Decadent Layered Delight
This Decadent Layered Delight is the ultimate dessert that tantalizes the taste buds while offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Perfect for gatherings or special occasions, this dessert combines a buttery, nutty base with a luscious cream cheese layer and rich pudding fillings, all topped with ethereal whipped cream. The creamy layers mingled with the crunch of pecans create a symphony of taste that will have your guests clamoring for seconds. Whether served at Thanksgiving or any festive celebration, this dessert is sure to impress and enchant everyone around the table!
12
Servings
333
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chopped Pecans
1 cup (chopped)
Icing Sugar
1/4 cup (sifted)
Margarine
1/2 cup (melted)
All-Purpose Flour
1 cup (sifted)
Philadelphia Cream Cheese
8 ounces (softened)
Granulated Sugar
1 cup (measured)
Cool Whip
1 cup (divided, from a large container)
Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix
1 (6 ounce) package (dry)
Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
1 (6 ounce) package (dry)
Chocolate Shavings
to taste (for garnish)
Milk
3 cups (cold)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2
In a medium bowl, combine the icing sugar, melted margarine, sifted flour, and chopped pecans. Stir until well incorporated.
3
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking pan to form a solid base.
4
Bake the base for approximately 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
5
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Fold in 1 cup of Cool Whip until combined, then spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled base.
6
In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate and vanilla pudding mixes with 3 cups of cold milk. Beat until well blended, then allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes to thicken.
7
Once thickened, gently spread the pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer, smoothing it out evenly.
8
Spread the remaining Cool Whip over the top of the pudding layer, creating a beautiful finish.
9
For an extra touch, sprinkle with chocolate shavings if desired.
10
Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld.
Nutrition Information
21g
Fat
33g
Carbs
4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Layered Delight?
Decadent Layered Delight is a multi-layered dessert featuring a buttery pecan crust, a sweet cream cheese layer, rich chocolate and vanilla pudding, and a whipped topping finish.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 12 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 333 calories.
What oven temperature is needed for the crust?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to bake the base.
How long should I bake the pecan base?
The crust should be baked for approximately 15 minutes or until it is lightly golden.
What size baking pan is required?
A greased 9x13 inch baking pan is the recommended size for this dessert.
Can I substitute margarine in the crust?
While the recipe calls for melted margarine, you can typically substitute it with melted butter for a richer flavor.
Do the flour and icing sugar need to be sifted?
Yes, the recipe specifies that both the all-purpose flour and icing sugar should be sifted for the best crust texture.
What kind of nuts are used in the base?
The base uses one cup of chopped pecans to provide a nutty crunch.
Does the crust need to cool before adding layers?
Yes, it is essential to let the baked base cool completely before spreading the cream cheese mixture over it.
What are the ingredients for the cream cheese layer?
The second layer consists of softened Philadelphia cream cheese, granulated sugar, and one cup of Cool Whip.
How should the cream cheese be prepared?
The cream cheese should be softened at room temperature and then beaten with sugar until smooth before folding in the Cool Whip.
What pudding flavors are used in this dessert?
The recipe combines one package of instant chocolate pudding mix and one package of instant vanilla pudding mix.
How much milk is needed for the pudding layers?
You will need 3 cups of cold milk to whisk into the pudding mixes.
Should I use instant or cook-and-serve pudding?
This recipe specifically requires instant pudding mixes to ensure they set properly without cooking.
How long should the pudding sit after mixing?
After whisking the pudding with milk, let it sit for a few minutes to thicken before spreading it over the cream cheese layer.
What is the top layer of the dessert?
The top layer is the remaining portion of the Cool Whip, finished with optional chocolate shavings.
How long does the dessert need to refrigerate?
The dessert should be covered and refrigerated for at least 4 hours, though overnight is recommended for the best results.
Can I make this dessert in advance?
Yes, this is an excellent make-ahead dessert as the flavors meld and the layers set better when chilled overnight.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are approximately 21 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains about 33 grams of carbohydrates.
Is there any protein in this dessert?
Yes, each serving provides approximately 4 grams of protein.
What can I use for garnish?
Chocolate shavings are recommended as a garnish to add an extra touch of decadence.
Is this recipe suitable for holidays?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a great option for Thanksgiving and other festive celebrations.
Can I use a different type of nut?
While pecans are traditional for this type of delight, walnuts would make a suitable substitute if preferred.
Does the recipe use granulated or powdered sugar for the cream cheese?
The cream cheese layer uses 1 cup of granulated sugar, while the crust uses 1/4 cup of icing (powdered) sugar.
How do I ensure the layers look clean?
To get clean layers, ensure each component is spread gently and the dessert is fully chilled before slicing.
Can I use low-fat milk for the pudding?
Yes, you can use low-fat milk, though the pudding may be slightly less creamy than if using whole milk.
Is the Cool Whip used all at once?
No, the Cool Whip is divided: 1 cup is folded into the cream cheese, and the remainder is used for the top layer.
How do I store the leftovers?
Store any leftover dessert in the refrigerator, kept covered, to maintain its texture and freshness.