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Plate-Licking 4-Layer Chocolate Dessert Recipe

Plate-Licking 4-Layer Chocolate Dessert

A classic no-bake pudding dessert with a baked pecan shortbread crust, cream cheese filling, chocolate pudding, and whipped topping. Chill it well for beautifully defined layers and easy slicing.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 4 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Layer 1 — Crust
  • 1 cup All-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 to 1 cup Finely chopped pecans
Layer 2 — Cream Cheese Filling
  • 8 ounces Cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup Powdered sugar
  • 1 cup Frozen whipped topping, thawed
Layer 3 — Chocolate Pudding
  • 2 packages, 3.9 ounces each Instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 3 cups Cold milk
Layer 4 — Topping
  • 8 ounces Frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup Chopped pecans, optional
  • As needed Chocolate curls or grated chocolate, optional

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
  2. Combine the flour, softened butter, and 1/2 to 1 cup finely chopped pecans until a crumbly dough forms. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  3. Bake the crust for 15–20 minutes, until lightly golden around the edges. Cool it completely before adding the cream cheese layer.
  4. Beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in 1 cup thawed whipped topping, then spread the mixture over the cooled crust.
  5. Whisk the two instant chocolate pudding mixes with 3 cups cold milk for about 2 minutes, until thickened. Spread the pudding evenly over the cream cheese layer.
  6. Spread the remaining 8 ounces of thawed whipped topping over the pudding. Finish with optional chopped pecans, chocolate curls, or grated chocolate.
  7. Refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours, preferably overnight, before slicing and serving.

Notes

Cool the crust completely before layering. Use cold milk with the instant pudding mix, and wipe a sharp knife clean between cuts for neat slices. Keep the dessert refrigerated.