Ritze
A creamy, crunchy dessert combining vanilla ice cream, coconut pudding, and Ritz crackers, perfect for cooling off and satisfying sweet cravings, ideal for gatherings and family treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine slightly softened vanilla ice cream, milk, and instant coconut pudding mix until well blended.
- Crumble Ritz crackers finely to make the crust.
- Make the crust with crushed Ritz crackers and melted margarine.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of cracker mixture for topping.
- Pour the ice cream mixture over the prepared crust in the pan.
- Spread Cool Whip evenly on top of the ice cream mixture.
- Sprinkle the reserved cracker crumbs on top as a garnish.
- Keep the dessert in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a flavored ice cream like coconut or almond instead of vanilla. You can also substitute the instant coconut pudding with vanilla pudding if you prefer. If you want a crunchier topping, add crushed nuts or chocolate chips to the reserved cracker mixture before sprinkling it on top. Make sure the margarine is fully melted for even mixing.
Serving Suggestions
This dessert is best served chilled, making it an excellent choice for summer gatherings or potlucks. Pair it with a light fruit salad or serve alongside a scoop of fresh berries for added color and flavor. For a fun twist, try it with slices of Marie Calendars' Cornbread for a sweet and savory contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To maintain the texture, avoid freezing the dessert, as the ice cream may become icy. If you need to serve it later, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cutting to ease serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ritze contains roughly 1285 calories, with 24g protein, 153g carbohydrates, and 65g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (56% of the Daily Value), protein (48% of the Daily Value), and calcium (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1371mg per serving (60% 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 type of cracker for the crust?
Yes, you can substitute Ritz crackers with other types such as buttery round crackers or even graham crackers for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the texture and taste of the crust may vary slightly depending on your choice.
Is it possible to make this dessert dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can use dairy-free ice cream and substitute the milk with almond or coconut milk. Ensure your pudding mix is also dairy-free, as some brands may contain milk products. This way, you can still enjoy the dessert without the dairy.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
This dessert is perfect for preparing in advance. You can assemble it a day or two ahead and keep it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just be sure to add the Cool Whip topping right before serving for the best texture.
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).