Decadent Four-Layer Chocolate Delight
Indulge in the rich and creamy layers of the Decadent Four-Layer Chocolate Delight. This dessert combines a buttery pecan crust with a velvety cream cheese layer, a luscious chocolate pudding layer, and a fluffy Cool Whip topping. Perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat after dinner, this dessert is sure to impress your guests and family alike. With its delightful textures and deep chocolate flavor, it's a showstopper on any dessert table!
8
Servings
400
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
margarine
1/2 cup (softened)
chopped pecans
1 cup (chopped)
cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
chocolate instant pudding
2 (3 1/2 ounce) packages
milk
3 cups (cold)
flour
1 cup
powdered sugar
1 cup
Cool Whip
13 ounces (divided)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
For the first layer, in a mixing bowl, soften the margarine and combine it with the flour and chopped pecans until well blended. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking pan. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
3
For the second layer, in a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Gently fold in 1 cup of Cool Whip until fully combined. Spread this cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust evenly.
4
For the third layer, whisk together the chocolate instant pudding and milk as per the package directions until it thickens. Carefully spread this pudding layer over the cream cheese layer.
5
For the final layer, top the chocolate pudding with the remaining Cool Whip, spreading it evenly. To garnish, sprinkle with shaved chocolate, add cherries, and sprinkle with additional chopped nuts if desired. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the layers to set.
Nutrition Information
22g
Fat
49g
Carbs
4.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Four-Layer Chocolate Delight?
It is a rich layered dessert featuring a pecan crust, a cream cheese layer, chocolate pudding, and a whipped topping.
How many layers does this dessert have?
This dessert has four distinct layers: a buttery pecan crust, a cream cheese layer, a chocolate pudding layer, and a final layer of Cool Whip.
What ingredients are used for the first layer crust?
The crust is made from 1/2 cup of softened margarine, 1 cup of flour, and 1 cup of chopped pecans.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long do I need to bake the crust?
The crust needs to be baked for 20 minutes or until it is golden brown.
Does the crust need to cool before adding other layers?
Yes, the crust must cool completely after baking before you add the cream cheese layer.
What are the ingredients for the second layer?
The second layer consists of 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of powdered sugar, and 1 cup of Cool Whip.
How much cream cheese is required for this recipe?
You will need 8 ounces of softened cream cheese.
How much powdered sugar is used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of powdered sugar in the cream cheese layer.
What is the third layer made of?
The third layer is made by whisking together 2 packages of chocolate instant pudding and 3 cups of cold milk.
How many pudding packages are needed?
You will need two 3.5 ounce packages of chocolate instant pudding.
How much milk is used in the pudding layer?
The recipe requires 3 cups of cold milk.
Does the pudding milk need to be cold?
Yes, the instructions specify using cold milk to ensure the instant pudding thickens correctly.
What is the final topping for this dessert?
The final layer is the remaining Cool Whip, which can be garnished with shaved chocolate, cherries, or extra nuts.
How much Cool Whip is needed in total?
A total of 13 ounces of Cool Whip is used, divided between the second and fourth layers.
How long should the dessert chill before serving?
It should chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the layers to set properly.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 8 servings.
What size baking pan is recommended?
A 9 x 13-inch baking pan is used for this recipe.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 22 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 49 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in one serving?
One serving provides 4.5 grams of protein.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
While the recipe calls for margarine, butter can typically be used as a 1:1 substitute in crusts.
What type of nuts are in the crust?
The recipe specifically uses 1 cup of chopped pecans.
Is this a no-bake dessert?
It is a partially baked dessert; the crust is baked, but the subsequent layers are chilled and require no cooking.
What type of pudding is used?
The recipe uses chocolate instant pudding.
Can I garnish the top of the dessert?
Yes, it is recommended to garnish with shaved chocolate, cherries, and additional chopped nuts if desired.
How much flour is needed for the crust?
The crust requires 1 cup of flour.
Is the cream cheese supposed to be softened?
Yes, the cream cheese should be softened to ensure a smooth mixture with the powdered sugar.
Is this dessert suitable for parties?
Yes, it is described as a showstopper on any dessert table and is perfect for special occasions.