Ruth'S Dessert
Ruth's Dessert is a creamy, fruity layered treat featuring pineapple, vanilla pudding, and a fluffy cream cheese topping, perfect for gatherings and sweet celebrations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the yellow cake mix according to package directions and pour into a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Bake and then allow the cake to cool completely.
- Beat the cream cheese until fluffy in a mixing bowl.
- Gradually add the milk, creaming well until smooth.
- Add the vanilla pudding mix and blend well.
- Beat until the mixture thickens.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled cake.
- Drain the crushed pineapple and spread it over the pudding layer.
- Spread dessert topping over the pineapple layer.
- Garnish with nuts and red cherries if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. If you prefer a lighter dessert, substitute half of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt. You can also replace crushed pineapple with fresh diced strawberries or blueberries for a different fruit layer. Remember to let the cake cool completely before adding the cream cheese mixture to prevent it from melting.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Ruth's Dessert chilled for a refreshing treat. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. For a festive touch, consider garnishing with fresh mint leaves or nuts. This dessert is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, making it a great addition to your next American recipes menu.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you need to reheat it, do so gently in the microwave for a few seconds, but keep in mind that the cream cheese topping is best enjoyed cold. It's also delicious straight from the fridge on a hot day.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ruth'S Dessert contains roughly 238 calories, with 4g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is a good source of iron (15% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (15% of the Daily Value), and calcium (14% 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 flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is traditional, you can experiment with other flavors like chocolate or lemon to create a unique twist. Just ensure the other ingredients complement the cake flavor you choose.
Is there a way to make this dessert healthier?
Yes, you can reduce the calories by using a sugar-free cake mix and instant pudding. Additionally, consider using low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt as a substitute to lower the fat content while still maintaining creaminess.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Definitely! This dessert can be made a day in advance. Just store it covered in the refrigerator. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it even more delicious when served the next day.
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).