Chocolate Delight is a layered pudding dessert that looks impressive and tastes amazing, but is so easy to whip up! It’s made with a pecan cookie crust that’s topped with layers of cheesecake filling, pudding, and Cool Whip. This chocolate layered dessert is perfect for all of the chocolate lovers in your life. It’s a fabulous treat to bring to parties and holiday gatherings, and people always ask me for the recipe.

Serving of chocolate delight dessert on a white plate.

This chocolate delight dessert is one of those desserts that once you try, you just can’t stop thinking about until you got another piece! It’s the perfect amount of chocolate, creaminess, and richness to keep you coming back for more.

My mom has been making this chocolate layered dessert, commonly called chocolate delight, chocolate lush or chocolate lasagna, for years. It’s a popular choice for birthdays and other special occasions. A good dessert can take an ordinary gathering and make it something extraordinary. And this chocolate pudding layered cake is that good! This irresistible, yet super easy dessert is a total crowd pleaser that both the adults and kids will enjoy.

Looking for other layered pudding desserts? Try my layered pistachio dessert or Oreo no-bake dessert next!

This is one of my favorite desserts to make for a crowd! I’ve made it multiple times and it’s always a hit!

— Kate

Why you will love this recipe

  • Tastes so creamy, rich and delicious.
  • The texture of the creamy pudding with the cookie crust is to die for!
  • Looks so pretty when sliced with the contrasting layers.
  • Great for feeding a group – makes 12 servings!

Ingredients you’ll need

This chocolate delight recipe has 5 layers – a pecan cookie crust, fluffy cheesecake filling, creamy vanilla and chocolate pudding combo, whipped topping and chocolate shavings. Here’s everything you’ll need to make it:

  • For the cookie crust: The crust is like a pecan shortbread cookie and is made with a mix of all-purpose flour, melted butter and finely chopped pecans.
  • Cheesecake layer: A combination of softened cream cheese, cup confectioners’ sugar and thawed Cool Whip is spread over the crust for that classic sweet and tangy cheesecake flavor.
  • Pudding layer: For the pudding layer, you will need one small 3.4 to 3.9 ounce size of INSTANT chocolate pudding mix and one small 3.4 to 3.9 ounce size of INSTANT vanilla pudding. Combine the two pudding packets with 3 cups milk and whisk the pudding according to package instructions.
  • Topping: Top the pudding layer with the remaining Cool Whip. To finish, you can garnish with chocolate shavings, if you’d like.

Recipe variations and substitutions

This layered pudding dessert can easily be adapted to your taste! Here are some ideas for making it your own:

  • Change the crust: The pecan shortbread crust isn’t very sweet, so it’s a great pairing with the sweet, creamy cake layers. However, a graham cracker crust would be really delicious in this recipe. For a graham cracker crust that fits a 9×13-inch pan, combine 2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter. Press into the bottom of a 9x13x2-inch pan. Bake for 10 minutes at 350ºF. Cool before proceeding with the recipe.
  • Pudding flavors: I love the combination of vanilla and chocolate pudding, but you can really use any pudding flavor you like. Have fun and experiment with different flavors, from Oreo or banana pudding to butterscotch pudding or even lemon pudding!
  • For garnish: Instead of (or in addition to) the chocolate shavings topping, feel free to sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts over the top for a nutty crunch. Another option is to omit the chocolate shavings and use mini chocolate chips or Oreo cookie crumbs instead. You could even add a topping of fresh berries!

How to make this recipe

The flavors and textures in this dessert are just amazing! You’ve got the crunchy pecan cookie crust, fluffy cheesecake and creamy pudding – this is a treat you’ll want to make again and again! All of the steps for making this chocolate delight recipe are really simple, just be sure and allow plenty of chill time. Here is the simple process:

Cookie crust pressed into a white baking dish.

Step 1: Make the pecan cookie crust. It’s a combination of flour, melted butter and chopped pecans, which gets pressed into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish or pan. You will then bake the crust at 325°F for 25 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely before moving on to the next step.

Cream cheese spread over crust in a white casserole dish.

Step 2: For the cheesecake layer over crust, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar and 1 cup thawed Cool Whip in a large mixing bowl. This is easiest to mix with an electric mixer. Spread over cooled crust. Chill each layer for about 20 minutes in the freezer before adding the next to give everything a chance to firm up.

Spreading chocolate pudding over cream cheese mixture.

Step 3: For the pudding and third layer, mix together both pudding mixes and milk in a large bowl. Mix according to package directions, but use the amounts called for in this recipe (use only 3 cups of milk, total). Spread over cream cheese layer. You can chill for another 20 minutes in the freezer to make spreading the Cool Whip easier.

Spreading Cool Whip over chocolate pudding layer.

Step 4: Top with remaining whipped topping and sprinkle with grated chocolate, if desired. Let the dessert chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Thawing Cool Whip

Be sure to place the Cool Whip in the refrigerator to thaw completely before mixing, this usually takes about 3.5 – 4 hours. Or leave it out at room temperature for about an hour.

Helpful tips

Here are some helpful tips for making your chocolate delight absolutely perfect every time!

  • Pudding layers: Some layered chocolate pudding desserts use only chocolate pudding for this layer, but I really love the results of combining the chocolate and vanilla pudding. It gives you that lovely chocolate flavor without being overly rich.
  • Freeze to slice: Pop your chocolate delight in the freezer for about 30 minutes before you plan to slice it. This will help firm up the layers even more and keep them intact as you cut into the dessert.
  • Adding the topping: You can simply spread on the Cool Whip topping or you can pipe it onto the top with a large open star tip for a fancier look. For the chocolate shavings, I used a grater to shred a bit of a chocolate bar. It’s an optional step, but makes this dessert look so pretty. Plus, there’s no such thing as too much chocolate!
  • Clean slices: Wipe your knife with a paper towel between each cut. This will prevent the layers from running together as you slice. If you’re looking for picture perfect slices, you can run an offset spatula around the cut sides of each slice to even out the layers.
Chocolate delight garnished with chocolate shavings.

Frequently asked questions

What can I use instead of Cool Whip?

If you’re not a Cool Whip fan, you can substitute an equal amount of whipped cream for the whipped topping in this recipe. The whipped cream that you find in a can is not a good choice for this recipe as it will melt all over the top of the dessert. Whip heavy cream into stiff peaks and sweeten with sugar. Here is a great recipe for homemade whipped cream.

How to make chocolate shavings?

To make the chocolate shavings, use a cheese grater to shred a bit of a chocolate bar. You can also use a knife as seen in this “How to Create Chocolate Shavings” video tutorial.

Can you freeze chocolate delight?

I do not recommend freezing this chocolate pudding dessert because once thawed the taste and texture won’t be as good.

Storage recommendations

Chocolate delight is the perfect dessert to make in advance because it needs time to chill. It’s even better the next day! My family requests this dessert often for birthdays and holiday gatherings!

  • In the refrigerator: This dessert needs to be covered with plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to about 4 days. It is best served chilled, so keep it in the fridge until you are ready to serve it. 
  • Make in advance: Make the crust up to 1 day in advance. Store at room temperature until the cream cheese layer is added.
Chocolate delight layered dessert on a white plate with a fork.

You will not be disappointed by this chocolate delight dessert – it serves a crowd, which makes it perfect for the holidays or any gathering. I also love that it can be made days ahead of time, so on the day of your party all you need to do is slice, serve and enjoy!

If you try this recipe, let me know! Leave a comment and if your family loves it as much as mine does, be sure to give it a five star ⭐️ rating! Also, tag @kimscravings on Instagram with a picture of your creation. Be sure to subscribe to our mailing list to receive more healthy delicious recipes straight to your inbox.

Chocolate Delight

Chocolate Delight is a layered pudding dessert that looks impressive and tastes amazing, but is so easy to whip up! It's made with a pecan cookie crust that's topped with layers of cheesecake filling, pudding, and Cool Whip. This chocolate layered dessert is perfect for all of the chocolate lovers in your life!
Author: Kim

Ingredients

For the crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1 cup pecans, finely chopped

For the first layer:

  • 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, room temperature for easier mixing
  • 1 cup confectioners' powdered sugar
  • 1 cup thawed Cool Whip

For the second layer:

  • 1 (3.4 oz or 3.9 oz) package vanilla instant pudding
  • 1 (3.4 oz or 3.9 oz) package chocolate instant pudding
  • 3 cups whole milk

For the top:

  • remainder of thawed Cool Whip
  • Optional: grated chocolate sprinkled over the top

Instructions 

  • Crust layer: Mix flour, butter and pecans and press into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish or pan. Bake at 325°F for 25 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely.
  • For the bottom layer over crust, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar and 1 cup Cool Whip. This is easiest to mix with an electric mixer. Spread over crust. Chill each layer for about 20 minutes in the freezer before adding the next to give everything a chance to firm up.
  • For the second layer, mix together puddings and milk. Mix according to package directions, but use the amounts called for in this recipe. Spread over cream cheese layer. You can chill for another 20 minutes in the freezer to make spreading the Cool Whip easier.
  • Top with remaining Cool Whip and sprinkle with grated chocolate, if desired. Let the dessert chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Notes

*Cool Whip comes in 8 or 12 ounce tubs. Get the 12 ounce tub if you can find it, if not the 8 ounce tub will work.
**I like to chill each layer before I add the next to give everything a chance to firm up. A quick trip into the freezer for 20 minutes is enough time to help everything set.
***Chocolate Delight can be made up to 3 days in advance. 
 
Serving: 1serving, Calories: 335kcal, Carbohydrates: 33g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 21g, Saturated Fat: 10g, Cholesterol: 41mg, Sodium: 150mg, Potassium: 165mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 18g, Vitamin A: 508IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 111mg, Iron: 1mg

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