Robert Redford
A rich, creamy layered dessert with a pecan crust, vanilla and chocolate pudding layers, topped with Cool Whip. Ideal for gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix flour, butter, and chopped pecans.
- Press mixture evenly into a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- Bake for 15 minutes at 350°F.
- Allow the crust to cool completely.
- Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and Cool Whip until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
- In a separate bowl, whisk milk with vanilla and chocolate pudding until thickened.
- Spread the pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer.
- Spread the remaining Cool Whip on top of the pudding layer.
- Refrigerate the dessert overnight before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nuttier flavor, consider toasting the chopped pecans lightly before mixing them into the crust. If you want to substitute, almond flour can be used in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option. Additionally, you could use whipped coconut cream instead of Cool Whip for a dairy-free version. This dessert is a perfect match for American recipes during gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
This dessert is best served chilled and can be garnished with additional chopped pecans or chocolate shavings for an elegant touch. It pairs beautifully with Holiday Cranberry Delight for a festive meal. Consider serving it alongside a hot beverage like coffee or tea to balance the rich flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will keep well for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing the dessert, as the texture of the whipped layers may change. Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Robert Redford contains roughly 854 calories, with 12g protein, 103g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (44% of the Daily Value), calcium (32% of the Daily Value), and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. 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 flavors of pudding?
Yes, you can experiment with different pudding flavors, such as butterscotch or banana, to create a unique twist on the classic Robert Redford dessert. Just ensure that the pudding mix is of a similar consistency to maintain the texture of the layers.
How can I make this dessert ahead of time?
You can prepare this dessert one day in advance. Just follow the recipe and refrigerate it overnight, allowing the layers to set properly. This helps enhance the flavors and makes it a convenient option for entertaining.
Is there a way to make this dessert healthier?
To make a lighter version, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese and Cool Whip. You can also substitute the butter with applesauce or a plant-based alternative. Additionally, reducing the amount of sugar can help make this dessert a bit healthier without sacrificing too much 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).