Name: One of the Best Desserts Ever
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup Margarine, melted; 1 cup Chopped pecans; 1 1/2 cups Graham cracker crumbs; 1 package (8 ounces) Cream cheese; 1 cup Confectioners' sugar; 4 cups Frozen whipped topping, thawed; 1 package (3.9 ounces) Instant chocolate pudding mix; 1 package (3.4 ounces) Instant vanilla pudding mix; 3 cups Milk; 1 ounce Unsweetened chocolate, melted

Jump to Recipe

If you’re in search of the ultimate crowd-pleaser that’s creamy, dreamy, and oh-so-decadent, look no further than One of the Best Desserts Ever. Imagine a luscious blend of silky cream cheese, rich pudding, and a nutty crunch that melts in your mouth with every bite. Growing up, this was the star of every holiday table in our house, often disappearing before dinner was even served! What makes this dessert so special? Its simplicity—no fancy skills needed—and it comes together faster than most pies and cakes. If you loved my No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake, you’re bound to fall head over heels for this easy, irresistible treat. So grab your ingredients and let’s whip up something unforgettable—you might just find a new family favorite!

What is One of the Best Desserts Ever ?

Let’s address the elephant in the room—why is it called “One of the Best Desserts Ever”? Is it a bold claim? Absolutely! But once you take a bite, you’ll see it lives up to its name. With smooth layers, a crunchy pecan crust, and a chocolatey finish, it’s no wonder everyone asks for seconds (and thirds). Don’t you love when a dessert is so good, people skip straight to it? As the old saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”—and this one will win over every heart at your table. Go ahead, give it a try and let your taste buds be the judge!

Why You’ll Love This

The main highlight of this dessert is the irresistible combination of creamy and crunchy textures—delicate whipped topping, silky pudding, and a buttery, nut-filled graham cracker crust. Making it at home saves you money (and a trip to the bakery) without sacrificing quality. Plus, you have full control over the fresh ingredients and toppings, from swirls of chocolate to extra sprinkles of chopped pecans. It’s simple to assemble, requires no culinary degree, and is easy enough for the kids to help. If you’re a fan of my Layered Lemon Delight, you owe it to yourself to try this chocolate-meets-vanilla classic. Don’t just dream about dessert—make it tonight and watch everyone light up with joy!

How to Make

Quick Overview

This dessert is the definition of easy and delicious. With just a few staple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll prepare a treat that boasts rich creaminess, nutty crunch, and the perfect blend of chocolate and vanilla flavors. You get a satisfying, multi-layered result—ready in under 1 hour, plus a little chill time. There’s no complicated baking or decorating required, so even beginners won’t be intimidated by this showstopper!

Ingredients

1/2 cup margarine, melted
1 cup chopped pecans
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
4 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 (3.9 ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
3 cups milk
1 (1 ounce) square unsweetened chocolate, melted

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
For the crust: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the melted margarine, chopped pecans, and graham cracker crumbs. Stir until fully blended.
Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking pan to form a firm crust.
Bake the crust for 20 minutes, or until it’s lightly browned. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar together until the mixture is totally smooth and creamy.
Gently fold in 1 cup of the thawed whipped topping until fully incorporated.
Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust in an even layer.
Prepare both the chocolate and vanilla pudding mixes together, using the 3 cups of milk, according to the package directions. Allow the pudding to set.
Pour and spread the pudding over the cream cheese layer.
Next, spread the remaining 3 cups of whipped topping over the pudding layer for a fluffy finish.
Drizzle or swirl the melted unsweetened chocolate across the top, using a butter knife or a skewer to create a decorative pattern.
Cover the dessert and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour to set.
When you’re ready to serve, slice into generous squares. Store any leftovers tightly covered in the freezer. To serve frozen leftovers, let the piece thaw for a few minutes while keeping the rest frozen.

What to Serve With

On its own, One of the Best Desserts Ever is truly delightful, but you can take it to the next level by serving it with a hot cup of coffee, fragrant herbal tea, or a refreshing iced latte. For special occasions, pair it with fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or a dollop of caramel sauce. If serving for a crowd, lay out a dessert sampler with similar favorites like cheesecake bars or lemon squares for extra variety and flavor contrast.

Top Tips for Perfecting

For the best texture, make sure the crust cools completely before adding the cream cheese layer—this keeps the layers distinct and beautiful. No margarine on hand? Substitute with real butter for a richer flavor. If you want a gluten-free option, use gluten-free graham crackers. Chilling is key: allow enough time in the fridge so the layers set up perfectly. Want a little extra sparkle? Add a handful of mini chocolate chips or toffee bits on top. Finally, if you’re new to swirling melted chocolate, don’t stress—there’s no such thing as too much or too little, it all tastes delicious in the end.

Storing and Reheating Tips

This dessert is as practical as it is tasty. After assembling, cover tightly with plastic wrap or a fitted lid and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer-term storage, freeze in individual portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge or let sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as it can cause the layers to break down and lose their dreamy texture.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dessert is ideal for making a day in advance. It actually tastes even better chilled overnight.

Can I use real butter instead of margarine?

Yes, real butter works perfectly and adds a rich, decadent flavor to the crust.

What if I don’t have pecans?

Feel free to swap in walnuts, almonds, or even omit the nuts if you prefer a nut-free version—just add a bit more graham cracker crumbs for texture.

Can I use homemade whipped cream?

Yes! If you prefer not to use frozen whipped topping, homemade whipped cream can be substituted; just whip about 4 cups to stiff peaks.

Is it necessary to freeze leftovers?

For longer freshness, freezing is recommended, though you can keep it refrigerated for up to 4 days. Thaw individually as needed—no need to defrost the whole pan.

Conclusion

If you’re searching for a show-stopping, ultra-satisfying dessert that’s easy to put together and sure to win hearts, One of the Best Desserts Ever should be next on your list. Its layers of crunchy pecan-graham crust, creamy cheesecake, smooth pudding, and chocolate swirl guarantee rave reviews every time. Not only does it save money compared to store-bought treats, but it’s also endlessly customizable and incredibly fun to make. Don’t forget to check out my other popular dessert recipes while you’re here—your sweet tooth will thank you. Ready to impress your friends and family? Head to the kitchen and create a masterpiece they’ll never forget!