Food and Recipes Desserts Pudding Mix Is the Secret Ingredient in These Decadent Dessert Recipes By Hallie Milstein Hallie Milstein Hallie Milstein is an Editorial Fellow for Southern Living covering food and culture. She has been published in Modern Luxury magazines, Our State Magazine, and Hudson Valley Magazine. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on June 21, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Micah A. Leal Pudding mix is one of the unsung heroes of dessert. Sure, we sing the praises of a velvety, homemade pudding, but sometimes, convenience can be just as delicious. Whip up instant pudding on its own, and it's sure to be a hit; incorporate it into a recipe, and you've got a shortcut to a show-stopping dessert. Plus, you don't have to worry about the possibility of a clumpy mixture, since a mix is foolproof for all cooks, burgeoning and seasoned alike. As pudding mix comes in many different flavors, you can even get creative with the recipes and put your own spin on it. You'll find cake recipes using pudding and other easy recipes using pudding mix, including the likes of donuts, trifles, and parfaits. The options are vast; all that's left is for you to pick a flavor and experiment. The proof is in the pudding, and the results are tasty. 01 of 14 Death by Chocolate Micah A. Leal Recipe: Death by Chocolate The filling of our Death by Chocolate cake is made easy by some instant chocolate pudding mix. This recipe is made extra decadent by the addition of some fresh (but simple) whipped cream, which alongside the pudding, is sandwiched between two fluffy chocolate cake layers. It's to die for, indeed. 02 of 14 Chocolate Parfait Southern Living Recipe: Chocolate Parfait With the addition of some sour cream and whipped topping, no one will know this pudding wasn't homemade. Chocolate graham crackers provide a satisfying crunch for this thick, creamy parfait that will wow your guests with minimal effort. 03 of 14 Chocolate Trifle Hector Manuel Sanchez Recipe: Chocolate Trifle This Chocolate Trifle is not to be trifled with. The sheer amount of chocolate, in the form of fudge brownie mix and pudding, combined with coffee liqueur, is proof that this dessert means business. 04 of 14 Chocolate Delight Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Christine Keely Recipe: Chocolate Delight This dessert was passed down from one generation to the next, so you know it's good. HGTV star Erin Napier shares this family recipe with layers of chocolate and vanilla, made easy with alternating flavors of pudding mix. 05 of 14 Brownie Trifle William Dickey; Styling: Cari South Recipe: Brownie Trifle Five ingredients is all it takes to make this luxurious after-dinner delight. Pile your trifle bowl high with toffee candy, Cool Whip, and two delicious shortcuts: brownie mix and pudding mix. Add some coffee liquor if you please, and you'll have an indulgent dessert that looks as rich as it tastes. 06 of 14 Lemon Tiramisu Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist Heather Chadduck Recipe: Lemon Tiramisu Who would have ever thought to combine lemon and tiramisu—not to mention pudding mix? Please, don't knock this delightful hybrid dessert until you try it. A tangy take on a classic, mixing the flavors of Italian tiramisu and Southern lemon cheesecake, this fresh adaptation is the perfect combination of light flavors and creamy decadence to satisfy summertime sweets cravings. 07 of 14 Pineapple Sunshine Cake Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Melissa Gray Prop Stylist: Heather Chadduck Hillegas Recipe: Pineapple Sunshine Cake Ideal for a summer day, this recipe only asks 10 minutes of hands-on time thanks to the addition of vanilla instant pudding mix. The final product will shine, reminiscent of a tropical piña colada but with all the requisites of a Southern dessert: cream cheese and pecans. 08 of 14 Banana Split Pops Southern Living Recipe: Banana Split Pops Paying homage to a classic, the banana split sundae, but with the ease of a handheld popsicle, these frozen treats will be devoured long before they have time to melt. Banana pudding mix combines with fresh banana as the base for this chocolate-coated and kid-friendly treat with all the best sundae toppings. 09 of 14 Sara Evans' Missouri Dirt Cake Southern Living Recipe: Sara Evans' Missouri Dirt Cake What singer-songwriter Sara Evans brings to the table isn't just easy on the ears, but on the taste buds, too. Inspired by her Missouri upbringing and with only six ingredients, including instant vanilla pudding and a crumbly Oreo cookie topping, this chilled dessert is simply delicious. 10 of 14 Pig Pickin' Cake Southern Living Recipe: Pig Pickin' Cake Paying homage to old-school Southern traditions but packed with fresh summer flavors, this cake is a go-to for every event from a classic hog roast to your next potluck. Using ingredients that you may already have in your pantry, including canned pineapple, vanilla instant pudding, and pecans, this hassle-free dessert will be the star of your celebration. 11 of 14 Chocolate Lasagna Southern Living Recipe: Chocolate Lasagna Introducing dessert lasagna—a mouthwatering creation with layers and layers of chocolatey goodness. A lasagna like you've never had it before, instant chocolate pudding is the key to a creamy coating of chocolate beneath a Cool Whip covering. 12 of 14 Banana Cream Donuts Micah A. Leal Recipe: Banana Cream Donuts These donuts are well worth the effort. Fluffy, fried dough is filled with a luscious banana filling. Instant pudding mix will give you a head start, so that all you really have to worry about is frying the dough to a beautiful golden brown. 13 of 14 No-Bake Banana Split Pie Photographer and props: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall Recipe: No-Bake Banana Split Pie No heat? No problem. This pie comes together without baking, so it's perfect for summer days too humid to turn on the oven. Simply crumble up some cookies as a crust and prep your filling, made effortless with vanilla instant pudding. 14 of 14 Reese's Cake Alison Miksch Recipe: Reese's Cake Taking its cues from the popular chocolate-peanut butter candy, this bundt cake relies on pudding mix to mimic Reese's delectable charm. To seal the deal, this recipe includes peanut butter cake filling and not one, but two glazes that burst with rich, nutty flavor. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit