"Fantasy" Dessert
A creamy layered dessert with a buttery crust, tangy cream cheese filling, chocolate and vanilla pudding layers, topped with Cool Whip for a delightful treat suited for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine margarine, flour, and sugar in a mixing bowl.
- Mix like pie crust until well blended.
- Press the mixture into a 13 x 9-inch cake pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes until lightly golden.
- Allow the crust to cool completely.
- In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth.
- Fold in 1 cup of Cool Whip into the cream cheese mixture.
- Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
- Mix chocolate and French vanilla puddings with 3 cups of milk until well combined.
- Pour the pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer.
- Top with the remaining Cool Whip.
- Refrigerate until chilled and set before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using Low-Fat Whipped Topping instead of regular Cool Whip. You can also substitute half of the margarine with applesauce for a healthier crust. If you prefer a gluten-free option, use almond flour instead of regular flour. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing, especially the cream cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dessert chilled, garnished with chocolate shavings or fresh berries for added flavor and presentation. It pairs beautifully with Grandma Cole'S Icebox Cookies for a delightful dessert spread. Consider serving alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea to complement the creamy textures.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the crust from getting soggy, it's best to keep it separate from the pudding layer until serving. If you need to reheat, allow it to come to room temperature before serving, but this dessert is best enjoyed chilled.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Fantasy" Dessert contains roughly 227 calories, with 4g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 13g fat.
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 make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, this dessert can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just ensure that it is well covered to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge. It actually tastes even better after chilling overnight as the flavors meld together.
Is there a way to make this dessert more chocolatey?
Absolutely! You can add chocolate shavings on top for garnish or incorporate chocolate chips into the cream cheese layer. Additionally, using chocolate pudding instead of French vanilla will intensify the chocolate flavor throughout the dessert.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you're looking for a substitute for cream cheese, try using mascarpone cheese for a similar texture but a slightly sweeter flavor. For a dairy-free option, silken tofu blended until smooth can also work as a creamy alternative.
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).