Carolyn Hawkins' Chocolate Delight
A rich, creamy chocolate dessert with a crunchy pecan crust, layered with vanilla and chocolate pudding, topped with whipped cream—perfect for gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix melted butter, self-rising flour, and broken pecans together.
- Pat the mixture into the bottom of a pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
- Let the crust cool before spreading.
- Mix cream cheese, 1 cup Cool Whip, and powdered sugar together until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture on top of the cooled crust.
- Combine vanilla pudding, chocolate pudding, and milk until thickened.
- Spread the pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer.
- Top with the remaining Cool Whip.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter and adding a pinch of salt to the cream cheese mixture. You can substitute the Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste. If you don't have self-rising flour, you can make your own by mixing all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt. This chocolate delight is also delicious with a sprinkle of chopped chocolate on top.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chocolate Delight chilled for the best texture and taste. It pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added creaminess. For a unique twist, consider serving alongside Butter Cookies(From The Files Of Ola Dortch Williams) for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dessert is best served chilled, so there's no need to reheat it. If desired, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to soften slightly, which enhances the flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Carolyn Hawkins' Chocolate Delight contains roughly 887 calories, with 11g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (23% of the Daily Value) and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use different types of nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for pecans, you can easily substitute them with walnuts or almonds, depending on your preference. Just be sure to chop them into smaller pieces for an even distribution throughout the crust.
Is there a way to make this dessert gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this Chocolate Delight gluten-free by using a gluten-free self-rising flour blend. Additionally, ensure that the pudding mixes and Cool Whip are also gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the dessert?
If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the cream cheese mixture. Alternatively, you could use a sugar substitute in the pudding mix to control the sweetness without sacrificing flavor.
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).