Lucky If There'S A Bite Left

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A rich, creamy layered dessert with a buttery pecan crust and a luscious chocolate pudding topping, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings at gatherings or family dinners.

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Ingredients

  • 2 sticks margarine
  • 2 cups self-rising flour
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 2 (9 oz.) cartons Cool Whip
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 (8 oz.) cream cheese
  • 3 small boxes chocolate instant pudding
  • 4.5 cups milk
  • 0.5 cups nuts

Instructions

  1. Mix together margarine, self-rising flour, and chopped pecans; press into a 9 x 13-inch pan.
  2. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor of your crust, consider substituting half of the margarine with unsalted butter. You can also use walnuts instead of pecans for a different nutty profile. For a chocolatey twist, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the pudding mixture. If you're short on time, pre-made crusts can also work in a pinch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture. This dessert pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Consider adding seasonal fruits on the side, like fresh berries or banana slices. It also goes well alongside a light salad, such as Mandarin Orange And Pineapple Salad.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until warmed through. Avoid reheating the entire dish at once, as it may affect the texture of the crust.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Lucky If There'S A Bite Left contains roughly 900 calories, with 12g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (23% of the Daily Value) and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

900 kcal 45% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11.7g 23% DV
Total Fat 54.3g 70% DV
Carbs 96g 35% DV
Fiber 3.1g 11% DV
Sugar 46.1g 92% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 435.9mg 19% DV
Potassium 369.3mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 40mg 13% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 157.1mcg 17% DV
Vitamin C 1.9mg 2% DV
Vitamin D 0.5mcg 3% DV
Calcium 120.1mg 9% DV
Iron 3.8mg 21% DV
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

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 a different type of pudding?

Yes, you can substitute the chocolate pudding with vanilla or butterscotch for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the overall taste of the dessert will change, but it can still be delicious. Experimenting with flavored pudding can create unique variations that suit your taste preferences.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this dessert gluten-free, simply replace the self-rising flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You may want to add a gluten-free baking powder and a bit of salt to ensure it rises properly. This will allow those with gluten sensitivities to enjoy the dish without compromising on flavor.

Can I make this dessert in advance?

Absolutely! This dessert can be made a day ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, allowing it to chill overnight can enhance the flavors and set the layers nicely. Just be sure to cover it well to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge.

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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