Chocolate Pecan Delight Recipe

Introduction

Chocolate Delight is a rich and creamy dessert that’s easy to make and sure to impress. Layers of buttery crust, smooth cream cheese, and chocolate pudding topped with whipped topping and pecans create a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1/2 cup butter, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups finely chopped pecans, divided
• Pinch of salt
• 8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 (8-oz) tubs Cool Whip, thawed
• 2 small boxes instant chocolate pudding
• 3 cups milk

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix the flour, butter, 1 cup of chopped pecans, and a pinch of salt with an electric mixer until just combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 13×9 baking dish.
3. Step 3: Bake the crust for 25 to 30 minutes, or until it just starts to brown. Allow it to cool completely before proceeding.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar with an electric mixer until smooth. Fold in half of the Cool Whip and mix until combined.
5. Step 5: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
6. Step 6: In another bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mixes and milk with an electric mixer on medium speed for two minutes until thickened.
7. Step 7: Spread the pudding layer evenly over the cream cheese layer.
8. Step 8: Spread the remaining Cool Whip over the chocolate pudding layer. Sprinkle the remaining chopped pecans on top.
9. Step 9: Refrigerate the dessert for at least 2 hours before serving to allow it to set.

Tips & Variations

• For added crunch, toast the pecans lightly before chopping and incorporating them.
• Try using different pudding flavors like vanilla or butterscotch for a unique twist.
• Use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip for a fresher taste.

Storage

Store the Chocolate Delight covered in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. For best texture, serve chilled. If desired, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to enhance flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, this dessert can be made a day in advance and refrigerated to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to set properly.

Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts would work well as substitutes and provide a similar texture and flavor contrast.

Chocolate Pecan Delight Recipe

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4.5 from 103 reviews

Chocolate Delight is a luscious layered dessert featuring a buttery pecan crust, creamy sweetened cream cheese, rich chocolate pudding, and fluffy Cool Whip topping. This no-bake, refrigerated treat combines textures and flavors that melt delightfully in your mouth, making it perfect for parties or family gatherings.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1/2 cup butter, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups finely chopped pecans, divided
• Pinch of salt

Cream Cheese Layer

• 8-oz cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tub (8-oz) Cool Whip, thawed (half of total)

Chocolate Pudding Layer

• 2 small boxes instant chocolate pudding mix
• 3 cups milk

Topping

• 1 tub (8-oz) Cool Whip, thawed (remaining half)
• Remaining chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare crust: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, butter, 1 cup of chopped pecans, and a pinch of salt. Use an electric mixer to blend these ingredients until just combined, then press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 13×9 inch baking dish.
2. Bake crust: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake the crust for 25-30 minutes or until it just starts to brown. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely before assembling the layers.
3. Make cream cheese layer: In a clean mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together using an electric mixer until smooth. Gently fold in half of the Cool Whip and mix until well combined. Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
4. Prepare pudding layer: In another bowl, whisk the two packages of instant chocolate pudding mix with 3 cups of milk on medium speed for about two minutes until the mixture thickens. Spread the prepared pudding evenly over the cream cheese layer.
5. Top and garnish: Evenly spread the remaining Cool Whip on top of the chocolate pudding layer. Sprinkle the remaining finely chopped pecans over the top as garnish.
6. Chill: Place the dish in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the dessert to set and flavors to meld.
7. Storage: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4-5 days to maintain freshness.

Notes

• Ensure the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing for best texture.
• The dessert must be refrigerated for at least 2 hours before serving to set properly.
• For a nut-free version, omit pecans and substitute with crushed graham crackers or oats in the crust.
• Use reduced-fat Cool Whip and cream cheese if you prefer a lighter version.
• For best results, do not substitute instant pudding with cook-and-serve pudding mixes.

Keywords: Chocolate dessert, layered dessert, cream cheese dessert, instant pudding dessert, pecan crust, no-bake dessert