Ingredients:

  • 1 cup All-purpose flour
  • 1 cup Pecans, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons Granulated sugar
  • 8 ounces Cream cheese, full fat, softened
  • 1 cup Confectioners’ sugar (sifted)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract (for cream cheese layer)
  • 8 ounces Whipped topping, thawed (or fresh whipped heavy cream)
  • Two 3.9 oz boxes Instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 3 cups Cold milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 1/2 cups Heavy whipping cream (for topping)
  • 3 tablespoons Confectioners’ sugar (for topping)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla extract (for topping)
  • 1/4 cup Chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease the 9x13 inch baking dish. Combine the flour, chopped pecans, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of sugar in a medium bowl until coarse crumbs form.
  2. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Cool completely on a wire rack (about 30 minutes). The crust must be cold before layering.
  3. Beat the softened cream cheese, 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract together until light and fluffy. Gently fold the 8 oz of whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula. Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust. Chill the dessert base for 30–45 minutes.
  4. Whisk the two boxes of instant chocolate pudding mix with the 3 cups of very cold milk vigorously for 2–3 minutes until the mixture begins to thicken. Let the pudding stand for 5 minutes to fully set.
  5. Spread the thickened pudding layer carefully and evenly over the chilled cream cheese layer. Chill the entire dessert again for at least 2 hours (or preferably 4 hours) until the pudding is fully firm.
  6. Whip the heavy cream, 3 tablespoons of confectioners’ sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a chilled bowl until stiff peaks form. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the set pudding layer. Garnish immediately with chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips and chill until ready to serve.