Easy Ice Cream Bars

Featured in Sweet Treat Sensations.

Quick pudding ice cream bars. 85 minutes. Serves 12. Great for pre-planning.
Ranah
Updated on Mon, 17 Mar 2025 23:15:55 GMT
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Ice Cream Pudding Bars | chefemmakitchen.com

Turn basic ingredients into a silky smooth treat that blends the surprising combo of buttery Ritz crackers with creamy ice cream and coconut pudding. This throwback treat brings back childhood feels while making new memories every time you serve it.

When I made my Great Aunt Maggie's old favorite, the smell of crushed Ritz crackers took me straight back to her kitchen table. This sweet treat shows how sometimes the easiest combos make treats you'll never forget.

Key Ingredients

  • Rich vanilla ice cream: Gives a smooth foundation
  • Ritz crackers: Make that perfect salty base
  • Coconut pudding: Gives structure to the filling
  • Real butter: Holds the crust together
  • Toasted coconut: Adds crunch and taste
  • Whole milk: Makes sure everything sets up right

Making Dessert Wonder

Create the Crust:**
Mix smashed crackers with melted butter and sugar. Push mixture into pan to form a sturdy bottom.
Prepare the Filling:**
Stir pudding with milk until it's lump-free. Gently mix in softened ice cream for the best texture.
Assemble the Dessert:**
Spread the creamy mixture over the cooled base. Sprinkle toasted coconut on top for extra crunch.
Setting Time:**
Let it chill long enough for the best slicing and eating.
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Ice Cream Pudding Dessert Recipe | chefemmakitchen.com

The real trick is getting that balance between the salty bottom and creamy top just right. Every bite brings both comfort from the past and a fresh twist.

Tasty Companions

Add some fresh berries for a summer treat. Set up a topping station with different choices. It's the best way to finish off a cookout or outdoor meal.

Fun Twists

Switch up your pudding flavors. Play around with different ice creams. Throw in some fruit or chocolate bits. Make a grown-up version with a splash of liqueur.

Keeping It Fresh

It'll stay good in your fridge for about a week. Pop it in the freezer if you want it firmer. Take it in a cooler to parties. Let it soften a bit before serving if frozen.

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Best Ice Cream Pudding Dessert Recipe | chefemmakitchen.com

This ice cream pudding treat has become what I always make when I want to wow my guests. The mix of surprising ingredients creates something that brings both old-time feels and a nice surprise to any get-together.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How to enjoy it?
Keep it chilled or frozen before eating.
→ Switch flavors?
Mix it up with different pudding or ice cream options.
→ Toasting coconut?
Bake at 325°F for about 3 minutes. Don’t walk away!
→ Prepare ahead of time?
Ideal for making the night before.
→ Ice cream too runny?
Let it soften but stop before it gets runny.

Ice Cream Pudding Bars

Smooth pudding and coconut ice cream paired with a crumbly Ritz crust. Topped with crispy toasted coconut.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: emma

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Crust

01 1 stick of melted butter
02 65 crushed Ritz crackers
03 2 spoons of sugar

→ Filling

04 2 packs of coconut-flavored instant pudding
05 Half a gallon of vanilla ice cream
06 A cup of milk
07 1/2 cup of toasted coconut, split in half

Instructions

Step 01

Leave ice cream out to soften. Preheat oven to 350°F. Turn crackers into finely crushed bits.

Step 02

Combine cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter. Spread it evenly in a 9x13 pan and bake for 10 minutes.

Step 03

Whisk milk with pudding mix. Fold in softened ice cream and two tablespoons of the toasted coconut.

Step 04

Layer the filling over the cooled crust. Sprinkle the rest of the coconut on top. Chill for 1–2 hours before serving.

Notes

  1. Serve it chilled or frozen based on your preference.
  2. Try swapping the pudding for different flavors.
  3. Keep an eye on the coconut while toasting—it burns fast!

Tools You'll Need

  • A 9x13-inch baking pan
  • Blender or food processor for crumbs
  • Mixer for combining pudding
  • Big mixing bowl

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy
  • Contains gluten

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 536
  • Total Fat: 29 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 62 g
  • Protein: 7 g