Panama Canal Dessert Recipe (2024)

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Panama Canal Dessert Recipe (1)

The Panama Canal Dessert is a unique and delicious dessert. With its combination of creamy coconut, crunchy nuts, and sweet raisins, it is the perfect treat for any occasion. Enjoy this dessert, named after the world-famous engineering feat that is the Panama Canal. Follow this recipe, and you’ll be able to make a dessert that is sure to impress your guests!

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A layered dessert, the Panama Canal Dessert is presented in a crystal clear glass to highlight its stunning layers. The water, the locks, and the ships are just a few examples of the many layers that make up the Panama Canal. Cookies, custard, fruit, whipped cream, and caramel sauce are common components of this dessert, but the exact combination can vary from one chef’s recipe to the next.

There is some debate over the origins of the Panama Canal Dessert, but most agree that it was likely developed to mark the 1914 opening of the Panama Canal. Designed to look like the Panama Canal and its many parts, this sweet treat quickly gained popularity in Panama.

The Panama Canal Dessert is a popular dessert at many modern Panamanian eateries, especially those that cater to foreign visitors. Moreover, it is often served as a sweet treat at parties and celebrations of all kinds, including weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries.

The Panama Canal Dessert, named after one of the world’s greatest engineering achievements, is a delectable and one-of-a-kind treat. This dessert is a must-try in Panama, whether you’re a history buff or you just want a tasty treat.

Panama Canal Dessert Recipe: A Unique and Delicious Sweet Treat

Panamanian cuisine is a blend of African, Spanish, and indigenous flavors, and one of its most popular desserts is the Panama Canal Dessert. This dish is named after the famous canal that connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and it is a mouth-watering combination of creamy, crunchy, and sweet ingredients.

3 Reasons People Love Panama Canal Dessert

1. Unique flavor: The Panama Canal dessert is known for its unique combination of flavors, including layers of cake, cream cheese, whipped cream, and fruit co*cktail. The sweet and creamy taste is appealing to many people, especially those who enjoy desserts with a variety of flavors and textures.

2. Nostalgic value: The Panama Canal dessert has been around for many years, and it has become a classic dessert in many parts of the world. Some people might love this dessert because it reminds them of their childhood or family gatherings, creating a sense of nostalgia and comfort.

3. Easy to make: The Panama Canal dessert is relatively easy to make, requiring few ingredients and simple preparation techniques. This makes it a popular dessert for people who want to impress their guests or bring a delicious dessert to a potluck or party. Additionally, the dessert can be customized by adding different types of fruit or using different flavors of cake or whipped cream.

Panama Canal Dessert Recipe (2)

How To Make Our Panama Canal Dessert Recipe

Ingredients (Serves 8):

Layer #1
1.5 cups flour
3/4 cup margarine, softened
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Layer #2
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
4 ounces Cool Whip

Layer #3
3 (4 ounce) packages instant chocolate pudding mix
4.5 cups milk

Layer #4
8 ounces Cool Whip

Instructions:

1. Cream flour, margarine, and nuts. Press into 9 x 13 pan.

2. Cook for 10 minutes @ 350°F Let cool.

3. Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, cool whip until smooth.

4. Spread cream cheese mixture on crust.

5. Mix together pudding mix and milk.

6. Pour onto cream cheese mixture.

7. Once pudding is set up, spread cool whip on evenly.

8. Refrigerate until serving.

Nutritional Values for One Serving of Panama Canal Dessert:

Calories: 551
Carbohydrates: 60g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 34mg
Sodium: 689mg
Potassium: 600mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 37g

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

List of Pots, Pans and Cooking Equipment:

Mixing bowls

Whisk

Wooden spoon or spatula

Measuring cups and spoons

9×13 inch baking dish

Best way to Store Panama Canal Dessert

To store your Panama Canal Dessert, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 3-4 days.

Possible Substitutions for Ingredients for Panama Canal Dessert:

If you don’t have all of the ingredients for Panama Canal Dessert, don’t worry! Here are some possible substitutions:

Walnuts: Almonds, Pecans, almost any favorite nuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds

Cream Cheese: Cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, Ricotta

Powdered Sugar: Confectioners sugar, icing sugar

Cool Whip: Whipped Cream

Ingredients to Substitute for a Vegetarian version of Panama Canal Dessert:

To make a vegetarian version of Panama Canal Dessert, simply substitute:

Cream Cheese: Silken tofu
Powdered Sugar: Erythritol
Cool Whip: TruWhip. They make a few different varieties, and only one of them is vegan, so be sure you are purchasing the one marked vegan.

Tips and Tricks for Easier Creations of the Recipe

Make sure to let your first layer cool before adding second layer.

