By Aaron Owens Mayhew, MS, RDN, CD

Published September 1, 2019 | Updated September 13, 2024

This post may contain affiliate links.

If your backpacking dessert experience stops at freeze-dried ice cream, prepare to be pleasantly surprised! Backcountry Foodie’s instant pudding recipes are just about as easy as opening that pouch of ice cream and (if you ask us) much more satisfying. This backpacking instant pudding recipe contains just four simple ingredients that will generally be available at any grocery store. Also, it is several dollars cheaper than commercial freeze-dried ice cream pouches and packs almost 300 more calories per serving.

You might wonder why a dietitian is trying to convince you to eat backpacking desserts. Isn’t there something wrong with that??

The answer is no – dessert can be a great way to get in the additional nutrition necessary to recover after a hard hike and prepare your body for the next day. Long-distance hikers are more likely to undereat, increasing their risk of injury. Tempting backpacking recipes like this one can help to fill the gaps. So, don’t hesitate to add a daily dessert to your meal plan. It’ll be well worth the extra few ounces!

If you’re concerned about including added sugar in your hiking diet, you might enjoy this post, which explores the science behind added sugar and hiking performance.

If you enjoy our White Chocolate Coconut pudding recipe, try our Trailside Tiramisu backpacking dessert recipe as well!

White Chocolate Coconut Pudding

Backcountry Foodie Recipe

This easy to prepare pudding is a great way to end a tough day on the trail!

Rate This Recipe

View Comments / Leave A Review

Add to Favorites / Meal Plans Go to Meal Planner Print Recipe

NUTRITION (per serving)

cal/oz 142

cal/gram 5

Calories 427 kcal

PROTEIN 8 g

CARBOHYDRATE 49 g

Fiber 4 g

Added Sugar 26 g

Total Fat 22 g

Saturated Fat 16 g

Cholesterol 24 mg

Sodium 498 mg

Home Prep Time 8 minutes mins

Field Prep Time 3 minutes mins

WT/SERVING 3 oz (85 g)

MEAL PREPCold Soak, Dehydrator Not Required, Four Ingredients or Less

Diet TYPESDairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Reflux-friendly, Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings4 servings

INGREDIENTS

 

0.5x1x2x3x

• 1 3.3 oz box (93 g) instant pudding, white chocolate
• ⅔ cup (90 g) milk powder, whole
• 1 cup (80 g) coconut, shredded and unsweetened
• 20 each (75 g) vanilla wafers, crumbled
• 16 oz (480 mL) water

OPTIONAL

• 1 1 oz box (28 g) instant pudding, sugar-free white chocolate (substitution), reduced-sugar option
• ⅔ cup (61 g) milk powder, non-fat (substitution), reduced-calorie option
• ⅔ cup (69 g) cashew milk powder (substitution), vegan option
• 20 each (90 g) vanilla wafers, gluten-free (substitution), gluten-free option, crumbled

MEAL PREP MODEPrevent your screen from going dark

INSTRUCTIONS (per serving)

HOME

• Put all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. See the meal prep tip below.
• Stir to mix well.
• Divide into four equal 3 oz (84 g) portions and put into bags or containers for use in the backcountry.

FIELD

• Add 4 oz (120 mL) of cold water to the bag or container.
• Shake vigorously for approximately 2 minutes.
• Let stand for approximately 3 minutes or until the desired consistency is achieved. If possible, put the bag or container in cold water or snow to encourage the pudding to thicken further.
• Stir to mix well and enjoy!

NOTES

MEAL PREP TIPS

• If preparing the meal for long-term storage, consider adding the vanilla wafers shortly before departing for the trip to ensure freshness.
• If a smooth pudding texture is preferred, consider powdering the shredded coconut in a food processor or spice grinder first.

 

NUTRITION

• Total sugar (per serving): 33 g, including 26 g added sugar
• For a reduced-sugar recipe, replace instant pudding with sugar-free instant pudding.
• To reduce calories by 60, replace whole milk powder with non-fat milk powder.

Did you make this recipe? We’d love to see it!Share photos from your kitchen or the backcountry below.

READY TO SEE MORE ULTRALIGHT BACKPACKING RECIPES LIKE THIS ONE?

Backcountry Foodie is your go-to resource for over 200 backpacking dietitian-created recipes and a one-of-a-kind automated meal planning tool. The meal planner even creates itemized shopping lists for you! Meal prep has never been easier.

DISCLOSURE: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may receive a modest commission if purchases are made through those links. This adds no cost to our readers and helps us keep our site running. Our reputation is our most important asset, so we only include links for products we use ourselves.

Did you enjoy this recipe?

Pin it and share it with your fellow hikers.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Aaron Owens Mayhew, MS, RDN, CD, is a registered dietitian and ultralight long-distance backpacker with over 20 years of nutrition and backpacking experience. She’s also the founder and owner of Backcountry Foodie, an online ultralight recipes and meal planning platform for backpackers. She also enjoys teaching hikers about backpacking nutrition via virtual masterclasses, YouTube videos, and podcast episodes. You can follow Aaron’s adventures in the kitchen and the backcountry via Instagram and Facebook.