Yum Yum Dessert
Simple and good yum-hum dessert
For as simple as this yum yum dessert is to fix, it’s amazingly good. You can choose the flavor by choosing the flavor of the instant pudding you use. OR, you can switch the ice cream flavor instead.
I usually use vanilla pudding and vanilla ice cream, but I’ve switched chocolate ice cream for the vanilla, and I’ve used butterscotch pudding with the vanilla ice cream. You could try other flavors as well, especially if your family has other ice cream or pudding flavors that are their favorites.
I have two variations of this recipe, both given to me by great cooks! There’s not a lot of difference, but I will give you the options. All you need to make this yum yum dessert is instant pudding mix, milk, vanilla, and ice cream; for the crust you need Ritz crackers and butter. Cool whip for a topping is optional.
With the Ritz cracker crust, this yum yum dessert has a sweet and salty combination that makes a great dessert. When you’ve had this dish, you’ll understand why it is called “yum yum”!
Easy fix
This recipe can be made several days ahead and put into the freezer until you are ready to serve. It’s great for a carry-in meal or for a family gathering when you’ve got a lot of things going on. Fix it ahead, put it in the freezer, and forget about it. There’s no last minute preparation necessary. You can also make two different recipes: a chocolate and a vanilla, for example. Or try some butterscotch or lemon. Oreo cookie ice cream with vanilla pudding is a great combination. The prospects are endless, so you’ll never get tired of this recipe.
The salty Ritz crackers add a flair to the sweet dessert, and so you’ve got a sweet and salty taste all in one dish. Your family and friends will love this, guaranteed.
This recipe is a repeat from several years ago. Every time I make this, I wonder why I don’t make it more often. Now it’s your turn. The recipe is here, so scroll on down!
The recipe
Yum Yum Dessert
Ingredients
- Crust:
- Recipe One: 2 1/2 packages Ritz crackers and 3/4 cup melted butter
- Recipe Two: 60 Ritz crackers and 1/2 cup melted butter
- Filling: 2 boxes 3.5 oz. instant vanilla pudding
- 1 cup milk Recipe Two: 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 tsp. vanilla No vanilla in recipe Two
- 1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream
- Cool whip Recipe One
Instructions
- Crut:
- Mix cracker crumbs and butter together
- Press crumbs into bottom of 9 x 11 pan (save 1/2 cup for topping)
- Mix milk and vanilla with pudding.
- Add ice cream.
- Mix well and pour on top of crumbs
- Top with Cool Whip (optional)
- Top with reserved crumbs
- Freeze until ready to serve (unless you are serving by the next day).
This was one of my favorite desserts when I was a child! Mom would make it for “company”. After the guests left, we would raid the fridge and feast on yum-yum dessert (and maybe cheese ball!)
I don’t remember having this as a child; my SIL introduced it to us. But even as an adult, I’ve been guilty of “raiding the fridge and feasting on yum-yum . . . ” 🙂
My kids favorite and now that they’re older, always a must have on get together. We prefer to keep ours frozen, and instead of cracker crumbs on top, I use nonpareils. Looks festive and they retain their crunch!
Thanks for the idea!
This sounds delicious, but I think I will try it with either a Graham Cracker Crust or a Chocolate Cookie Crust. Can’t wait to try this.
I’m sure those would be good substitutions. I think the crackers give you the “sweet and salty” effect. I’m a fan of graham crackers myself and prefer those over vanilla wafers for banana pudding. 🙂
@sandi I grew up with this dessert using half graham cracker half saltine mixed together for the crust!
That’s an interesting combination. Thanks for sharing.
I use 60 townhouse crackers for the crust
Reserve 1/4 cup and some smashed peanuts for top
Bake crust at 350 for five minutes
Cool before adding the vanilla ice cream vanilla pudding mixture
No milk
It will look like a thick milkshake
When ready to serve top with Cool Whip and put the reserved crumbs on top
Yummy