Amish Dessert

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A rich and creamy Amish dessert featuring chocolate pudding, cream cheese, and whipped topping layered over a buttery nut crust, perfect for family gatherings and special occasions.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups flour
  • 1 stick margarine, softened
  • 1 cup chopped nuts
  • 1 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup Cool Whip
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 packages instant chocolate pudding

Instructions

  1. Cut margarine into flour like pie crust.
  2. Add chopped nuts to the mixture.
  3. Pat the mixture evenly into a 9 x 13-inch pan.
  4. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.
  5. Allow the crust to cool.
  6. Beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and Cool Whip until smooth.
  7. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust.
  8. Mix pudding mix with milk according to package instructions.
  9. Spread the pudding over the cream cheese layer.
  10. Top with Cool Whip and sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. You can substitute chopped walnuts with pecans if preferred. Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing. If you want to lighten the dessert, try using a low-fat Cool Whip. This dessert can also be made with vanilla pudding for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

This Amish Dessert is perfect for gatherings or potlucks, and it pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. Consider serving it alongside Aunt Mimi's Sugar Cookies for a delightful dessert spread. For a festive touch, garnish with chocolate shavings or seasonal berries to elevate the presentation.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dessert is best enjoyed cold, so you don't need to reheat it. If you find it too firm after chilling, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to soften slightly.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Amish Dessert contains roughly 566 calories, with 7g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is a good source of iron (18% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (14% of the Daily Value), and protein (13% of the Daily Value).

566 kcal 28% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.6g 13% DV
Total Fat 28.9g 37% DV
Carbs 71.5g 26% DV
Fiber 0.7g 2% DV
Sugar 40.5g 81% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 352mg 15% DV
Potassium 218.4mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 20.6mg 7% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 127.7mcg 14% DV
Vitamin C 5.2mg 6% DV
Vitamin D 0.7mcg 4% DV
Calcium 168.7mg 13% DV
Iron 3.3mg 18% DV
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, this dessert can be made a day in advance. Just be sure to cover it well and refrigerate. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.

Is it possible to use different flavors of pudding?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses chocolate pudding, you can experiment with flavors like vanilla or butterscotch for a unique twist. Just follow the same instructions for mixing and layering.

Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients, including the pudding mix and Cool Whip, are certified gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the recipe.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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