Almost No Sugar Ice Cream Grahamwiches
If you’re new to Southern Plate, WELCOME! You might want to check out my FAQ page and I’d love for you to subscribe by email if you’d like as well! I send out emails whenever I post a new recipe and occasional subscriber only goodies also. Either way, it’s GREAT to have you here! Gratefully, Christy
In this post, I’m going to show you how to make these delicious Grahamwiches with the only sugar being the scant amount present in the graham crackers. They are not only delicious but another great treat ready from your freezer anytime! They are also great to make with your kids! Before I do that though, I want to take a few moments to tell you why today is so special.
Ten years ago today, I became a mother. July 6, 1999, my little Bradybug came into this world and it will truly never be the same. I had wanted to be a mother all of my life, for as long as I could remember. I had dreamed of it, having visions of being every ounce the kind of mother that mine was. Motherhood had always seemed to come naturally to her. She knew just how to nurture us, talk to us, care for us, and make every single day special. I just knew that, having always been the spitting image of her in everything else, motherhood would be no different.
I took parenting classes, childbirth classes, infant cpr, and several early childhood education classes in college. I had taught preschool and babysat more hours than I could count. I felt certain that I was ready.
One of the funny things about parenthood is how it seems to take delight in knocking us flat on our rears when we think we’re at the top of our game. If nothing else, Parenthood requires a sense of humor.
Around day two in the hospital, I realized that I had no idea what I was doing. Not just minor insecurities, mind you, but full blown out “If the hospital finds out how unqualified I am for this, they’ll never let me take him home!”.
I remember that day so vividly. Brady needed changing and my first thought was “Well, I’ll wait til Mama gets back from the gift shop so she can help me”. Then I became indignant with myself. “Hmph, I’m his mother, I can do this.” Ten minutes later I had a pile of wipes a mile high. Brady was crying, I was crying, and we had our first ever conversation. “Brady baby, I’m sorry, but I’m the only mother you’ve got so you’ll just have to make do with me”. His response was to scream louder. Can’t say I blamed the little fella.
I watched the door nervously during my entire stay, just waiting on a nurse to come into the room and cluck her tongue before whisking my baby away to someone infinitely more qualified to raise him – one of those mothers who instinctively knew how to care for him, who could change a diaper in two wipes while humming and mentally constructing the perfect college fund.
The next year was a blur of colic, milestones, scrapbook pages, stage three lasagna splattered on the walls, and this incredibly amazing bundle of cuteness and energy who charmed and won everyone over in a single glance.
There was a bit of a learning curve but Brady was patient with me and I had lots of help learning the ropes.
By the time he is twenty, I feel confident I’ll know what I’m doing.
Has it really been ten years? Am I even old enough to have a ten year old child? (Y’all feel free to say “no” to that last question). Matchbox cars and dinosaurs have been replaced with the weather channel and science experiments. This kid is the only one in the house who knows how to set up a wi-fi connection and operate all DVD players, video game systems, and VCRs. He is brilliant, articulate, and an incredibly personable boy but the thing I am proudest of is his heart. My Brady is a very kindhearted person who, despite all of the material things he is blessed with, still places the highest value on people and small moments, sentiment and friends.
Maybe I got lucky or maybe I’m not so bad at this motherhood thing after all. My money is on luck.
Years ago, Brady and I were talking right before he fell asleep. We talked about taking a trip one day when he grew up and where we’d go. Even then, I knew time was slipping away fast and I found myself longing for a little more time just between the two of us. We went over possibilities of things we could do together, what we’d like to see and where we’d like to go. Somewhere amidst all of that we came up with going somewhere in the desert and riding camels along with seeing pyramids (do they even have camels near pyramids? I suppose so.). We made our plans to go and mentally sent Katy on a two week cruise with her Daddy during our time away.
Now as I sit here, my little boy (who eats everything in the house and still manages to have ribs poking out through his skin) is standing in his rapidly growing body that is struggling to keep up with his overly large feet and playing Guitar Hero. I can steal a hug or kiss from time to time and even coax him into my lap if no one is looking but the moments are fleeting. He’s too busy growing and learning and experiencing every moment of his fast forward life.
