Italian No Bake Cake

Italian No-Bake Cake is a delightful dessert that combines layers of flavors and textures without the need for an oven. This cake is perfect for warm days when you want a sweet treat without heating up your kitchen. It features a blend of creamy, fruity, and crunchy elements that come together harmoniously. The origin of no-bake cakes can be traced back to traditional European recipes that prioritize simplicity and ease, making them popular in home kitchens around the world.

This particular Italian No-Bake Cake is rich with flavors of creamy pudding, tropical pineapple, and crunchy pecans, all nestled between layers of vanilla wafers. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and simplicity, allowing for endless variations and substitutions to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

INGREDIENTS:

1 box vanilla wafers
1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
1 cup chopped pecans
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 large container (16 oz) whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups cold milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

Prepare the Base Layer:
Line the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish with a single layer of vanilla wafers.

Layer the Pineapple and Pecans:
Evenly spread the drained crushed pineapple over the vanilla wafers, followed by a layer of chopped pecans.

Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Fold in half of the whipped topping until well combined. Spread this mixture over the pineapple and pecans.

Prepare the Pudding:
In another bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, and vanilla extract until thickened. Fold in the remaining whipped topping …