Pumpkin Parfaits

Posted by Lori:

Today was my son, Tyler's 2nd grade class "Thanksgiving Feast".  His teacher had asked me to help provide desserts for the meal for his class and the other 2nd grade class.  I knew that another mother was making cupcakes, so decided to do something different than cake.  I didn't have time to decorate sugar cookies, which would have been my first choice.

I began thinking about pumpkin-type desserts....not really sure if many of the students would like it.  Finally I noticed some Pumpkin Spice Jello-brand pudding in the pantry.  I remember buying it last month thinking I would try to use it for a new recipe.  I came up with these Pumpkin Parfaits.  Tyler said most all of the students (and he, himself) really liked them.  In fact, there were a few left over, so my three older children ate them for after-school snacks.  They all liked them.  Four out of four - that's rare!!

Pumpkin Parfaits

2 - 3 ounce packages Jello Pumpkin Spice Pudding
2 cups milk
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 large container whipped topping
1 pound bag of gingerbread cookies (I used gingersnaps)

In large mixing bowl, mix together both boxes of pudding mix and the 2 cups of milk.  Whisk until well dissolved.  Add sweetened condensed milk.  Refrigerate for 15 minutes.  Add 1 cup whipped topping and gently fold in to pudding mixture. 

Remove 12 unbroken, gingerbread cookies and set aside.  Crush remaining cookies. (You will not need all of them, so reserve more whole ones, if desired.)  In desired dishes, layer cookie crumbs, pudding mixture, and whipped topping. Repeat layers, ending with a whole cookie for garnish.  Whipped topping in a can could be used to decorate the top, as well.  Refrigerate until ready to serve. This dessert could also be made into one large dessert. 

I didn't see this in my pantry until later, but I had some Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream Topping (Smucker's).  That would be great to drizzle over the top, or maybe even caramel.  And, one more thing:  have you seen the new Kraft gingerbread man shaped (and flavored) marshmallows????  They are sooooo cute!  If it had been Christmas time, each child would have gotten one of those on the top, as well!

This post is linked to Tempt My Tummy Tuesday and Tasty Tuesday.