Four Layer Delight
Creamy, nutty, and irresistibly layered — Four Layer Delight is the kind of dessert that makes everyone ask for seconds. With a buttery pecan crust, a tangy-sweet cream cheese layer, rich chocolate pudding, and a cloud of whipped topping, it’s a party on a plate that’s easy to assemble and even easier to love.
Servings: 12 servings
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish
- Whisk
Ingredients
Crust Ingredients
- 1 cup Flour, all-purpose Measured and leveled
- 1/2 cup Butter, softened Room temperature
- 1/4 cup Sugar, granulated
- 1 cup Pecans, finely chopped Toast lightly for extra flavor, optional
Cream Cheese Layer Ingredients
- 1 cup Powdered sugar Confectioners’ sugar
- 8 ounces Cream cheese, softened Room temperature
Pudding Ingredients
- 1 box Jell-O chocolate pudding and pie filling 6-ounce box
- 3 cups Milk, cold For pudding as directed on box
Topping Ingredients
- 7 ounces Cool Whip, thawed For topping
Instructions
- Make the Crust: In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and softened butter until well combined. Add finely chopped pecans and stir until crumbly. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture holds together when pressed.
- Bake: Press the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish in an even layer. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Let cool completely on a wire rack so the cream cheese layer won’t melt.
- Cream Cheese Layer: In a medium bowl, soften cream cheese. Blend in powdered sugar and 5 ounces of Cool Whip until smooth. Use a spatula to spread this layer evenly over the cooled crust, smoothing the top for a neat layer.
- Prepare Pudding: Make the chocolate pudding as directed on the box using 3 cups milk. Whisk until thickened. Let it cool slightly if using the cooked version, then spread over the cream cheese layer with a gentle hand to avoid mixing layers.
- Top It Off: Spread 7 ounces of Cool Whip evenly over the pudding layer. Smooth the surface and sprinkle extra chopped pecans on top if desired for crunch and presentation.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours before serving to allow the layers to set. For best slicing, chill overnight.
Notes
For best flavor and firm set, make it the day before. Allow the crust to cool completely and let the pudding cool slightly before layering.