The Panamanian Panama Canal Dessert recipe is a rich dessert with layers of flavors and textures that is perfect for parties and special occasions. It has a flour, margarine and walnut crust and layers of cream cheese, chocolate pudding and Cool Whip. What’s great about this Panamanian Panama Canal dessert recipe is that you can make it on a budget and still impress your guests.
To make the Panamanian Panama Canal dessert recipe on a budget, use low-cost ingredients. For marginal savings, use store brands for margarine and powdered sugar – they can often work just as well as name-brand alternatives. Additionally, purchasing walnuts in large quantities will bring down costs so you have plenty for this particular recipe.
Finally, the Panamanian Panama Canal dessert recipe is a way to indulge in a layered treat. If you watch your ingredient selections and stick with budget friendly choices, you can whip up this simple dessert that is bound to be a hit.
Ingredients For the Panama Canal Dessert Recipe
Layer #1
Flour
Margarine Softened
Chopped Walnuts
Layer #2
Cream Cheese
Powdered Sugar
Cool Whip
Layer #3
Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix
Milk
Layer #4
Cool Whip
Cooking Instructions For the Panama Canal Dessert Recipe
- Mix 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.
- Pour onto cream cheese mixture.
- Once pudding is set up, spread cool whip on evenly.
- Refrigerate until serving.
10 Reasons I Love Panamian Food
Panamanian food combines indigenous, African, Spanish and Caribbean flavors. Each dish represents the country’s history and culture and is bursting with flavor and textures that will have you back for more. Ten reasons I love Panamanian food:
1. The Bold and Unique Flavors
Panamanian food is distinguished by its bold and complex flavors that result from combining different culinary traditions. Earthy spices like cumin are often combined with fresh herbs like culantro and tart ingredients like lime. Whether it’s the creamy Sancocho or the sour Arroz con Coco, each dish is a revelation of flavor and imagination.
2. The Fusion of Cultures
Possibly the most remarkable feature of Panamanian food is its representation of Panama’s multicultural identity. Influences from indigenous peoples, Spanish colonizers, African slaves and nearby Caribbean islands form a food culture. This mixing of culinary traditions produces dishes with history and flavor such as Ropa Vieja (Spanish and African influences).
3. Fresh and Local Ingredients
Panama’s tropical climate and geographic diversity produce fresh ingredients from tropical fruits to seafood. Some dishes use ingredients locally sourced like plantains, coconut, yuca and fresh fish. This dependence on natural, local products makes Panamanian food tasty and healthier.
4. Delicious Street Food
Panamanian street food is an experience in itself, with various snacks and meals available. From Empanadas (pastry filled with meat or cheese) to Patacones (fried green plantains), street vendors sell quick, cheap, flavorful fare that represents Panamanian cuisine. I love walking through the bustling streets, smelling the sizzling meats and fried goodies, and sampling different snacks on the go..
5. Versatility of Plantains
Plantains are a staple in Panamanian food and may be eaten in numerous ways. Whether fried as Patacones, boiled, or mashed, plantains lend texture and flavor to any dish. They can be sweet when ripe or savory when green and are a side or snack for most meals. This versatility I like in Panamanian food.
6. Hearty Comfort Foods
Panamanian food has lots of hearty, comforting dishes to make you feel at home. Some of my favorites are Sancocho, chicken soup with culantro, yuca and other vegetables. It is warm and filling and delicious – ideal for a rainy morning or even if you would like something that tastes like a hug in a bowl. The country’s stews, rice dishes and snacks are filling and filling.
7. Seafood Heaven
With the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea bordering Panama, seafood is no wonder a staple in the country’s cuisine. From grilled fish and shrimp to Ceviche, seafood in Panama is always fresh and flavorful. I like how seafood is often simple to prepare with lime, garlic and culantro, letting the fish flavors shine.
