers, and melted oleo together; press into a 9 x 13-inch pan to form the crust.
- Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes; remove and cool.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese, peanut butter, and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Fold in 2 cups of Cool Whip into the cream cheese mixture.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust.
- In a separate bowl, mix chocolate pudding mix with milk until thickened.
- Pour the pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer.
- Spread the remaining Cool Whip on top of the pudding layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining crushed peanuts and chopped candy bars over the top.
- Refrigerate until chilled and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat cream cheese and sugar-free pudding mix. If you can't find Spanish peanuts, regular salted peanuts work just as well. To enhance the flavor, add a pinch of salt to the cream cheese mixture. Make sure to let the crust cool completely before adding the layers to prevent melting the Cool Whip.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful dessert chilled, and consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. It also goes wonderfully with a slice of Gert Gurganus Sweet Milk Cornbread for a unique twist on your dessert spread. Garnish with extra crushed peanuts or chocolate shavings for added visual appeal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to preserve the texture, avoid freezing as it can affect the creaminess of the Cool Whip. Simply cover tightly and enjoy chilled for a refreshing dessert.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Drumstick Dessert contains roughly 905 calories, with 16g protein, 128g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (34% of the Daily Value), protein (31% of the Daily Value), and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 963mg per serving (42% 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
Can I use a different type of nut instead of Spanish peanuts?
Yes, you can substitute with any nut you prefer, such as chopped walnuts or pecans. Just ensure they are crushed to maintain the texture of the dessert. This will add a different flavor profile while still keeping the recipe delicious.
Is there a gluten-free option for the crust?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free vanilla wafers or crushed gluten-free cookies as a substitute. This way, you can still enjoy this delicious dessert without gluten, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
How can I make this dessert more chocolatey?
To intensify the chocolate flavor, consider adding chocolate chips to the pudding layer or using a chocolate crust instead of vanilla wafers. You can also drizzle chocolate sauce on top before serving for an extra decadent touch.
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).