Melting Dessert
A luscious melting dessert combining vanilla pudding, ice cream, coconut, apricots, and crispy graham cracker crust for a sweet, creamy treat perfect for gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 boxes instant vanilla pudding ⓘ
- 4 c. milk
- 1 qt. vanilla ice cream
- 1 (8 oz.) container Cool Whip ⓘ
- 2 c. soda cracker crumbs ⓘ
- 1/2 c. margarine, melted
- 3 c. graham cracker crumbs ⓘ
- 4 Butterfinger candy bars ⓘ
- 3/4 c. dried apricots ⓘ
- 1 c. sweetened flaked coconut, toasted
- 1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. grated orange peel ⓘ
- 4 large eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 c. buttermilk baking mix ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter or margarine, melted ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 9-inch pie plate.
- Chop 1/2 cup dried apricots; set aside the remaining for decoration.
- In a medium bowl, combine chopped apricots, coconut, flour, and grated orange peel; toss to mix well.
- In a large bowl, beat eggs, baking mix, milk, melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until thoroughly blended.
- Stir in the apricot-coconut mixture.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pie plate.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely on a wire rack.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding vanilla extract to the egg mixture. If you don't have buttermilk baking mix, you can substitute with a mix of all-purpose flour and baking powder. You can also use crushed Oreos or digestive biscuits in place of graham cracker crumbs if desired. Ensure the pie cools completely before serving to achieve the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this melting dessert with a dollop of Cool Whip on top for extra creaminess. It pairs beautifully with Blueberry Pies for a delightful dessert spread at gatherings. You can also add fresh fruit or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added flavor. This dessert is perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or you can enjoy it cold directly from the fridge. This dessert also makes a delicious treat for breakfast with your morning coffee.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Melting Dessert contains roughly 1116 calories, with 17g protein, 186g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (35% of the Daily Value), iron (31% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. It also contributes 7g 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 substitute the vanilla ice cream with something else?
Yes, you can use any flavor of ice cream you prefer, such as chocolate or strawberry. However, keep in mind that the flavor will change accordingly. For a lighter option, consider using frozen yogurt or whipped topping instead of ice cream.
How can I make this dessert gluten-free?
To make this dessert gluten-free, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs and ensure that the baking mix is certified gluten-free. You can also make your own gluten-free crumb mixture using almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for a delicious alternative.
What can I use instead of dried apricots?
If you don’t have dried apricots, you can substitute with raisins, chopped dates, or even cranberries for a different flavor. These alternatives will still provide a lovely sweetness and texture to the dessert while maintaining its overall appeal.
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).