But when things settle down in the evenings, sometimes he’ll curl up next to me and we’ll both whisper about our dreams of riding camels together in the desert and I know it means as much to him as it does to me, even if we never make it there. Even if we only go there in our minds during these stolen moments on quiet evenings – me and the ever growing spirit whose magical presence in this world turned me into a mother.
Thank you so much, Brady. I sure do love you.
~sighs and looks at the screen as the photos of grahamwiches come back into focus~
~~~~~~~~
Today’s recipe has nothing to do with Birthdays but my tangents seldom do have anything to do with the dish. Y’all are so lenient with me!
I love to have cool treats in the summer and I also love to have things in my freezer handy should unexpected guests drop by. This recipe is the kid’s version of Granny Jordan’s frozen cranberry banana salads on both counts. They are easy to make (of course) and the only sugar involved is the scant amount in the graham crackers and what is on the sprinkles (if you use sprinkles). I use nuts on mine or leave them plain, saving the sprinkle ones for the kidders. If you make these, you’ll end up with at least thirty. I quit after thirty and started passing out spoons for all of us to lick what was left in the bowl. ~smiles~
They taste just like ice cream sandwiches, but with a bit more flavor to them and a lot less guilt.
I don’t split hairs when it comes to calling a recipe low sugar or sugar free. In this recipe, I am using sugar free pudding mix and sugar free whipped topping, the only sugar I count is the small amount added to the graham crackers. I realize there is some natural sugar in the milk but I count sugar in my recipes as sugar added in so milk in its natural form is alright in my book as is fruit which is naturally sweet. If I tried to keep up with the FDA’s labeling practices with regards to sugar, my eyes would cross after day one.
Be sure you check at the end of this post for a listing of other recipes on Southern Plate for those of us watching our sugar. There are several!
You’ll need: Graham Crackers, whipped topping, milk,and a large box of instant pudding mix.
Scary that I have all name brand here, isn’t it? I’m kind of spooked by it myself.
You really need two or three boxes of graham crackers to make sure you have enough since I generally don’t use the broken ones for these. Broken ones are eaten immediately ~grins~. I do tend to get name brand at times when I need to make something like this because the generic ones tend to have a lot more broken crackers whenever I’ve gotten them in the past. I guess the more expensive ones get upgraded to first class during the shipping process.Those little snobs…
Lets get to making goodies!
Add your pudding mix to the milk, using the amounts called for on the package.
Mix that up for about two minutes, until well blended.
When your pudding is all mixed up, add whipped topping and mix again until well blended.
There we go, all whipped up! This will be smooth and creamy, the perfect “faux ice cream” for our grahamwiches!
This really is delicious and I hope you try it.
Make them with your kids or grandkids or save ‘em all for yourself, whatever cranks yer tractor.
I’ve been known to make these and keep them all to myself for a least a month before letting other folks know they exist.
Break graham crackers in half and place on a plate to get ready to make these.
This is just the amount I started out with, I ended up using about double this.
Put a dollop of cream on half of a cracker.
Top with another.
For the kids, I pour out some sprinkles on a plate and just gently press each side into them.
I love the crushed nuts on them for me. You get the whole salty, chocolaty, sweet thing goin’ on!
Plain is also delicious though!
You can smooth the sides with a butter knife or the back of a spoon if you like.
I put each one in a cheap little sandwich baggie and then place all of the baggies in the freezer until we need them.
They will be frozen in an hour or so. This is important to know because Katy kept coming to “check”on them.
With sugar free pudding, sugar free whipped topping, and naturally low in sugar Graham crackers, these are Grahamwiches for everyone!
Ingredients
- Approximately 30 graham crackers, broken in half
- Large box sugar free chocolate pudding
- 8 ounces sugar free or lite whipped topping*
- Milk
- Sprinkles and nuts, optional
Instructions
- Prepare pudding with milk, according to package directions. Whip in whipped topping and blend until smooth.
- Place a large dollop on a graham cracker and top with another. Dip each side into sprinkles or nuts if desired.
