Striped Delight – No-Bake Dessert
Description
This Striped Delight is a crowd-pleasing dessert thatโs perfect for any occasion. It has the ideal balance of sweetness and a satisfying crunchy graham cracker crust. Originally passed down from my mother-in-law, this dessert quickly became a favorite. Itโs no-cook, making it easy to prepare, and can be doubled or halved to fit your needs. Whether youโre serving it at a potluck, party, or just enjoying it at home, expect requests for secondsโand for the recipe itself. This dessert is toddler and kid-friendly, budget-friendly, and can be prepared in less than 30 minutes (excluding chilling time). Enjoy this delicious layered treat, sure to be a hit every time!
Ingredients & Nutritional Information
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Graham cracker crumbs | 1 1/2 cups |
| Sugar (for crust) | 1/4 cup |
| Butter (melted) | 1/3 cup |
| Cream cheese (softened) | 1 package (8 oz) |
| Sugar (for filling) | 1/4 cup |
| Milk (for filling) | 2 tablespoons |
| Whipped topping (thawed) | 1 1/2 cups |
| Chocolate instant pudding mix | 2 packages (3.9 oz each) |
| Milk (for pudding) | 3 1/2 cups |
| Additional whipped topping (for topping) | 1 1/2 cups |
Nutritional Information (per serving, estimated)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 223.1 kcal |
| Fat | 12.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 37.4 mg |
| Sodium | 298.2 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 24.6 g |
| Fiber | 0.6 g |
| Sugars | 16.4 g |
| Protein | 3.5 g |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Combine the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/3 cup melted butter. Stir until well-combined and the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press into the Pan: Firmly press this mixture into the bottom of a 13×9-inch pan, ensuring an even layer. This forms the crunchy base of your dessert.
- Chill the Crust: Place the pan in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to allow the crust to set and firm up.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, and 2 tablespoons of milk using an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will create a light and tangy layer.
- Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold in 1 1/2 cups of thawed whipped topping. Be careful not to overmix to keep the layer airy and fluffy.
- Spread Over Crust: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the chilled graham cracker crust, ensuring that it covers the entire surface.
Step 3: Prepare the Pudding Layer
- Make the Pudding: In a separate bowl, prepare the chocolate instant pudding and pie filling mixes according to the package directions. Use 3 1/2 cups of cold milk to create a smooth, rich pudding.
- Pour Over the Cream Cheese Layer: Carefully pour the pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly.
Step 4: Chill and Finish
- Chill the Dessert: Cover the dessert with plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours or overnight to allow all the layers to set properly.
- Add the Final Layer: Before serving, spread 1 1/2 cups of thawed whipped topping over the pudding layer to create a smooth, creamy finish.
- Optional Fruit Layer: If desired, you can add a layer of chopped fruit that complements the pudding flavor, such as strawberries or bananas, on top of the graham cracker crust before adding the cream cheese layer for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
Tips & Serving Suggestions
- Make it Your Own: Striped Delight is versatile. Try experimenting with different pudding flavors like vanilla, butterscotch, or even coconut cream to add variety.
- Add Crunch: For a fun twist, sprinkle crushed nuts or mini chocolate chips on top of the final whipped topping layer for added texture.
- Fruit Option: This dessert pairs beautifully with fresh fruits like berries, bananas, or even a medley of tropical fruits. Adding a fruit layer gives a fresh burst to the creamy, rich layers.
Recipe Summary
Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
Servings: Variable based on slice size
Categories: Dessert, Potluck, Kid-Friendly, No-Bake
Perfect for: Large groups, quick preparation, family gatherings, potlucks, inexpensive desserts
