Decadent Chocolate Cream Cheese Delight Pie
This decadent chocolate cream cheese pie is a true delight for those who love a rich, creamy dessert without the overwhelming sweetness. It originates from a treasured 1970s Atascosa County fundraiser cookbook, with a few personal tweaks to enhance the flavors. This layered dessert is simple to prepare and perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort. Each layer brings its own unique texture and flavor to create a harmonious balance, from the buttery nutty crust to the luscious chocolate and velvety cream cheese filling.
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
3/4 cup (melted)
chopped nuts
3/4 cup (preferably pecans)
all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups
Cool Whip
2 cups (plus extra for topping)
powdered sugar
2 cups
cream cheese
16 ounces (softened)
instant chocolate pudding mix
2 3 1/2 ounce boxes
milk
3 cups
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2
In a mixing bowl, combine 3/4 cup melted butter or margarine, 3/4 cup chopped nuts (preferably pecans), and 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour until well mixed. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking pan to form the crust.
3
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes, or until it turns a light golden brown. Remove from oven and allow it to cool completely.
4
In a separate bowl, beat together 2 cups of powdered sugar, 2 cups of Cool Whip, and 16 ounces of softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
5
In another bowl, whisk together 2 small boxes (3 1/2 ounces each) of instant chocolate pudding mix with 3 cups of milk. Follow the box instructions but use only 3 cups of milk for a thicker consistency. Place the pudding mixture in the refrigerator for about 5 minutes to set.
6
Once the crust is cooled, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust. It's helpful to drop spoonfuls of the mixture over the crust first, then gently spread to cover completely, minimizing any crumbling of the crust.
7
Carefully spread the chocolate pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer, ensuring that it is evenly distributed.
8
Top the pudding layer with a generous layer of Cool Whip, smoothing it out to match the thickness of the previous layers.
9
Garnish the top with extra chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or other toppings of your choice for added texture and flavor.
10
Refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours before serving to allow it to set and the flavors to meld.
Nutrition Information
42g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Decadent Chocolate Cream Cheese Delight Pie?
It is a rich, layered dessert featuring a nutty crust, a velvety cream cheese layer, luscious chocolate pudding, and a whipped topping.
What is the origin of this chocolate pie recipe?
This recipe originated from a treasured 1970s Atascosa County fundraiser cookbook with minor modern enhancements.
What is the recommended oven temperature for the crust?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (165°C) for baking the crust.
How long should the crust be baked?
The crust needs to bake for approximately 25 minutes or until it turns a light golden brown.
What ingredients are used to make the crust?
The crust is made from 3/4 cup melted butter or margarine, 3/4 cup chopped nuts, and 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour.
What kind of nuts work best for this recipe?
Chopped pecans are the preferred choice for the nutty crust and garnish.
How much cream cheese is needed for the filling?
The recipe requires 16 ounces of softened cream cheese.
What is in the cream cheese layer?
The cream cheese layer consists of 16 ounces of cream cheese, 2 cups of powdered sugar, and 2 cups of Cool Whip.
How many boxes of pudding mix are required?
You will need two small boxes (3 1/2 ounces each) of instant chocolate pudding mix.
How much milk should be added to the pudding mix?
Use 3 cups of milk for the pudding to ensure a thicker consistency for the layers.
How long should the pudding set before layering?
The pudding should be refrigerated for about 5 minutes to set before being spread over the cream cheese.
What is the best way to spread the cream cheese over the crust?
Drop spoonfuls of the mixture over the crust first, then gently spread to minimize crumbling.
What is the final layer of the pie?
The final layer is a generous coating of Cool Whip smoothed out across the top.
What garnishes are suggested for this dessert?
Extra chopped nuts or chocolate chips are recommended for added texture and flavor.
How long does the pie need to chill before serving?
The pie must be refrigerated for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to set.
What size baking pan should I use?
A 9x13 inch baking pan is the standard size for this layered dessert.
Is this recipe suitable for potlucks?
Yes, it is specifically noted as being perfect for family gatherings and potlucks due to its simple preparation.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
How many grams of protein are in a serving?
There are 5 grams of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this pie?
One serving contains 42 grams of carbohydrates.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 3/4 cup melted butter or margarine.
Does the cream cheese need to be softened?
Yes, softening the cream cheese ensures the filling layer is smooth and creamy.
Why do you use less milk than the pudding box instructions suggest?
Using only 3 cups of milk instead of the standard amount creates a thicker pudding that stays in place between layers.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 8 main ingredients listed for this pie.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, since it requires at least 2 hours of refrigeration, it is an excellent make-ahead dessert.
What flavor is the pudding layer?
The recipe specifies instant chocolate pudding for a rich chocolate flavor.
Is the crust cooked?
Yes, the flour-based crust is baked for 25 minutes before any layers are added.
Do I need to grease the baking pan?
The recipe does not specify greasing, as the high butter content in the crust usually prevents sticking.
Is the Cool Whip used in the middle and the top?
Yes, 2 cups are mixed into the cream cheese layer, and extra is used for the top layer.
What makes this pie 'decadent'?
The combination of a buttery nut crust, a sugary cream cheese center, and thick chocolate pudding creates a very rich profile.