Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email below & we’ll send it to your inbox. Plus get great new recipes from us every week!
Date Nut Pudding is a delightful concoction that brings together the natural sweetness of dates, the crunch of pecans, and the soft texture of marshmallows, all held together by creamy half-and-half. This easy, no-bake dessert is not just a treat to your taste buds but also a nod to simplicity and nostalgia. Perfect for those who appreciate rustic, homemade desserts without the fuss of baking.
This recipe is my great grandma Mimi’s. It is a piece of my family history and a throwback to simpler times. It’s a recipe that requires minimal effort yet yields a dessert that’s rich in flavor and textures. This recipe proves that a few basic ingredients can come together to create something unexpectedly delightful.
The Chemistry of Date Nut Pudding
The chemistry in this dessert is all about texture. The graham crackers provide a crumbly base, absorbing the half-and-half to create a cohesive mixture. The dates, with their high fructose content, add natural sweetness and a chewy texture. The marshmallows, made from sugar and gelatin, offer a soft, melt-in-your-mouth feel, while the pecans introduce a contrasting crunch. When chilled, the half-and-half acts as a binder, solidifying the mixture into a firm, sliceable log.
What is in Date Nut Pudding?
Graham Crackers
Provides a sweet, crumbly base.
Dates
Offer natural sweetness and a chewy texture.
Chopped Pecans
Adds a nutty crunch.
Mini Marshmallows
Contribute to the soft, fluffy texture.
Half and Half
Binds the ingredients and adds creaminess.
Can I use different nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Almonds, walnuts or even pistachios can be great alternatives to pecans. So don’t let a specific nut allergy or aversion hold you back, substitute pecans for one you can eat or like.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for half-and-half?
Yes, you can use a mixture of dairy-free milk and coconut cream for a similar consistency.
How long does Date Nut Pudding last in the fridge?
It can last up to 5 days when stored properly in the refrigerator.
Can I add chocolate to this recipe?
Yes, chocolate chips or a drizzle of melted chocolate can add an extra layer of flavor. Make this dessert your own!
Storing Tips
Store in the refrigerator, wrapped in wax paper or in an airtight container. This pudding can be enjoyed for up to 5 days when refrigerated. Freezing is not recommended as it may alter the texture of the pudding.
Making Ahead
Make this pudding a day ahead to ensure it sets properly and develops its flavor. This makes this dessert perfect for the busy holiday season, you can get this dessert all prepped and ready to go the night before your party when things aren’t as overwhelming and stressful as the day of the event.
Recommended Products
Why make Date Nut Pudding?
Ideal for family gatherings, Sunday dinners, potlucks, or as a comforting treat during fall and winter seasons.
Recipes You May Love
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email below & we’ll send it to your inbox. Plus get great new recipes from us every week!
No Bake Date Nut Pudding
Ingredients
- 20 graham crackers
- 1/2 lb dates
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup half and half
Instructions
- In a food processor chop up the graham crackers, remove and set aside in a bowl
- Next chop the dates in the food processor
- Pour the chopped dates with the chopped graham crackers
- After, chop the pecans in the food processor and add those to the graham cracker and date mixture
- Add the mini marshmallows into the bowl
- Pour the half and half over the entire mixture and stir together with a spoon
- Pour the finished mixture onto wax paper and roll the paper up to make a log like shape
- Place the covered date nut pudding into the fridge and allow to chill overnight or for at least 8 hours
- To serve, slice like a bread and top with whip cream if you desire.
Nutrition
Have you tried this recipe?
I’d love to see it! Follow @_mrs.madi_ on Instagram and tag your photos with #mrsmadi.
Jamie Robinson
This is my favorite dessert!!!!
Madison Reid
Mine too!!