Description
Indulgent four-layer dessert featuring nutty crust, cream cheese, chocolate pudding, and whipped topping. Perfect make-ahead treat for crowds.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup butter, melted
- ½ cup pecans, chopped
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 16 oz Cool Whip (1 large tub)
- 2 boxes chocolate instant pudding, small box (3.9oz each)
- 3 cups milk
Instructions
- Mix flour, melted butter, and chopped nuts together until well combined
- Spread this mixture in an even layer on the bottom of 9×14 baking dish and press down firmly to make a solid crust
- Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes until lightly golden
- Remove baking pan from oven and allow to cool completely to room temperature before adding the next layer
- Using an electric mixer, cream together the cream cheese and powdered sugar until well combined and smooth
- Add half of the Cool Whip to the cream cheese mixture and mix well until fluffy
- Scoop the cream cheese mixture on top of the cooled crust layer and spread gently with a spatula
- Allow this cream cheese layer to set in the refrigerator before starting the chocolate pudding layer
- Whisk together the pudding mixes and milk until well combined and completely smooth
- Pour pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading gently if needed until cream cheese is completely covered
- Place in refrigerator until the pudding layer is completely set
- Gently spread the remaining whipped topping on top of the set pudding layer
- Chill the completed Dark Chocolate Delight in the refrigerator until fully set before serving
Notes
- Press the crust mixture firmly into the pan to prevent crumbling when you cut the dessert later
- Ensure cream cheese is completely at room temperature for smooth mixing without lumps
- Let each layer set properly before adding the next one to maintain distinct layers
- Use a gentle folding motion when spreading layers to avoid disturbing the layer underneath
- Chill overnight for best results as flavors meld together beautifully
- Room temperature cream cheese is crucial for achieving a smooth, lump-free cream layer
- Each layer must be completely set before adding the next one to maintain structure
- The crust needs to cool completely before adding cream cheese layer to prevent melting
- This dessert actually tastes better after chilling overnight as flavors develop and meld together
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of recipe)
Keywords: layered chocolate dessert, no bake chocolate treats, cream cheese dessert, chocolate pudding dessert, make ahead desserts, crowd pleasing desserts, chocolate delight recipe, four layer dessert