- Place in individual zipper seal sandwich bags and freeze until firm.
*Can use regular pudding and regular whipped topping
Don’t sweat the petty stuff and don’t pet the sweaty stuff.
~Southern Plate Reader Lynn from GA. Fill me up! Click here to leave your quote and make my day!
Happy Birthday Brady!
Brady and his traditional Birthday Biscuit!
Every person in my family gets a biscuit with a candle for breakfast, then phone calls pour in of folks singing to them!
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Great Recipes Modified For Folks With Sugar Issues:
*Read each post for how I modify them
Sweet Tea: Elixir Of The South
THIS ORIGINAL POST INCLUDED A CONTEST THAT IS NOW CLOSED
CONGRATULATIONS TO LESLEY IN ALABAMA FOR WINNING!
Posted by Christy Jordan
on Jul 6 2009. Filed under Breakfast, Dessert, Southern Plate Kids.
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What a great idea!!! These are easy enough that we could make them while we are at the beach next week!! The kids will love helping make these!
Happy Birthday Brady!! My youngest (Emily) was born in 1999, too! My oldest is 13 and like you, Christy, I am NOT old enough to have one that old!! Actually, I don’t mind my age–I just don’t want to look it!!
Have a wonderful day!! Enjoy that Brady still lets you have some hugs! My 12 yo son is very particular about them now–much to my chagrin. ~sighs~
Hoppy Birdy to Brady!
That’s a neat mixer…I really like the storage space on the bottom. I’m not the most organized person…so it would be a lot less likely I’d misplace the beaters if they’re stored right WITH the mixer! LOL
Can’t wait to try these tasty treats. It’s just me alone so I may end up making only a half a batch…but then again, maybe not!
Diane in PA
(I’m new to posting to the blog, but have been reading for a little while and I just LOVE your recipes and illustrations and stories, as well!
Happy Birthday Brady!!! Can’t wait to try the recipe. It doesn’t look nearly as messy of a snack as dad brought home … popsicles!
I can hardly wait to try these Grahamsandwiches. They will be my treat for people who are coming to visit later in the week.
Now that hand mixer looks the best. Maybe I could be the lucky one.
Hattie
Hi Christy, I am a new subscriber and am reading your site like a novel and trying new recipes. I’ve loved everyone. I was especially interested in the homemade washing powders as my husband and I have developed sensitivity to store bought. This stuff is great! My grandchildren and I are so going to make the ice cream sandwiches! I have passed your site on to my daughters also. It has become a family affair.
These look amazing!! Happy Birthday Brady~~~
I love the mixer by the way..I would love to win it…
Blessing’s
Ann
These look delicious! My husband is ALWAYS begging for ice cream sandwiches and this will be a much cheaper way to feed him. Although, one square won’t fill him, so I will make them two squares long! Thanks again!
Happy 10th Birthday Brady! In my family, your tenth birthday is always celebrated like it is as important as one of the usual “biggies” because it is when you hit double digits. And unless you make it to 100, you will be in double digits the rest of your life. So, welcome to the double digit club, Brady!
The grahamwiches look yummy. I have a question, though. Do they melt like real ice cream melts while you eat them? I look forward to trying this recipe out!
This is a great idea for a healthy snack with different variations easily done. Thanks for the giveaway.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRADY!
What a lucky guy you are to have such a great mommy! I hope you have a great day dude.
Christy, Oh man! The storage compartment alone made me want that mixer. The hand mixer I have will barely make mashed potatoes before it overheats and stops.
Happy Birthday Brady!!! Got to try this recipe for the grandkids!!! That is-as soon as I go and get the stuff to make it with!! Thanks for the recipe!!!
Happy Birthday Brady! You all have a great day and we love your website.
Angela
Love this idea!
You have GOT to stop making me cry! You are such a talented writer and undoubtedly a brilliant mother. I wished I would have had you for a mother, I might not be as screwed up as I am. I really needed a lot of love and couldn’t get it from my mother or father. You are soooo good! And, a good cook also. What a treat!!!!! Keep up the excellent work.