Make sure pudding is set up, before spreading on cool whip evenly.

Let the dessert chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving to allow it to set properly.

Possible Side Dishes to serve with Panama Canal Dessert

Panama Canal Dessert is a sweet and rich dessert that pairs well with fresh fruits or a light salad. Some great options include a fruit salad, sliced mangoes or strawberries, or a mixed green salad.

How to Serve Panama Canal Dessert

To serve your Panama Canal Dessert, simply cut it into squares and serve chilled. You can garnish each serving with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprig of mint.

FAQs About Panama Canal Dessert

1. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dessert up to 24 hours in advance. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

2. Can I make a smaller or larger batch of this dessert?
Yes, you can easily adjust the recipe to make a smaller or larger batch. Just use the appropriate measurements for the ingredients.

3. Can I freeze this dessert?
No, this dessert is not recommended for freezing as it may alter the texture.

Making a Panama Canal Dessert is a simple and delicious way to add a unique dessert to your repertoire. With just a few pieces of equipment and some simple ingredients, you can create a sweet and creamy dessert that is sure to impress. By following the tips and tricks outlined above, you’ll be able to create a dessert that is both beautiful and delicious.

With its combination of creamy coconut, crunchy nuts, and sweet raisins, it is the perfect treat for any occasion.

Print RecipePin Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 12 servings

Calories: 551 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls

  • whisk

  • Wooden spoon or spatula

  • Measuring cups and spoons

  • 9x13 inch baking dish

Ingredients

Layer #1

  • 1.5 cups flour
  • ¾ cup margarine softened
  • ½ cup walnuts chopped

Layer #2

  • 1 8 ounce package cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 4 ounces Cool Whip

Layer #3

  • 3 4 ounce packages instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 4.5 cups milk

Layer #4

  • 8 ounces Cool Whip

Instructions

  • Cream flour, margarine, and nuts. Press into 9 x 13 pan.

  • Cook for 10 minutes @ 350°F Let cool.

  • Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, cool whip until smooth.

  • Spread cream cheese mixture on crust.

  • Mix together pudding mix and milk.

  • Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the dessert to cool for 10-15 minutes.

  • Pour onto cream cheese mixture.

  • Once pudding is set up, spread cool whip on evenly.

  • Refrigerate until serving.

Notes

Tips and Tricks

Make sure to let your first layer cool before adding second layer.

Make sure pudding is set up, before spreading on cool whip evenly.

Let the dessert chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving to allow it to set properly.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 551kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 34mg | Sodium: 689mg | Potassium: 600mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 37g

Tried this recipe yet?Click the stars above or below to rate and/or leave a comment below!

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Panama Canal Dessert Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What dessert is Panama known for? ›

Cocadas are a popular snack and dessert in Panama. They are made from coconut flakes which are cooked until caramelised.

Who owns Panama Canal now? ›

The US took over the project in 1904 and opened the canal in 1914. The US continued to control the canal and surrounding Panama Canal Zone until the Torrijos–Carter Treaties provided for its handover to Panama in 1977. After a period of joint American–Panamanian control, the Panamanian government took control in 1999.

Why did the U.S. sell the Panama Canal? ›

Many in Congress opposed giving up control of the Panama Canal—an enduring symbol of U.S. power and technological prowess—but America's colonial-type administration of the strategic waterway had long irritated Panamanians and other Latin Americans.

Did the U.S. pay Panama for the canal? ›

The Panama Canal cost the United States about $375 million, including $10 million paid to Panama and $40 million paid to the French company.

How many people died in the Panama Canal? ›

The total excavation of the Panama Canal amounted to 310,737,963 cubic yards (78,146,906 by the French and 232,353,000 by the Americans) at a total cost of $645 million ($270 million by the French and $375 million by the Americans) and 27,609 lives (22,000 by the French and 5,609 by the Americans).

Are there deserts in Panama? ›

A man-made desert lies in the Northeastern portion of the peninsula, called the Sarigua desert, formed from the constant grazing and cultivation of the land for thousands of years.

What is the national dish of Panama? ›

In Panama, where it is considered the national dish, sancocho is a nostalgic panacea of poultry and produce. Before modern shipping methods, ingredients varied by regions within Panama – thus, each sancocho recipe was unique.

Is Panama known for chocolate? ›

Panama's humid, wet, and tropical climate offers optimal conditions for growing cacao. Yet in the world of chocolate Panama is rarely mentioned- it is actually almost forgotten.

What is the national food of Panama? ›

Cherished across many countries in Latin America, sancocho is arguably most beloved in Panama, where it is the national dish and served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Everyone loves sancocho, the national comfort food of Panama.

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