Chocolate delight dessert is the ultimate layered treat that combines a buttery pecan crust, fluffy cream cheese, silky chocolate pudding, and a generous topping of whipped cream. It’s a decadent and creamy crowd-pleaser that looks fancy but is surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday gathering, potluck, or weeknight indulgence, this no-fuss dessert always delivers pure joy in every bite. You’ll love how easily it comes together with common ingredients and how well it holds up in the fridge, making it a go-to favorite for make-ahead desserts.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Delight Dessert
If you’re a fan of layered desserts that combine crunch, creaminess, and chocolatey goodness, this recipe will win your heart. The pecan crust adds a nutty crunch that perfectly balances the smooth, sweet cream cheese layer. The chocolate pudding brings a rich, indulgent middle, while the Cool Whip topping keeps things light and fluffy. It’s ideal for feeding a crowd, easy to slice, and even easier to eat. Plus, it looks beautiful topped with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or extra pecans.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
For the Cream Cheese Layer
- 1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 container (8 oz.) Cool Whip, thawed and divided (use 2 cups for this layer and 1 cup for the top)
For the Pudding Layer
- 2 packages (3.4 oz. each) instant chocolate pudding
- 3 cups cold milk
For the Top Layer
- 1 cup remaining Cool Whip
- Optional garnish: milk chocolate shavings, chocolate sprinkles, or additional chopped pecans
Step-by-Step: How to Make Chocolate Delight Dessert
1. Make the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, stir together flour, melted butter, and chopped pecans using a fork until crumbly. Spread the mixture evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan and bake for 20 minutes, or until the crust turns a light golden brown. Let it cool completely—about an hour at room temperature or quicker in the fridge.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer
Beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it’s completely smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar and mix until well combined. Fold in two-thirds of the Cool Whip (about 2 cups), and gently spread this creamy layer over the cooled crust. Chill for 20 minutes to firm it up.
3. Add the Pudding Layer
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the chocolate pudding mix and cold milk until it thickens. Carefully spread the pudding over the cream cheese layer. Chill again for 20 minutes.
4. Top It Off
Finish the dessert by spreading the remaining 1 cup of Cool Whip evenly over the pudding. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 to 3 hours before serving.
5. Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle the top with chocolate shavings, chocolate sprinkles, or chopped pecans for extra flair.
Helpful Tips
- Use chilled chocolate for easier shavings—just grab a veggie peeler and a Hershey bar.
- Let each layer chill before adding the next to keep them distinct and tidy.
- For clean cuts, freeze the dessert for 30 minutes and use a sharp knife, wiping between cuts.
- Cool crust completely before adding the cream cheese layer to prevent melting.
Substitutions And Variations
- Graham cracker crust: Swap out the pecan crust for a graham cracker version for a nut-free option.
- Different pudding flavors: Try vanilla, butterscotch, or even banana pudding for fun flavor twists.
- Fresh whipped cream: For a more natural option, swap Cool Whip with freshly made whipped cream.
- Add a fruit layer: Sliced bananas or strawberries between the cream cheese and pudding layers add a fresh touch.
- Use gluten-free flour: Make the crust gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Storage Instructions
Chocolate delight dessert stores beautifully. Simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for up to 4 days. While it’s best enjoyed within 24 hours for the prettiest presentation, the taste remains delicious even as the layers start to blend slightly. For longer storage, individually wrap each slice in plastic wrap and place them in a sealed container. Freeze and thaw in the fridge before serving.
Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 321 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 38mg
- Sodium: 170mg
- Sugar: 19g
- Calcium: 95mg
- Iron: 1mg
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled straight from the fridge for the best texture. This dessert pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. For a party platter, garnish each piece individually with chocolate curls and a mint leaf. You can also layer it in small mason jars for a portable picnic treat or elegant individual servings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Delight Dessert
Can I make this dessert ahead of time? Absolutely! In fact, Chocolate Delight tastes better after a few hours in the fridge, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for gatherings or holidays.
Can I freeze Chocolate Delight? Yes, you can freeze it in individual portions. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and place them in a sealed container. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant? You can, but make sure it’s fully chilled and thickened before layering. Instant pudding helps the dessert set quickly and evenly.
Is there a substitute for Cool Whip? Yes, use homemade whipped cream if you prefer. Whip 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar until it holds stiff peaks.
Can I make this nut-free? Absolutely. Skip the pecans and use a graham cracker crust or an Oreo cookie crust instead.
Final Thoughts
Thank you so much for trying this Chocolate Delight Dessert recipe. It’s one of those treats that never fails to please with its creamy layers, chocolate richness, and crunchy base. I’ve loved sharing this favorite with you and hope it becomes a staple in your dessert rotation too. With just a few simple steps, you get an impressive-looking dessert that tastes like a slice of heaven. Happy cooking, and thank you for being part of this sweet-loving community!
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Chocolate Delight Dessert
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chocolate Delight Dessert is a creamy layered dessert made with a pecan cookie crust, smooth cream cheese filling, rich chocolate pudding, and fluffy whipped topping. This easy no-fuss treat is perfect for potlucks, holidays, or any time you want to impress with minimal effort. Save this recipe and serve it chilled for the ultimate crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
For the Crust
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup finely chopped pecans
For the Cream Cheese Layer
1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 container (8 oz.) Cool Whip, thawed and divided (2 cups for this layer, 1 cup for topping)
For the Pudding Layer
2 packages (3.4 oz. each) instant chocolate pudding mix
3 cups cold milk
For the Topping
1 cup remaining Cool Whip
Optional: chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or extra chopped pecans for garnish
Instructions
1. Make the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, stir together flour, melted butter, and chopped pecans using a fork until crumbly. Spread the mixture evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan and bake for 20 minutes, or until the crust turns a light golden brown. Let it cool completely—about an hour at room temperature or quicker in the fridge.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer
Beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it’s completely smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar and mix until well combined. Fold in two-thirds of the Cool Whip (about 2 cups), and gently spread this creamy layer over the cooled crust. Chill for 20 minutes to firm it up.
3. Add the Pudding Layer
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the chocolate pudding mix and cold milk until it thickens. Carefully spread the pudding over the cream cheese layer. Chill again for 20 minutes.
4. Top It Off
Finish the dessert by spreading the remaining 1 cup of Cool Whip evenly over the pudding. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 to 3 hours before serving.
5. Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle the top with chocolate shavings, chocolate sprinkles, or chopped pecans for extra flair.
Notes
Chill each layer before adding the next for clean layers.
Freeze for 30 minutes before slicing for neat servings.
Use a sharp knife and wipe between cuts to keep edges clean.
Swap pecans for graham cracker or cookie crust for a nut-free version.
Homemade whipped cream can be used in place of Cool Whip (1 cup heavy cream + 2 tbsp powdered sugar, whipped to stiff peaks).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes Chilling Time: 3 hours
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake (Crust is baked only)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 321 kcal
- Sugar: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Protein: 5g