Thank you for another recipe that my son and I can do together! And with all that milk, it’s GOT to be healthy for you, right? I was going through my cabinets this past week (I’ve been on an insane cleaning spree… and yes, I’ll come clean Bountiful for a chance to lick the spoon!) and I noticed just how many appliances I have that are Hamilton Beach. My hand mixer is a GE… wonder when it’s gonna die!
Happy Birthday Brady! I bet your mom makes sure you have a really special day.
These look great. My little girl recently discoverd ice cream sandwiches at her Mimi’s & Pop’s house and I know she’ll be thrilled to help make them.
loved the story – my first is 4 months now!
Also, I like the idea of the mixer having a place to store the beaters. Mine has a clunky plastic box for the whole thing – that looks so much better!
PS I bet you took that picture of the grahamwiches in your new sunroom – all that light – awesome picture!
I keep telling everyone now that I have been married 50 yrs. I need another bridal shower. Sure could use this mixer.
Happy Birthday Brady!!!
Happy Birthday to Brady! In the double digits now!
If it makes you feel any better I felt the same way with both of mine about the hospital letting me leave with them. I think that all of us do. Maybe it’s because we didn’t come in with them (well, we DID, but you know what I mean! LOL) I am the mother of a teenager (as of two weeks ago) and I can’t possibly be old enough for that either. We are entirely too young for this I say!
Love the grahamwiches idea, and considering the fact that I’m trying to lose this belly that has attached itself to me and
just.wont.let.go., I need all the help I can get.
Happy Birthday Brady!
My own life turned upside down 12 1/2 years ago when my daughter arrived. Being a mother is the hardest and best job in the entire universe! (Ask me again once the teenage years kick in full-time. LOL)
These “ice cream” sandwiches look wonderful. And this is the perfect time of year for them, too. Thanks!
Oh Christy I can so relate to your post today. My son will be 9 in September and there are times that he is okay with mom and times he wishes I would disappear into the crowd. And I too can remember being in the hospital with him thinking the same thing about the nurses wondering when they were going to take him to a more experienced mother. Walking out of the hospital was okay, the first day at home was okay but as day turned into night my boy screamed louder and I remember thinking “Oh crap, what now?” We obviously made it and there are still times that I think “Oh crap, what now?” but I think we’ll make it
Happy Birthday Brady!
Happy 10th Birthday, Mr. Brady. I hope you are having an absolutely wonderful day!!!
The mixer is awesome. What a clever idea to have storage for the beaters and cord….that would make a wonderful birthday present for “ME” as my birthday is Monday, the 13th!!!
Thank you, Christy, for all of your wonderful posts!!
Yummy, can’t wait to try this recipe.Love the mixer.
Thanks for another easy recipe!
Wanna hear something funny? Well, sad. My mixer died last night. I’m not kidding. Right in the middle of mixing brownie batter. And then, today, I read this post on SP. Crazy, huh?
Happy Birthday to Brady! He got a really great present today didnt he – a new cousin! she’s a little doll and I love that you are calling her Ellie May-hows Patti taking that?? hahaha
I would love to win this mixer. I keep buying the el-cheapo’s at walmart and they break easily (specially since I love lumpy mashed potatoes, so I dont put much milk in there! lol!)
love the recipe-your kids get the best treats honey!
Those look yummy! What a neat idea! Hope your little boy enjoys his birthday! They grow up too quick!
God bless,
Amanda
Happy birthday, Brady! I hope you have an amazing year!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY–BRADY… YOUR A LUCKY LITTLE BOY.HAVE A REALLY FUN DAY.
And what a neat idea with the biscuits. Wish I had thought of that
when my kids were young.
Hmmm that mixer seems to be a great idea. What a great thought, putting all the accessories all in an easy container. I hope I win one, but if I don’t, I will have to check into it.
Love Simply,
Love Generously,
Care Deeply,
Speak Kindly and
Leave the Rest to God.
Happy B-day Brady!!!
I love this recipe – it will be great for my little boy! He’ll have so much fun helping me make these.
Happy Birthday to your son! I also seem to go through hand mixers like crazy!! I can’t wait to try this recipe…Im sure my kiddos will love it! I made the chocolate sundae cake for the 4th and it was a big hit! Thanks again for sharing!!!
