Frozen Yum-Yum Dessert

Prep: 20 min Cuisine: American

A creamy, crunchy frozen dessert combining vanilla ice cream, graham crackers, and cool whip, perfect for warm days or gatherings, offering rich flavors and textures.

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Ingredients

  • 2 pkg. graham crackers, crushed
  • 1 stick and 3 Tbsp. melted butter
  • 1/2 gal. vanilla ice cream, softened
  • 2 pkg. instant vanilla pudding
  • 1 1/2 c. milk

Instructions

  1. Mix together crushed graham crackers and melted butter.
  2. Press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch cake pan, using all but 1 cup.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix together softened vanilla ice cream, instant vanilla pudding, and milk until well combined.
  4. Spread the ice cream mixture over the graham cracker crust in the pan.
  5. Spread Cool Whip evenly on top of the ice cream mixture.
  6. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of crushed graham crackers on top.
  7. Freeze for approximately 2 to 4 hours until the dessert is firm and ready to serve.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a layer of crushed nuts or chocolate chips between the ice cream and Cool Whip. If you're short on time, you can substitute the homemade graham cracker crust with a pre-made one. For a lighter version, use reduced-fat graham crackers and light Cool Whip. Ensure the ice cream is softened enough to mix easily but not completely melted.

Serving Suggestions

This Frozen Yum-Yum Dessert is perfect for warm weather gatherings. Serve it alongside fresh fruit or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra indulgence. It pairs beautifully with my Lite No Bake Lemon Cheesecake for a delightful dessert table. For a fun twist, you could even cut the dessert into smaller squares and serve them as bite-sized treats at parties.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in the freezer, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. This dessert will maintain its quality for up to two weeks. To enjoy again, simply slice off a piece and allow it to thaw at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving for the best texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Frozen Yum-Yum Dessert contains roughly 3321 calories, with 41g protein, 451g carbohydrates, and 151g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (175% of the Daily Value), calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (106% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2471mg per serving (107% of the Daily Value).

3321 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 40.6g 81% DV
Total Fat 151.4g 100% DV
Carbs 450.7g 100% DV
Fiber 9.6g 34% DV
Sugar 260.2g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2470.6mg 100% DV
Potassium 1512.3mg 32% DV
Cholesterol 315.3mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 950.9mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 73.7mg 82% DV
Vitamin D 8mcg 40% DV
Calcium 2000mg 100% DV
Iron 31.5mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Milk 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 a different flavor of ice cream?

Absolutely! While vanilla is classic, feel free to experiment with flavors like chocolate, strawberry, or even mint chocolate chip. Just remember that the pudding flavor should ideally complement the ice cream to maintain a balanced taste in the dessert.

How can I make this dessert gluten-free?

To make this Frozen Yum-Yum Dessert gluten-free, substitute the graham crackers with gluten-free graham cracker alternatives or crushed nuts. Ensure that all other ingredients, including the pudding mix and ice cream, are labeled gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.

Can I prepare this dessert in advance?

Yes, this dessert is perfect for making ahead of time! You can assemble it a day before your event and let it freeze overnight. Just make sure to cover it well to prevent freezer burn. It's a great make-ahead option for parties or family gatherings!

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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