Graham cracker pudding

Graham cracker pudding is a classic, no-bake dessert, often called a 'lush' or 'delight,' that layers crushed graham crackers with a creamy pudding filling. The typical ingredients include graham crackers, instant vanilla or chocolate pudding mix, milk, and often a whipped topping like Cool Whip, sometimes with a cream cheese layer. It's a beloved, easy-to-make treat popular across the United States, especially for potlucks and family gatherings.

🍳 View the full Graham cracker pudding recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dessert is typically high in carbohydrates and fat, with a moderate amount of protein coming from the dairy in the pudding and any cream cheese used. A single serving can provide a significant portion of the daily recommended intake for sugar and saturated fat, with a rough calorie ballpark of 300-450 calories per serving.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	380 kcal
Protein	6 g
Carbs	58 g
Fat	15 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	40 g
Sodium	450 mg
Calcium	180 mg
Iron	2.5 mg
Potassium	250 mg
Phosphorus	150 mg
Vitamin A	120 mcg
Vitamin D	1.5 mcg
Vitamin B12	0.8 mcg
Magnesium	30 mg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, it's a quintessential American 'icebox cake,' representing a mid-20th century trend of convenient, no-bake desserts that rely on pre-packaged ingredients. Nutritionally, its unique texture comes from the graham crackers softening as they absorb moisture from the pudding, creating a cake-like consistency without any baking.