Happy Birthday Brady! and Mom, enjoy every minute of every day with your youngsters. Then one day before you know it (all too soon), you can relive memories made with your children and make new memories with your grandchildren.
The Ice Cream Grahmwiches sound like a recipe that my grandchildren (ages 5 and 7) would love to make next week when they visit. We try to have at least one session making something in the kitchen when they visit.
Thank you!
Happy Birthday to Brady! Hope you spend it well, with the ones you love. Your Mom is very proud of you just as I am sure you are of her. Hope your day is special.
Oh yummy! I am starting to exercise and watch what I eat, so will probably make these up for me so that I can help my type 2 diabetes and enjoy at the same time! I did however forward to all my kids (for the grandkids) and friends (for themselves)! Thanks for a great summer recipe without hardly any guilt!!!
Finally someone got smart at Hamilton Beach with the container to hold the beaters and the notch to rest on the bowl!!! Wonder if it was a woman?
!!!
Awesome recipe…and a great giveaway, too!
Brady I hope your birthday was more wonderful than you ever expected Now you are in the double digits. I hope you and your mama get to take that trip sometime.
Well Christy,I can tell you for sure time slips by so very fast! Your story made me cry
Ima mama of 3 my baby just turned 18 and is graduated from high school my oldest got married the week before that and my middle child well she is just doin her thing goin to school to become an R.N. As always I love the recipes and I so need a new mixer as mine is on it’s last leg only smokes and sprays sparks at the end of a heavy mix 
My niece’s love to watch me mix stuff the oldest one says “Looks like fire works Mimi”
so Pick me, Pick me
Look at the number of comments in this post! Amazing!
Who wouldn’t want to win one of these.
OK, it’s about time a company came up with a way to keep the beaters with the mixer. Great idea!
Now, can’t they come up with a sugar free graham cracker? Or have they and I’ve missed them?
I’m making these treats TONIGHT!
Thanks!
Happy birthday to little Bradybug… ‘for ya know it, he’ll be almost 30 and givin’ ya grandbabies, trust me.
Boy I sure could use a hand mixer! Don’t currently have one, so count me in please!!
Happy Birthday Brady!! You are a very lcuky boy to have such a wonderful Mom.
Happy Birthday Brady!! Enjoy your birthday!
That mixer looks like a great mixer. I especially like the extra storage compartment.
I love the mixer with the storage built in. The ice-cream sandwiches look good also will try them for my grand-kids I think they will enjoy them.
My girls are just itching to make these–and the boys will be, too, once they see what’s happening, I’m guessing. This will be tomorrow’s fun project for the day. And I get to save a fortune on ready-made ice cream sandwiches…cool!
These look delicious. Thank you!!
Love the storage built in to the mixer!
Happy birthday to Brady!
This recipe sounds scrumptious – we appreciate you whether we tell you often enough or not!!!
Happy Birthday! I really need a new mixer…mine is 20 years old and green. I am going to make the ice cream sandwiches tonight they look great!
Thanks for all your great recipes and the step-by-step directions! Love this site and the daily recipes.
HAPPY 10th BRADY!!!
Christy, I love, love, love your site! I’ve passed it along to many people who are now avid readers. Your wit and love comes through loud and clear! The recipes are fool-proof and time tested, two requirements when it comes to good cooking, as far as I’m concerned.
I made the cranberry banana salads for a brunch for the “most mature” members of our congregation a few weeks back and they were a hit, of course. (Passed along your site to everyone there!) I’m sure these little treats will be just as big a treat with my two “kidders” ages 6 & 3. Can’t wait to try them!
Keep up the good work,
Hope
These look great…can’t wait to try them!!
And a Happy Birthday to Brady.
Start saving your money now for a fantastic trip to Egypt…where you can ride camels and visit pyramids..It was the trip of a lifetime for me…
I have just started following your blog…and think it is one of the best..Keep up the good work!!!
Thanks for another great recipe! And a BIG Happy Birthday to Mr. Brady!!!
:):):):):):):)