Welcome to a recipe that combines the warm flavors of Christmas cookies, the creamy goodness of egg nog and vanilla pudding, and the fruity freshness of cherries. The delightful Cookie Tin Cake adds a touch of magic to your holiday celebrations, bringing effortless elegance, nostalgic flavors, and a sprinkle of festive joy to your dessert table.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
- Effortless Elegance: With only 10 minutes of preparation time and no baking required, the Cookie Tin Cake is a lifesaver for busy festivities.
- Nostalgic Flavors: Using a tin of Christmas cookies evokes memories of holidays past, adding a touch of nostalgia to your dessert table.
- Creamy Goodness: The combination of egg nog and instant vanilla pudding creates a luscious, creamy layer that perfectly complements the cookie crunch.
- Burst of Cherry: The cherry filling adds a burst of fruity freshness, balancing the sweetness of the cookies and pudding.
- Customizable: Top it all off with a generous dollop of Cool Whip and a sprinkle of festive Christmas sprinkles to add the finishing touch.
Cookie Tin Cake Ingredients
- Tin of Christmas Cookies
- Egg Nog
- Milk
- Instant Vanilla Pudding
- Cherry Filling
- Cool Whip
- Christmas Sprinkles
(Scroll down for detailed amounts)
How to Make Cookie Tin Cake
- To a medium bowl or measuring cup, add milk and instant vanilla pudding and whisk together until incorporated. Set aside to set up a bit before pouring.
- Open the Cookie Tin and remove the papers. Leave the cookies in the tin and pour egg nog evenly over the cookies. Let the cookies soak up the egg nog for about 5 minutes.
- Use a potato masher or ground beef masher to crunch up the cookies in the tin into large pieces, just bite-sized.
- Evenly pour the milk/vanilla pudding mixture over the eggnog-soaked crushed cookies, letting it settle into the cookie layer.
- Spoon the cherry pie filling over the cookies in an even layer.
- Cover with a lid and place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour. This step is important because it helps the pudding to set up, allows the flavors to meld together, and makes the dessert delightfully cold.
- Before serving, top with Cool Whip and sprinkles. Spoon out individual portions into bowls and enjoy!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
While the Cookie Tin Cake is best enjoyed fresh, you can store any leftovers in the refrigerator. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly upon reheating, so it’s recommended to consume this dessert within a day or two of preparation to maintain the delightful crunch of the cookies.
Helpful Tips & Substitutions
Can This Be Frozen?
Unfortunately, freezing the Cookie Tin Cake is not advisable. The delicate textures of the cookies and the creamy layers may not hold up well to freezing and thawing, resulting in a less-than-optimal dessert experience.
Can This Be Made Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The beauty of the Cookie Tin Cake lies in its make-ahead friendliness. Prepare the dessert a day in advance, allowing it to chill in the refrigerator overnight. This not only enhances the flavors but also makes your holiday preparations a breeze.
Substitutions & Variations
- Cookie Varieties: Experiment with different types of Christmas cookies for a unique flavor twist. Gingerbread, sugar cookies, or a mix of various varieties, the choice is yours.
- Non-Dairy Options: For those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies, consider using a non-dairy milk alternative and a plant-based vanilla pudding for a dessert that everyone can enjoy.
- Fruit Swaps: If cherries aren’t your favorite, try swapping them out for your preferred fruit filling. Raspberry, blueberry, or even a mixed berry blend can add a delightful fruity kick.
Helpful Cooking Notes
- Choosing the Right Tin of Cookies: Opt for a tin of high-quality Christmas cookies with a variety of flavors to ensure a diverse and rich taste experience.
- Perfecting the Cookie Crunch: Be mindful not to crush the cookies too finely. The goal is to have bite-sized pieces that retain their crunch, providing a satisfying texture contrast to the creamy layers.
- Let It Chill: The key to the Cookie Tin Cake‘s success is giving it ample time to chill. The refrigeration not only sets the pudding but also allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a perfectly chilled and delightful dessert.
Why not give this festive treat a try? It’s an interesting and delicious way to celebrate the holiday season. Grab a tin of Christmas cookies, egg nog, and a few other ingredients, and you’ll soon be enjoying a slice of Cookie Tin Cake. Happy holidays!
Interesting might try. What size tin of cookies do I need to use? Is the 12-ounce tin big enough to hold everything?
Author: I used a 12 oz can! 🙂 Everything fit perfectly, but I recommend leaving the Cool Whip and sprinkles off until ready to serve! 🙂
