Chocolate Delight Recipe – Four Layer No-Bake Dessert

Chocolate Delight is the ultimate crowd-pleasing dessert that combines the best elements of cheesecake and pudding pie into one spectacular treat. This beloved four-layer dessert features a crunchy pecan crust topped with sweetened cream cheese, rich chocolate pudding, and fluffy whipped cream. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and special occasions, this no-bake wonder can be assembled in under 20 minutes and appeals to both kids and adults alike.

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What Makes Chocolate Delight Special

This dessert occupies that perfect sweet spot between cheesecake and pudding pie, taking the best qualities of each to create something truly extraordinary. The contrast of textures from the crunchy pecan shortbread crust through the layered pudding dessert makes every bite interesting. At the same time, the combination of flavors creates a harmonious dessert experience that satisfies every craving.

Why This Recipe Works

The success of this dessert lies in the careful balance of textures and the proper setting of each layer. The pre-baked pecan crust provides essential structural support, while the reduced milk in the pudding layer creates the perfect consistency that won’t make the other layers soggy. Each component complements the others without overwhelming the overall experience.t a large gathering because it appeals to both kids and adults making it ideal for picnics and potlucks. 

Chocolate Delight Ingredients

For the Pecan Crust:

• All-purpose flour – Provides structure and helps bind the crust ingredients together
• Chopped pecans – Creates the signature nutty flavor and crunchy texture that defines this dessert
• Unsalted butter – Adds richness and helps bind the crust while creating a golden-brown color during baking

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

• Cream cheese – Forms the tangy, rich second layer that balances the sweet elements
• Powdered sugar – Sweetens the cream cheese while maintaining a smooth texture
• Whipped topping – Lightens the cream cheese mixture and adds airiness

For the Chocolate Pudding Layer:

• Whole milk – Creates the base for the pudding while providing creaminess
• Instant chocolate pudding mix – Delivers rich chocolate flavor and proper setting consistency

For the Final Layer:

• Additional whipped topping – Creates the light, fluffy finish that crowns the dessert
• Optional chopped pecans – Adds visual appeal and extra crunch for garnish

How to Make Chocolate Delight

Here are the simple recipe steps and photos for making this four layer dessert:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
2. Place the pecans in a plastic bag using a rolling pin to crush them. You don’t want the pieces to be any finer than rough sand. 
3. Mix the crushed pecans, flour, and melted butter in a bowl until it resembles wet sand, and press the mixture into the bottom of the baking dish. Do not bring the crust up the sides of the baking dish. 
4. Bake the crust in the oven until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the crust cool.

5. Place the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and half of the Cool Whip into a bowl.
6. Use an electric hand or stand mixer to beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and half of the whipped topping. 
7. Use an offset spatula to evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled pecan crust.

8. Empty the chocolate instant pudding mix packets into a separate bowl and pour in the milk. Stir to combine.
9. Beat the pudding mixture with a mixer for three minutes until it is thick and shiny. Since the recipe calls for less milk than the directions on the box, the pudding will be a little thicker than usual. Set aside
10. Spread the chocolate pudding layer on top of the cream cheese mixture. Try to keep both of the layers separate. 
11. Cover the top of the baking dish with plastic wrap and put it in the fridge for about an hour until the pudding layer sets. Also, pressing the plastic wrap on the pudding will prevent a skin from forming on top.

12. Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and add a layer of whipped topping on top.  
13. Sprinkle some chopped pecans on top (optional).
14. You can serve the Chocolate Delight immediately or cover with plastic wrap and put it back in the fridge for later.

15. Slice the dessert into squares.
16. Serve and enjoy!

Recipe Variations 

Nut allergies are more prevalent these days, so consider making the crust with graham crackers or Oreo cookies to guarantee everyone can enjoy it. 

• For a Chocolate Delight with graham cracker crust, mix together a cup and a half of crushed graham crackers, five tablespoons of melted butter, and a quarter cup of white sugar. 
• For a Chocolate Delight with Oreo cookie crust, mix together a cup and a half of crushed Oreo cookies and four tablespoons of melted butter. 

How To Serve Chocolate Delight 

This recipe tastes the best when you make it the day before and serve it straight from the fridge; the colder, the better.

What Goes Well With Four-Layer Dessert

Try garnishing chocolate chips or chocolate shavings on the top. Crushed praline pecans add extra sweetness and crunch to the dessert.

Storage & Serving Instructions

• Serving Temperature: Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor contrast between layers
• Optimal Serving: Best when made the day before and served directly from the refrigerator for maximum flavor development and proper texture
• Storage Method: Keep covered with plastic wrap in the original baking dish in the refrigerator
• Shelf Life: Maintains quality for 4-5 days refrigerated, though the whipped cream topping may develop a slight crust over time

Favorite Chocolate Desserts

• Black Bottom Pie
• Chocolate Bundt Cake
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
• Chocolate Pudding Pie
• German Chocolate Pie
• Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie

Creamy Dessert Recipes

• Banana Cream Pie
• Banana Split Cake
• Coconut Custard Pie
• Kool-Aid Pie
• Lemon Cream Cheese Pie
• Lemon Lush
• Tapioca Pudding

Check out more of my easy dessert recipes and the best Christmas and Thanksgiving recipes here on CopyKat!

Thanks to Catherine for this one!