Ice Cream Pudding
Creamy ice cream pudding layered with crunchy Ritz cracker crust and topped with whipped Dream Whip, ideal for a sweet, satisfying treat perfect for gatherings or family desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Roll out the Ritz crackers with a rolling pin on a sheet of Reynolds Wrap, then mix by hand with softened margarine.
- Save 3/4 cup of the crushed crackers for the dessert topping.
- Press the remaining cracker mixture into the bottom of a cake pan and pat down firmly.
- Mix the softened vanilla ice cream, vanilla pudding, and milk together until well combined.
- Layer the ice cream mixture on top of the cracker crust in the pan.
- Mix Dream Whip according to package instructions and spread it evenly over the pudding layer.
- Sprinkle the reserved 3/4 cup of crushed crackers on top of the Dream Whip layer.
- Chill in the refrigerator before serving and enjoy!
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using real butter instead of margarine. You can also substitute chocolate ice cream for a different twist. If you want a firmer texture, try incorporating some crushed nuts or chocolate chips into the crust. Make sure to let the ice cream soften before mixing to ensure a smooth consistency. For a quick dessert, browse more American recipes for inspiration.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Ice Cream Pudding in individual cups for a fun presentation. It pairs beautifully with fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas for added flavor and color. For a festive touch, consider drizzling chocolate syrup over the top or serving alongside a slice of Alice Perry's Carrot Cake for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This dessert is best enjoyed cold, so there's no need to reheat it. If you want to prepare it in advance, you can assemble the layers and keep them in the fridge until ready to serve, ensuring the crust stays crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ice Cream Pudding contains roughly 2069 calories, with 8g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 202g fat. It is a good source of calcium (19% of the Daily Value), protein (17% of the Daily Value), and iron (17% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1929mg per serving (84% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this Ice Cream Pudding a day in advance. Just assemble the layers and keep it covered in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together, creating a more delicious treat. Just make sure to add the crushed crackers on top just before serving to maintain their crunch.
Is it possible to use a different flavor of ice cream?
Absolutely! While vanilla is traditional, you can experiment with other flavors like chocolate, cookies and cream, or even strawberry. Each flavor will give a unique twist to the dessert, making it fun to customize for different occasions or preferences.
What can I use instead of Dream Whip?
If you don’t have Dream Whip, you can substitute it with whipped cream or cool whip. For a more homemade option, whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This will create a similar light and airy topping for your dessert.
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).