Chocolate Pecan Delight
You can never have too many potluck dessert dishes in your recipe collection, and today we have a real fan favorite! A layered dish of a crunchy pecan crust, rich and creamy chocolate pudding, and light and fluffy cool whip topping, this Chocolate Pecan Delight is sure to please anyone with a sweet tooth. It’s one of those convenient dishes that can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until ready to serve, saving you the hassle of making a dessert the day of a big event!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chocolate Pecan Delight is not just easy to make but also incredibly delicious. The combination of sweet, nutty flavors with a creamy pudding layer makes it a standout dessert. Plus, it’s perfect for making ahead, so you can focus on other preparations on the day of your event.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 cup flour
- ½ cup butter, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 8oz cream cheese (1 package), room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup cool whip, thawed
- 3.9 oz box instant chocolate pudding mix
- 3.4 oz box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups milk
- 3 tablespoons pecans, chopped
- 2 cups cool whip, thawed
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine the flour, butter, brown sugar, and 1 cup finely chopped pecans and work the mixture into a crumble using your hands. Press the mixture into the bottom of the 9×13 and bake for 15 minutes.
- In a large bowl, whisk together both pudding mixes and milk until smooth. Add in the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 cup cool whip and whisk until fully combined.
- Pour pudding mixture over the cooled crust and top with 2 cups of cool whip. Sprinkle with the remaining pecan pieces.
- Serve chilled and refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container.
Tips for Success
Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing. Chop the pecans finely to ensure a consistent crust, and allow the crust to cool completely before adding the pudding layer to prevent it from melting.
Additional Tips or Variations
Consider adding a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips on top for extra chocolatey goodness, or experiment with different pudding flavors to personalize this dessert.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
This recipe offers a delightful balance of sweetness and creaminess, with a nutty crunch. It’s a treat best enjoyed in moderation due to its rich ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this dessert in advance?
Yes, this dessert can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the fridge until serving.
Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes if you prefer.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Pecan Delight is a must-try for any dessert lover. Its layered textures and flavors make it a hit at any gathering. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out for you by sharing your experience in the comments below!