Recently my mom’s sisters came to visit (she has 4!) and when I asked them which of my Gram’s recipes were worthy of preserving, I got a few good ideas. But until my Aunt Patty started describing my Gram’s Ice Cream Dessert, I had totally forgotten about this simple, creamy and delicious recipe. And now that it’s back on my radar, it’s going to be hard not to make it all the time. We made it this past weekend and everyone, including all 3 of my kids, loved it. That almost never happens!
My Aunt Peggie recalled that my gram had originally recieved this recipe from her neighbor. At first Gram was hesitant to try out this Ice Cream Dessert. She didn’t want to make something that was going to take up room in the freezer. However, once she learned that this dessert can be stored in the fridge, it quickly became her favorite recipe to bring to parties and events!
Making Gram’s Ice Cream Dessert
Gram’s Ice Cream Dessert couldn’t be simpler to make. In fact, when my aunt sent over a photo of the recipe, it took up all of six lines on the index card! All you need is instant pudding, milk, ice cream, Ritz crackers and butter. And Cool Whip to ice the cake.
Start by crushing up the Ritz crackers. The best way to do this is to place all the crackers in a large zipper bag and then use a rolling pin to break them up. Next melt a stick of butter in the microwave. Combine the melted butter and the cracker crumbs in a 9 x 13 baking dish. Press the crackers down to form a crust.
In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, combine 2 small boxes of instant vanilla pudding and pie filling, 1 1/2 cups of milk and a quart of softened vanilla ice cream. Spread the mixture on top of the cracker crust. Finally, use a container of Cool Whip to ice the cake. Keep chilled in the fridge until ready to serve.
A Tip!
Don’t be afraid to mix up the flavors – Try chocolate pudding and ice cream or pistachio or strawberry!
There is just nothing like those old fashioned, tried and true recipes…especially when it comes to desserts! I’d love to know what desserts you remember your grandmothers making? Please share in the comments below!
- 60 Ritz crackers
- 1 stick (1/2 c.) of butter
- 2 small boxes of vanilla instant pudding and pie filling (3.4 oz size boxes)
- 1 1/2 c. milk,
- 1 quart of ice cream, softened
- 8 oz. Cool Whip
- Start by crushing up the Ritz crackers: place all the crackers in a large zipper bag and then use a rolling pin to break them up.
- Next place butter in a microwave safe dish, cover with a paper towel and microwave until melted, about 45 seconds.
- Combine the melted butter and the cracker crumbs in a 9 x 13 baking dish. Press the crackers down to form a crust.
- In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, combine the instant vanilla pudding and pie filling mix, the milk and the softened vanilla ice cream.
- Spread the mixture on top of the cracker crust.
- Finally, spread the Cool Whip on top of the ice cream mixture.
- Keep chilled in the fridge until ready to serve.
this looks and sounds amazing. i’m not sure i can make it unless i’m going to a party because i might eat it all 🙂
Rachel…it is addicting, I’m not going to lie! But my grandma always made this to take to parties and it was always a hit!
Pinned!! Yum, and thanks!
Once again, you’re making me drool and it’s not even 8am hahaha!! This one is getting pinned for this summer – YUM!!!
This recipe looks great! I like how you can mix it up with different pudding flavors. Yummmmm!!!
This looks so good! I will definitely be making it soon 🙂 Thanks for the post!
Looks and sounds delicious! I’m going to have to bookmark this recipe to try one day soon. Thanks for sharing!
This looks fabulous!
What a great idea! Sounds delicious!
This looks so easy to make and it looks very good.
This sounds too good, just finished dinner, can i have this for dessert?
Looks very delicious 🙂
You had me at Ritz crackers. Pinned this : )
This sounds delicious and perfect for my cheat meal this week!!
MMM so yummy. Chocolate and Pistachio sound so good too! Thanks for sharing Stacy!
I love how easy and yummy this sounds. I, for one am not ashamed to say that I love instant pudding. I use it in all kinds of desserts and even shakes occasionally. Plus, I think the idea of a salty crust sounds delicious.