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My easy flaky dessert recipe is similar to the German Blätterteig or a French Puff Pastry. But, its so much simpler to make. AND, it tastes so-o-o good!
This simple dessert is just layers of unsalted soda crackers (saltines), pudding and Cool Whip. It sounds strange, but this quick, easy dessert recipe always, always, always brings rave reviews.
PLEASE: Read Omas Disclaimer below! Im almost embarrassed to share this as something I would make … but, its SO good, and everyone always asks for the recipe.
Ill tell you … when you try this easy flaky dessert recipe, youll be absolutely amazed. Its origins are unknown. What is known is … that its really good! And, its so easy to make together with young children.
Among the many Cool Whip recipes, this one has a secret. The secret is “time”. Yes, time. You see, it takes a bit of time to transform the soda crackers into the flaky pastry … the “Blätterteig”.
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Its the soda cracker dessert, below, that my older sister, Helen, also likes to make and take to church functions. How can anything this simple taste so good? Here, she topped it with bananas and berries.
You can use frozen berries, like she does, or perhaps a can of pie filling. Almost anything! Check out my Black Forest inspired dessert below!
The only important thing is that you let this sit for at least 6 hours for the crackers to turn into puff pastry!
After the first bite, Im usually asked for the recipe. I hesitate to tell people just before they take that first bite, thinking that theyll probably stop.
But, even when I admit its just crackers, pudding, and Cool Whip, people go back for seconds – its THAT GOOD!
This is also one of those recipes for kids to cook (because theres no cooking involved!), but you need to plan ahead. It takes several hours – preferably overnight – in the fridge for the crackers to change.
On a diet? Try it as a diet version. Use low-fat Cool Whip and low-fat instant pudding. Then, top with a mixture of fresh berries. Delicious!
Ready to make this delicious dessert?
My easy flaky dessert recipe is similar to the German Blätterteig or a French Puff Pastry. But, its so much simpler to make. AND, it tastes so-o-o good! A few simple substitutions will turn this into a Black Forest Dessert.
This simple dessert is just layers of unsalted soda crackers (saltines), pudding, and Cool Whip. It sounds strange, but this quick, easy dessert recipe always brings rave reviews.
Prep Time15 minutes |
Standing Time6 hours |
Total Time6 hours 15 minutes |
Makes about 12 servings
- 1 package Soda Crackers/Saltines (unsalted tops)
- 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix (4-ounce box)
- 2 cups milk (to make pudding)
- I large tub Cool Whip (1 liter, or 12 ounces, or 4 cups)
- 1 can crushed pineapple, well-drained
- Line bottom of 9×13-inch baking dish with soda crackers.
- Prepare pudding mix according to package instructions. Gently pour ½ over crackers and spread.
- Gently spread ½ container of Cool Whip over pudding.
- Cover Cool Whip layer with another layer of soda crackers.
- Gently pour remaining pudding over crackers. Cover with remaining Cool Whip.
- Cover with crushed, drained pineapple.
- Cover with Saran Wrap and refrigerate at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
- Use low-fat Cool Whip and pudding if desired.
- Use any mixture of berries or even pie filling.
- Make some simple substitutions and create a delicious Black Forest dessert. So good!
- If using frozen berries, thaw and drain before placing on top.
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The following comments were sent in by some of our readers:
I took it to two parties and it went over very good. Everyone said how good it was after a meal. It just went down so smooth. 🙂 Did not get any pictures. It went to fast. 🙂
My variation on this dessert is that I used Lemon Pudding instead of Vanilla Pudding. Instead of crushed pineapple, I sliced bananas over the top.
Heres another variation. Once,when I didnt have soda crackers, I substituted Vanilla Social Tea Biscuits. Tastes great as well. All are great desserts to take to a buffet!
Or similarly is chocolate pudding . . . . . and then layer top with grated chocolate bar . . . . yum!
Is this German Food?
The origin of this recipe is unknown, but probably NOT German. Its been passed around the internet for a long time, slightly varying in amounts and ingredients. However, but adding some German flavors, such as in this Black Forest Dessert, youd almost think it was. Wunderbar!
As hard as it may be to believe this, but I was asked to make this for a wedding shower! The bride-to-be just loved this so much!
PLEASE, PLEASE do not be upset with me for using Cool Whip. I know, I know, some of you think that this is a bad, bad product and would never use anything except real whipped cream AND tell me that, “my Oma would NEVER use such a product!”
However, this Oma does. Just sometimes. And sometimes is the key. Moderation is the key. I usually have a tub of this in the freezer for those times when Im busy swamped and cant get to the store.
This recipe is a super one to have “in your back pocket” as a fall-back recipe … when you dont know what to make, dont have time to make it (but have some time the day before to throw it together) and need something everyone ends up liking.
Ive even had someone ask me to make it for their wedding shower after they tried it at a luncheon I brought it too.
So, please dont knock it until you try it. Or, dont try it and move on to some other, absolutely wonderful traditional German desserts!
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FAQ
What do you do with soda crackers?
What can I do with old saltine crackers?
What are the different ways to eat saltine crackers?
What to do with leftover saltine crackers?
On the sweet side of things saltine cracker toffee, pie, candy and cake are some of the delicious creations I’m sharing here. And on the savory side of things, you’ll find meatloaf, casserole, chicken and jazzed-up seasoned crackers. These are all great recipes to try using those leftover saltine crackers that are sitting in your pantry!
Can You Make your own soda crackers?
If you would like to make your own common crackers, here’s a classic old-fashioned soda cracker recipe. Just add chowder! Preheat oven to 375° F and line two baking sheets with parchment. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Are soda crackers a good accompaniment to homemade soup?
Whether you call them soda crackers or saltines, you’ve got to admit that a crispy cracker is the best accompaniment to homemade soup ever created! Learn how to make your own! Coarse salt gives these buttery soda crackers even more texture. Made a double recipe of these Saturday. Excellent. Will trash Mark Bitman’s crackers recipe.
What can I make with saltine crackers?
From salty-sweet snacks and dreamy pies to savory meatballs and tender crab cakes, these recipes with saltine crackers are as versatile as they are delish! So if you have a box tucked away in your pantry, pull it out and put it to good use! WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? Enter your email below & we’ll send it straight to your inbox.