8. Sweet and Savory Combinations
Panamanian food is characterized by imaginative use of sweet and savory combinations. An example is Arroz con Coco (coconut rice with fish or chicken). The sweetness of the coconut matches the sweet-tasting components of the dish. This combination of flavors is typical of Panamanian cuisine and a reason for its enjoyment.
9. The Focus on Rice and Beans
Rice and beans are the basis of many Panamanian meals and I love seeing these simple ingredients elevated with herbs and spices. Gallo Pinto is a filling rice and beans dish that is often paired with main dishes. Rice and beans are a tasty, nutritious and cheap staple that showcases the resourcefulness of Panamanian cooks.
10. The Warmth of Tradition
Many Panamanian dishes are traditional and often inherited from generation to generation. The sensation of eating a meal that was prepared the exact same way for centuries is something quite special – linking you to the country and its culture and history. Whether it’s a traditional Tamale during the holidays or a simple everyday dish like Hojaldras (fried dough), the tradition behind each recipe makes every meal feel more meaningful.
FAQ For the Panama Canal Dessert Recipe
Q: What ingredients are typically used in a Panama Canal Dessert recipe?
A: A Panama Canal Dessert recipe generally includes simple yet delicious ingredients that reflect the rich flavors of Panamanian cuisine. Key ingredients often include sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, eggs, and sugar to create a custard-like base. Sometimes, chocolate or caramel is used to add a rich layer of flavor, representing the diverse cultural influences found in Panama. The dessert might also include tropical fruits like bananas or coconut to highlight the region’s natural bounty. These ingredients come together to create a sweet, creamy, and indulgent dessert that pays homage to Panama’s vibrant culinary traditions.
Q: How is a Panama Canal Dessert recipe traditionally prepared?
A: A traditional Panama Canal Dessert recipe is often prepared by first creating a smooth custard base, typically by whisking together sweetened condensed milk, eggs, vanilla, and sugar. The mixture is then gently baked in the oven until it sets, resulting in a rich, creamy texture. Sometimes, caramel is prepared separately and added to the bottom of the dish before pouring in the custard mixture, giving it a sweet, glossy finish. The dessert is often cooled before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together. The simplicity of the preparation is key to the dessert’s rich flavor, making it a favorite among those familiar with Panamanian desserts.
Q: Can you make variations of the Panama Canal Dessert recipe?
A: Yes, there are several variations of a Panama Canal Dessert recipe that can be tailored to individual preferences. One popular variation is to incorporate chocolate into the custard base, adding a rich and decadent layer to the dessert. Another variation might include tropical fruits like pineapple, coconut, or bananas to give it a fresher, fruitier flavor. Some people also choose to add spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the dessert’s complexity. Regardless of the variation, the Panama Canal Dessert recipe remains a versatile dish that can be customized while still reflecting the essence of Panamanian flavors.
Q: What occasions are ideal for serving a Panama Canal Dessert recipe?
A: A Panama Canal Dessert recipe is ideal for a variety of occasions, from casual family dinners to special celebrations. Its rich and creamy texture makes it a comforting dessert for everyday meals, but its elegant presentation and unique flavors also make it suitable for festive gatherings or holiday dinners. The dessert’s tropical notes, often enhanced with coconut or fruit, make it a refreshing treat for summer parties or outdoor events. Additionally, the Panama Canal Dessert recipe is a great choice for anyone looking to showcase Panamanian cuisine at international-themed dinners or cultural celebrations.
Q: How should a Panama Canal Dessert recipe be stored?
A: A Panama Canal Dessert recipe should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and creamy texture. Once the dessert has cooled completely after baking, it can be covered with plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container before refrigerating. This will prevent the custard from drying out or absorbing other flavors from the fridge. The dessert can typically be stored for up to three days, though it’s best enjoyed within the first 24-48 hours for optimal flavor and texture. Storing the Panama Canal Dessert recipe properly ensures that it stays fresh and delicious until you’re ready to serve it.
Panama Canal Dessert
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.
1 comment
Everyone loved how it was both sweet and creamy, a perfect way to end the meal. I’ll be making this again for special occasions!