Fluffy Chai Latte Dessert

I don't know if it's just me, but usually around the beginning of August I get sick of the warm (surface of the sun) weather and I start to think about fall. I know, I know! A lot of people tell me not to rush through summer because that just means we get closer to winter, but how can you not love fall?!

The flavors, the colors, the cool sweater weather, and Halloween & Horror movies. What's not to love?

This week we decided to have a pot roast for dinner with mashed potatoes, noodles, corn, and gravy, and I decided to make something for dessert as well. Typically we only have pot roast in the cooler months because it's a more hearty meal, so I wanted to have a dessert that reminded us of fall as well. 

I had a few items in the pantry that I recently got in our August Degustabox and threw together a spur of the moment dessert using two of those things as well as a few other things we already had.

This dessert can be modified really easily by changing up the flavoring as well as adding different cookies, cake and candies. My kids really love this and I sometimes end up making a few extra for them to have as a snack after school or before bed. 

Fluffy Chai Latte Dessert

Ingredients:

1 tub (8 ounce) whipped topping (I use generic, but Cool Whip also works), thawed.
1 package Jello vanilla flavored instant pudding mix (prepared to package directions)
1 package Goya Gluten Free Maria Cookies
1 packet Oregon Chai Tea Latte powdered mix


Directions:

Using a mixer, combine whipped topping and prepared pudding mix.
Once first two ingredients are combined, mix in packet of Oregon Chai Tea Latte Powdered Mix.
Set aside the mousse mixture.
Crumble Goya Gluten Free Maria Cookies into bottoms of dessert cups.
Layer in mousse mixture and cookies.* 
Top with cookie and chill in the refrigerator.



*Here's where you can change this up. You can put them only at the bottom, or you can alternate mousse and cookies or even add in other desired items.

I love the little kick of spice the chai latte mix gives this mousse, but I've made this many times with other flavors of Jello instant gelatin mix (in addition to the pudding), like peach or pineapple for spring. If you choose to mix in gelatin mix, be aware that you will only need half the packet. One whole gelatin packet will make it far too sweet (unless you like it that way!). You can also mix in pumpkin spice for another fall flavor or even your favorite cocoa and instant coffee flavors! There are literally so many options for this, it's all about experimenting with your favorite flavors. Depending on how big your dessert cups (or bowls) are and how much you fill them, this can make anywhere from 5-6 servings. Of course, that's if the mousse mixture even makes it into the dessert cups! 

What do you guys think? What would be your favorite mix ins? How would you change this up for your family's tastes? Let me know in the comments below.