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