What Is It?
A rich, layered dessert featuring a crunchy nut crust, creamy cheese filling, and chocolate pudding topping, perfect for parties and family gatherings with a sweet, nutty flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend flour, margarine, and chopped nuts together; press into an ungreased 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
- Allow the crust to cool completely.
- In a bowl, blend cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Fold in Cool Whip into the cream cheese mixture.
- Spread the cream cheese and Cool Whip mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
- Prepare the chocolate pudding according to the package instructions using milk.
- Spread the cooled pudding over the cream cheese layer.
- Top with the remaining Cool Whip and sprinkle with nuts or coconut if desired.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful crust, consider adding a pinch of salt or a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the flour mixture. If you don't have Cool Whip, you can substitute with whipped cream or a similar non-dairy topping. Ensure the crust is completely cool before adding the layers to prevent melting. This dessert pairs beautifully with Thelma'S Sweet Potato Pie for a delightful finish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled for a refreshing dessert, and consider garnishing with additional chopped nuts or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra flair. This dessert is perfect for potlucks and pairs well with a Hot Vanilla Mocha for a comforting touch. For a more festive presentation, add seasonal fruits like strawberries or raspberries on top.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the individual layers separately before assembling, which can extend storage up to a month. Allow to thaw in the refrigerator before serving for the best texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of What Is It? contains roughly 384 calories, with 6g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is a good source of protein (11% of the Daily Value) and iron (10% 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
How can I make this dessert gluten-free?
To make this dessert gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Most blends work well for this type of crust, but make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for best results.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dessert can be made a day in advance. Just be sure to cover it well in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. The flavors meld beautifully after sitting for a while, making it a great make-ahead 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).