Ritz Cracker Cake
A delicious no-bake layered dessert with crunchy crackers, coconut, pecans, and creamy vanilla pudding, perfect for parties and family gatherings needing a cool, sweet treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix crushed Ritz crackers, coconut, chopped pecans, and melted butter together to form the crust.
- In a separate bowl, mix the ice cream, milk, and instant vanilla pudding until smooth.
- Pour the pudding mixture over the crust and refrigerate until the filling is chilled.
- Top the chilled dessert with Cool Whip.
- Keep the dessert in the freezer until one hour before serving, then transfer to the refrigerator.
- Use a glass pan for serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the ice cream mixture. If you want to reduce the sweetness, use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened. You can also substitute chopped walnuts for pecans if desired. Make sure to crush the Ritz crackers finely to ensure a cohesive crust. If you prefer a thinner layer, adjust the amount of ice cream accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled, topped with a generous dollop of Cool Whip for added creaminess. This dessert pairs beautifully with fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries for a refreshing contrast. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light salad or grilled chicken, similar to Herb-Stuffed Grilled Chicken for a balanced dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a week. To enjoy, remove it from the freezer and transfer to the refrigerator about an hour before serving to soften slightly. Avoid refreezing after it has thawed to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ritz Cracker Cake contains roughly 6247 calories, with 37g protein, 238g carbohydrates, and 581g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (82% of the Daily Value), protein (74% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (69% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2001mg per serving (87% 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
Is it possible to use a different flavor of pudding?
Absolutely! While vanilla pudding is traditional, you can experiment with other flavors like chocolate or butterscotch. Just keep in mind that it will change the overall flavor profile of the 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).