Imagine a dessert so creamy, so delightfully sweet, and so incredibly easy to make that it'll become your go-to crowd-pleaser for every occasion! This Pineapple Vanilla Wafer Dessert is not just a recipe; it's a magical combination of tropical pineapple, velvety pudding, and crispy vanilla wafers that transforms simple ingredients into a dessert masterpiece that will have everyone begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping
- 1 box vanilla wafers
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 can of crushed pineapple (20 oz), 1 package of instant vanilla pudding mix (
- 4 oz), 2 cups of milk, 1 container of whipped topping (8 oz), and 1 box of vanilla wafers.
- Open the can of crushed pineapple and drain it well to remove excess juice. Set the drained pineapple aside in a bowl.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix and 2 cups of milk. Whisk the mixture together until it is smooth and well combined. This should take about 2 minutes.
- Once the pudding mixture has thickened, gently fold in the whipped topping. Use a spatula to carefully incorporate the whipped topping without deflating it, creating a light and fluffy texture.
- Add the drained crushed pineapple to the pudding and whipped topping mixture. Stir gently until the pineapple is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Now it's time to assemble the dessert. In a 9x13-inch dish or a large serving bowl, start by placing a layer of vanilla wafers at the bottom. You can break some wafers if necessary to fit the bottom of the dish.
- Spread half of the pineapple and pudding mixture over the layer of vanilla wafers, smoothing it out evenly.
- Add another layer of vanilla wafers on top of the pudding mixture, followed by the remaining pineapple and pudding mixture. Smooth the top layer with a spatula.
- For the final touch, you can crush a few additional vanilla wafers and sprinkle them on top of the dessert for added texture and decoration.
- Cover the dessert with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften slightly.
- Once chilled, serve the Pineapple Vanilla Wafer Dessert in individual bowls or slices. Enjoy your delightful and refreshing dessert!
Tips
- Drain the pineapple thoroughly to prevent your dessert from becoming too watery. Use a fine-mesh strainer or press gently with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- For the smoothest pudding mixture, whisk the instant pudding mix and milk for exactly 2 minutes - not more, not less. This ensures the perfect consistency.
- When folding in the whipped topping, use a gentle hand to maintain the light, airy texture. Overmixing can deflate the whipped cream and make your dessert dense.
- For extra flavor, consider using vanilla wafers with a hint of cinnamon or toasting the crushed wafer topping lightly before sprinkling.
- Chilling is crucial! Let the dessert refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but if you can wait 4-6 hours, the flavors will meld even more beautifully.
- For a more elegant presentation, you can layer this dessert in individual parfait glasses instead of a large dish.
- If you're watching calories, you can substitute low-fat milk, sugar-free pudding mix, and light whipped topping without compromising too much on taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 5mg
