Next Best Thing To A Prize Winning Animal!
A rich, layered dessert featuring a crispy crust, creamy cheese filling, chocolate and vanilla pudding layers, topped with Cool Whip and nuts—sure to delight any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend flour, melted butter, and half of the crushed pecans.
- Pat the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
- Allow the crust to cool completely.
- Blend half of the Cool Whip with cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Spread the cheese mixture over the cooled crust.
- Mix vanilla and chocolate pudding with milk according to package instructions.
- Spread the pudding mixtures over the cheese layer.
- Spread the remaining Cool Whip on top.
- Sprinkle remaining pecans and grated Hershey bar over the Cool Whip.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nuttier flavor, consider using chopped walnuts instead of pecans. Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easier blending. If you prefer a lighter texture, you can substitute half of the Cool Whip with Greek yogurt. This recipe can also be made gluten-free by using almond flour as a substitute for regular flour. For a rich variation, try adding a layer of crushed chocolate cookies in the crust.
Serving Suggestions
This dessert is best served cold, making it perfect for summer gatherings. Consider pairing it with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added flavor. It also pairs beautifully with a slice of Chocolate Fudge Sheet Cake for an indulgent treat. For a complete meal, serve alongside a light salad or a fruit platter to balance the sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the texture, avoid freezing, as the cream cheese and Cool Whip layers may separate upon thawing. If you need to serve it later, simply keep it chilled and serve cold for the best experience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Next Best Thing To A Prize Winning Animal! contains roughly 342 calories, with 4g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is a good source of iron (13% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value).
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
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
To make this dessert healthier, you can use low-fat cream cheese and sugar substitutes. Additionally, you can reduce the amount of Cool Whip used or replace it with a homemade whipped cream made from low-fat heavy cream for a lighter option.
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).