Chocolate Crunch
A rich, crunchy dessert featuring chocolate pudding, pecans, and a creamy layer, perfect for satisfying sweet tooths and ideal for gatherings or family treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Work with your hands to combine the self-rising flour, butter, and pecans until well mixed.
- Press the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch pan to form the crust.
- Bake the crust at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or until golden, then let it cool.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and confectioners sugar until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
- Prepare the instant chocolate pudding mix according to package instructions.
- Spread the prepared pudding over the cream cheese layer.
- Chill the dessert in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nuttier flavor, consider toasting the pecans before adding them to the crust. If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can substitute with all-purpose flour and add 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder. For a lighter texture, whip the cream cheese mixture until fluffy before spreading it on the crust. This dessert pairs wonderfully with a drizzle of Mrs. King'S Icing for added sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled, garnished with chocolate shavings or crushed pecans for added texture. This dessert pairs beautifully with a glass of Pink Fizz, adding a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate and cream cheese layers. For an extra touch, you can serve it alongside fresh berries or whipped cream for a delightful balance.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the texture, avoid freezing the dessert as the pudding layer may not hold up well. If you need to re-chill, simply place the dessert back in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate Crunch contains roughly 1575 calories, with 15g protein, 132g carbohydrates, and 114g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (30% of the Daily Value), iron (30% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 8g 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 regular flour instead of self-rising flour?
Yes, you can use regular all-purpose flour by adding 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder to ensure the crust rises properly. This will give you a similar texture as self-rising flour and maintain the integrity of the dessert.
How long should I chill the dessert before serving?
Chill the dessert for at least 2 hours to allow the layers to set properly. If you have more time, chilling it overnight can enhance the flavors and improve the texture, making it even more enjoyable.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you're looking for a substitute for cream cheese, try using mascarpone cheese for a richer flavor or Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Both will work well with the other ingredients and maintain a creamy consistency.
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).