Vern'S Light Desserts
A creamy, sweet dessert layered with a buttery crust, vanilla and butterscotch pudding, topped with whipped cream and nuts, perfect for gatherings and potlucks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix margarine, flour, and sugar well.
- Press the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Bake for 15 minutes at 325°F until light brown.
- Cool the crust completely.
- Beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth.
- Fold in half of the Cool Whip into the cream cheese mixture.
- Spread the cheese mixture over the cooled crust.
- Mix the dry instant vanilla and butterscotch puddings with milk until thickened.
- Pour the pudding mixture over the cheese layer.
- Spread the remaining Cool Whip on top.
- Sprinkle with chopped nuts before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese and use light Cool Whip. For added texture, include crushed nuts or chocolate chips into the pudding mix. This dessert can be made a day ahead for easier serving, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this light dessert chilled for a refreshing treat. It pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added decadence. Consider serving alongside a slice of Buttered Pound Cake for a delightful contrast in textures. This dessert makes a great ending to any meal or a perfect addition to summer gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the texture of the Cool Whip, avoid freezing as it may change consistency. If you prefer to serve it chilled, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving, making it easier to slice.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vern'S Light Desserts contains roughly 917 calories, with 6g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 66g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (23% of the Daily Value) and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 629mg per serving (27% 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 different flavors of pudding?
Absolutely! You can substitute the instant vanilla and butterscotch puddings with other flavors like chocolate or banana for a unique twist. Just ensure that the flavor complements the cream cheese and Cool Whip layers.
Is it possible to make this dessert gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this dessert gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Just check the labels on your pudding mixes and Cool Whip to ensure they are also gluten-free.
How can I make this dessert more festive for a party?
To make this dessert more festive, consider adding colorful sprinkles or edible glitter on top of the Cool Whip layer. You can also layer the dessert in individual cups for a fun presentation, and garnish with seasonal fruits for a pop of color.
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).