Instant Pudding Dessert
A creamy, crunchy dessert combining vanilla pudding, butter cookie crust, and ice cream, topped with Heath bars—perfect for parties and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together the crushed butter cookies and melted margarine.
- Press the cookie mixture into the bottom of a 9 x 12-inch cake dish to form a crust.
- Beat the instant vanilla pudding and milk together until thickened.
- Add the butter pecan ice cream to the pudding mixture and stir until smooth.
- Pour the ice cream and pudding mixture over the cookie crumb crust.
- Crush the Heath bars and spread them on top of the dessert.
- Place the dish in the freezer until ready to serve.
- Cut into squares to serve. Optionally, add Cool Whip on top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the pudding mixture. If you can't find Lorna Doone cookies, any vanilla wafer or shortbread cookie will work as a substitute. To make this dessert lighter, you can use reduced-fat ice cream and low-fat pudding mix without sacrificing taste.
Serving Suggestions
This dessert is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with a dollop of Cool Whip on top for added creaminess. For a fun twist, serve it alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of your favorite sorbet. It also makes a great addition to potlucks or summer gatherings, complementing dishes like Cottage Pancakes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. To serve, simply remove from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before cutting into squares. This will make it easier to slice and enjoy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Instant Pudding Dessert contains roughly 3126 calories, with 5g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 325g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (21% of the Daily Value) and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 926mg per serving (40% 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 flavor of ice cream?
Absolutely! While butter pecan adds a unique flavor, you can easily substitute it with vanilla, chocolate, or even cookie dough ice cream for a different twist. Just make sure the ice cream is soft enough to mix well with the pudding.
How long does this dessert need to freeze?
Ideally, you should freeze the dessert for at least 4 hours to allow it to set properly, but overnight is even better. This will ensure that the pudding mixture firms up nicely, creating a deliciously creamy texture when served.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, this dessert is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in the freezer until you're ready to serve. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cutting into squares for the best results.
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).