Marie'S Apricot Dessert
A delightful layered dessert featuring a crunchy vanilla wafer crust, sweet apricot topping, and whipped cream, perfect for a sweet family treat or special occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Set aside 1/2 cup crushed vanilla wafers for topping.
- Mix crushed vanilla wafers, powdered sugar, eggs, and chopped pecans in a bowl.
- Add up to 3 teaspoons of milk if needed to hold the mixture together.
- Press the mixture into a baking dish to form a crust.
- Bake at 350°F until browned, approximately 20-25 minutes.
- Allow the crust to cool.
- Cook dried apricots according to package directions and mash them.
- Add 1 cup sugar and cubed butter to the mashed apricots and cook until combined.
- Spread the apricot mixture over the cooled crust.
- Top with Cool Whip and the reserved crushed vanilla wafers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar in the apricot mixture. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes. To ensure the crust holds well, add a little more milk if the mixture seems dry. For a twist, try folding in some chocolate chips for added sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
This dessert is perfect for gatherings or as a sweet end to a meal. Serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast. It pairs beautifully with Creamy Caramel Frosting drizzled on top for an extra treat. Consider garnishing with fresh apricots or mint leaves for added flair.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or enjoy chilled for a refreshing dessert. If you prefer it warm, bake it at a low temperature until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Marie'S Apricot Dessert contains roughly 849 calories, with 9g protein, 116g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is a good source of protein (18% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (17% of the Daily Value), and iron (17% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 fresh apricots instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh apricots, but you will need to cook them down more to achieve a similar consistency. Make sure they are ripe for the best flavor and texture.
How do I make this dessert gluten-free?
To make this dessert gluten-free, simply substitute the vanilla wafers with gluten-free cookies or crushed gluten-free cereal like Corn Flakes. Ensure that all other ingredients are also certified gluten-free.
Can this dessert be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dessert can be prepared a day in advance. Just assemble the crust and apricot layer, then refrigerate. Add the Cool Whip and crushed wafers right before serving to keep them fresh.
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).