Out Of The World Dessert

Prep: 30 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Rich and gooey, this layered dessert combines crunchy cracker crust, creamy pudding and ice cream, topped with Cool Whip and Heath bars for a decadent treat perfect for gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 30 Ritz crackers
  • 1 Tbsp. sugar
  • 1 stick butter
  • 2 small packages vanilla instant pudding
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 quart vanilla ice cream

Instructions

  1. Crush Ritz crackers finely.
  2. Mix crushed crackers with sugar and melted butter.
  3. Pat the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch pan to form a crust.
  4. Mix vanilla instant pudding with milk and vanilla ice cream until smooth.
  5. Pour the pudding mixture over the cracker crust.
  6. Top with Cool Whip.
  7. Sprinkle chopped Heath bars over the top.
  8. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight to set.
  9. Can be prepared a day in advance.
  10. Alternatively, divide the mixture between two pie plates.
  11. Serve and enjoy!

Tips & Substitutions

For a crunchier texture, consider using crushed graham crackers instead of Ritz. You can also experiment with different flavors of instant pudding, such as chocolate or butterscotch, to vary the taste. If you prefer a lighter dessert, substitute half of the ice cream with whipped topping in the pudding mixture. Ensure the butter is fully melted before mixing to achieve a uniform crust.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dessert chilled, garnished with additional chopped Heath bars or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra indulgence. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. For a festive touch, consider adding seasonal fruits like berries or banana slices as a refreshing contrast.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the dessert has already been cut, cover it with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change upon thawing. For best results, serve chilled straight from the refrigerator.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Out Of The World Dessert contains roughly 1082 calories, with 7g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 85g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (74% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

1082 kcal 54% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.4g 15% DV
Total Fat 84.8g 100% DV
Carbs 78g 28% DV
Fiber 8.7g 31% DV
Sugar 21.2g 42% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 202.6mg 9% DV
Potassium 533.5mg 11% DV
Cholesterol 243.6mg 81% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 99.3mcg 11% DV
Vitamin C 66.7mg 74% DV
Vitamin D 0.7mcg 3% DV
Calcium 229.7mg 18% DV
Iron 3.5mg 19% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

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 homemade pudding instead of instant pudding?

Yes, you can use homemade pudding for a richer flavor, but make sure it's fully cooled before pouring it over the crust. Adjust the amount of milk accordingly based on your pudding recipe, as the consistency may differ from instant pudding.

Is it possible to make this dessert gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed nuts for the crust. Ensure that all other ingredients, including the pudding mix and ice cream, are labeled gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the recipe.

How long does this dessert need to set in the refrigerator?

This dessert should ideally set for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best for a firmer consistency. The longer it sits, the more the flavors will meld together, resulting in a more delicious treat when served.

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).

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