This dessert has been a family favorite of my Hubbies for years! When I joined the family, it INSTANTLY became one of my absolute faves as well. The thing I love most is that it has a basic recipe, but then you can add whatever type of pudding you desire or crave! The chocolate is by far my favorite but using pistachio instant pudding & topping it with pistachio pieces as well as using butterscotch instant pudding and topping with toasted coconut has been some others that the family has enjoyed! If it were up to my Hubby he would have me make a chocolate & a pistachio! Hehehe :)
Chocolate Pudding Dessert
Crust:
1 1/3 c. flour
3/4 c. chopped walnuts
3/4 c. butter/margarine, cubed
Cream cheese layer:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 c. powdered sugar
2(9oz)containers of Cool whip, (reserve 2ND container of cool whip for the very top!)
Pudding layer:
2 pkg. instant chocolate pudding
3 cups milk
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl blend the crust ingredients with a pastry blender or fork until crumbly. Press into the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish; bake for 15 minutes and let cool on counter, then cool VERY well in fridge!
Blend the softened cream cheese and powder sugar in a bowl until completely mixed. Fold in one 9 oz container of Cool whip until blended and then spread the cream cheese mixture on top of the cold crust; put back into fridge to set up.
Then, in a new bowl put the 3c. milk into the bowl and then add the 2 pkg of instant chocolate pudding in gradually as you whisk together until well blended. (A few small lumps are fine) Pour the instant Pudding over the cream cheese layer and then top with the second container of cool whip! I added shaved semi-sweet chocolate & chopped walnuts to the top! Be sure to put back into fridge and let set for about an hour or more! This dessert is SUPER YUMMY!!!
*You can also follow this same recipe and add Butterscotch pudding in place of the chocolate and top with toasted coconut. OR use pistachio pudding and top with chopped pistachios! The possibilities are endless! :)