Chocolate Delight Recipe
Chocolate Delight is a layered no-bake dessert featuring a buttery pecan crust, creamy sweetened cream cheese, rich chocolate pudding, and fluffy whipped topping. This easy-to-make treat combines textures and flavors into a decadent, chilled dessert perfect for parties and family gatherings.
- Author: Amaya
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups finely chopped pecans, divided
- Pinch of salt (skip if using salted butter)
Layers:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 16 ounces Whipped Topping (Cool Whip), divided
- 2 (3.9 ounce) boxes instant chocolate pudding mix
- 3 cups whole milk
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and grab a 13×9-inch rectangular baking dish to prepare the crust.
- Make Crust Mixture: In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, softened butter, 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is clumpy and loosely sticks together. You may use a food processor for ease.
- Press and Bake Crust: Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the baking dish in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until lightly golden brown. Remove carefully and allow it to cool completely.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Layer: Using a hand mixer in a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Fold in 8 ounces of whipped topping gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until combined.
- Spread Cream Cheese Layer: Evenly spread this cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust to form the second layer of the dessert.
- Make Chocolate Pudding Layer: With an electric mixer on medium speed, mix the instant chocolate pudding mixes and whole milk for about two minutes until the pudding is fully combined and starts to set.
- Spread Pudding Layer: Spread the chocolate pudding mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer to create the third layer.
- Add Final Whipped Topping and Garnish: Spread the remaining 8 ounces of whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer, then sprinkle the top with the reserved chopped pecans for crunch and visual appeal.
- Chill the Dessert: Refrigerate the layered dessert for 2 to 3 hours to allow it to chill and set properly before serving.
- Serve and Store: Serve immediately after chilling. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Ensure the crust cools completely before spreading the cream cheese layer to prevent melting or mixing layers.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- Use whole milk for best pudding texture; low-fat or non-dairy milk may affect firmness.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans or use crushed graham crackers in the crust.
- Make sure cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
Keywords: chocolate delight, layered dessert, no-bake chocolate pudding dessert, pecan crust dessert, creamy chocolate dessert