Pineapple Pecan Ritz Cracker Delight
Indulge in the creamy, crunchy perfection of this Pineapple Pecan Ritz Cracker Delight. With a rich base made from egg whites, sugar, and finely crushed Ritz crackers, this dessert is not just simple to make, but it's also a showstopper for any gathering. Topped with a luscious mixture of Dream Whip, cream cheese, and juicy crushed pineapple, each slice offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Ideal for potlucks, parties, or a sweet finish to your dinner, this dessert is sure to become a favorite among friends and family.
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Egg whites
6 (Beaten until stiff)
Sugar
2 cups (Gradually added to egg whites)
Baking powder
1 teaspoon (Sifted in with other dry ingredients)
Vanilla extract
2 teaspoons (Added to mixture)
Ritz crackers
58 (Rolled fine)
Chopped pecans
1 1/2 cups (Chopped)
Dream Whip
2 packages (Prepared according to package directions)
Cream cheese
1 package (Softened to room temperature)
Crushed pineapple
2 cups (Drained)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until they form stiff peaks.
3
Gradually add the sugar to the beaten egg whites, mixing continuously until fully incorporated.
4
Carefully fold in the baking powder, vanilla, crushed Ritz crackers, and chopped pecans until the mixture is well combined.
5
Spread the mixture into a greased 9 x 13 inch pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until golden and set. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
7
In another bowl, combine the prepared Dream Whip, softened cream cheese, and drained crushed pineapple. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
8
Once the crust has cooled, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on top.
9
Chill the dessert in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pineapple Pecan Ritz Cracker Delight?
It is a creamy, crunchy dessert featuring a baked base of egg whites, sugar, pecans, and Ritz crackers, topped with a luscious pineapple and cream cheese mixture.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 12 servings.
What oven temperature is required for the base?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How many egg whites are needed for the crust?
You will need 6 egg whites for the base of this dessert.
How should the egg whites be prepared?
The egg whites should be beaten with an electric mixer until they form stiff peaks.
How much sugar is included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of sugar, which should be added gradually to the beaten egg whites.
What type of crackers are used for the base?
The recipe specifically uses 58 Ritz crackers, rolled until they are fine.
How many pecans are required?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of chopped pecans.
What size pan should I use?
A 9 x 13 inch pan is recommended for this recipe.
Does the baking pan need preparation?
Yes, the 9 x 13 inch pan should be greased before spreading the mixture into it.
How long does the base take to bake?
The base should bake for approximately 25 minutes or until it is golden and set.
What are the ingredients for the topping?
The topping consists of 2 packages of Dream Whip, 1 package of softened cream cheese, and 2 cups of drained crushed pineapple.
How should the cream cheese be prepared for the topping?
The cream cheese should be softened to room temperature to ensure it mixes smoothly.
Do I need to drain the pineapple?
Yes, the 2 cups of crushed pineapple must be drained before being added to the topping mixture.
How long should the dessert chill before serving?
The dessert should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Is there vanilla in the recipe?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract are folded into the egg white mixture.
What is the role of baking powder in this recipe?
One teaspoon of baking powder is folded into the crust mixture to help with the texture.
How do I prepare the Dream Whip?
The Dream Whip should be prepared according to the directions on the package before mixing with the cream cheese and pineapple.
Can I serve this immediately after assembly?
It is best to wait at least 2 hours after chilling for the best flavor and consistency.
Is this a no-bake dessert?
No, the base requires baking, although the topping is a chilled, no-bake layer.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 9 primary ingredients used in this recipe.
How should the Ritz crackers be crushed?
The crackers should be rolled fine to create a consistent texture for the base.
Can I make this for a potluck?
Yes, its 12-serving yield and chilled nature make it an ideal showstopper for gatherings and potlucks.
How do I incorporate the dry ingredients into the egg whites?
Carefully fold the baking powder, vanilla, Ritz crackers, and pecans into the egg white and sugar mixture.
Does the base need to cool before adding the topping?
Yes, allow the base to cool completely after baking before spreading the cream cheese mixture on top.
What is the texture of the topping?
The topping is smooth, creamy, and luscious due to the combination of Dream Whip and cream cheese.
How do I know when the crust is finished?
The crust is ready when it is golden in color and appears set.
Is the serving size specified?
While the recipe yields 12 servings, a specific serving size measurement is not provided.
What flavor profile can I expect?
Expect a balance of sweet, salty from the crackers, nutty from the pecans, and tropical from the pineapple.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned crushed pineapple?
The recipe calls for crushed pineapple; if using fresh, ensure it is finely chopped and very well drained to avoid excess moisture.