Ice Cream Goodie
A creamy ice cream dessert with crunchy cracker crust, topped with whipped cream and candy bars, perfect for family gatherings or special celebrations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt sugar and butter together.
- Mix Ritz crackers, sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
- Press mixture into the bottom of a cake pan to form a crust.
- Use the flat end of a spoon to pack the crust firmly to the bottom of the pan.
- Mix vanilla instant pudding, vanilla ice cream, and milk until smooth.
- Pour the pudding mixture over the crust in the pan.
- Let the dessert set in the refrigerator until firm.
- Spread Cool Whip over the settled pudding layer.
- Break up Heath bars and sprinkle over the top of the dessert.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a salted butter which enhances the sweetness of the dessert. You can substitute the Ritz crackers with crushed graham crackers for a different base. If you prefer a chocolate twist, add cocoa powder to the pudding mixture. For a lighter texture, use a low-fat version of vanilla ice cream or pudding. Additionally, consider using homemade whipped cream in place of Cool Whip.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Ice Cream Goodie chilled, garnished with additional Heath bar pieces for an extra crunch. It pairs beautifully with Grandma Kretchmer'S Blueberry Cake for a delightful dessert spread. Consider offering fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce on the side for an added touch. Perfect for warm weather gatherings, it can be a hit at potlucks or family dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It's best enjoyed cold, so there's no need to reheat this dessert. If you plan to serve it later, cover it with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ice Cream Goodie contains roughly 1207 calories, with 12g protein, 124g carbohydrates, and 75g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value), calcium (43% of the Daily Value), and iron (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 511mg per serving (22% 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 make this dessert in advance?
Absolutely! This Ice Cream Goodie can be prepared a day ahead of time. Just make sure to keep it covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this dessert gluten-free by substituting the Ritz crackers with a gluten-free cookie or cracker alternative. Additionally, ensure that the pudding mix and any other ingredients used are certified gluten-free.
What can I use instead of Heath bars on top?
If Heath bars aren't available, you can use chopped chocolate-covered toffee or even crushed Oreo cookies for a different flavor profile. For a nutty twist, chopped pecans or almonds can also be a lovely topping, adding both texture and taste.
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).