This vintage “Nabisco Dessert” is a nostalgic layered treat made from crushed Nabisco cookies, whipped cream, pineapple, chopped nuts, and a light egg mixture. Its appeal lies in the blend of textures, crunchy, creamy, fruity, and fluffy, all combined in a no-bake refrigerator cake. Popular in mid-century kitchens, this dessert offered a way to make something elegant and flavorful from pantry staples and packaged cookies. It's refreshing, slightly tropical, and perfect for gatherings or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 1 pkg Nabisco cookies
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 eggs (separated)
- 1/2 cup nuts (chopped )
- 20 oz crushed pineapple
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 pint whipped cream
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Base
- Grind Nabisco cookies using a food processor or rolling pin.
Step 2: Make the Cream Mixture
- Cream together butter and powdered sugar.
- Add beaten egg yolks. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff and fold into yolk mixture.
Step 3: Thicken the Pineapple
- Drain crushed pineapple, reserving 1/2 the juice.
- Combine reserved juice with cornstarch in a saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat until thickened. Stir in pineapple and let cool.
Step 4: Assemble the Dessert
- In a serving dish, layer half of the crushed cookies.
- Spread a layer of the egg mixture over cookies.
- Add a layer of chopped nuts.
- Top with the cooled pineapple mixture.
- Add a thick layer of whipped cream.
- Sprinkle the top with remaining crushed cookies.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
- Chill for several hours or overnight before serving.
Tips
- Chill the dessert overnight for cleaner, firmer slices.
- Add a splash of vanilla to the butter, egg mixture for extra flavor.
- Substitute walnuts or pecans for the chopped nuts.
- Use crushed chocolate wafers or shortbread if Nabisco cookies aren’t available.
- Fold some pineapple into the whipped cream for more fruit flavor.
- Add shredded coconut between layers for a 1950s-style tropical twist.
- For a firmer dessert, increase cornstarch to 1½ tablespoons.
- Serve in individual parfait glasses for a modern presentation.
- Add a pinch of salt to the cookie crumbs to enhance overall flavor.
Nutrition
Calories: 428kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 6gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 57mgSodium: 183mgPotassium: 198mgFiber: 2gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 366IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 71mgIron: 2mg
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