Creamy, dreamy, and irresistibly nostalgic. This Chocolate Delight is a layered dessert made for potlucks, holidays, and sweet cravings. It’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and no one can stop at just one slice.
Updated July 2025 with new tips, FAQs, and updated instructions for clean layers and better chilling. Originally posted February 2014.

Here's what readers have to say about this recipe:
Reader Sabrina, commented: "I've had this recipe so long the ink was fading and needed an exact replaceable recipe and this is it.. thanks ★★★★★"
Another reader Jenn, commented: "I have not made this DELICIOUS dessert in years--so I couldn't find my recipe. The other ones online looked wrong, but I know from your ingredient list this is correct! I'm so excited, thank you for publishing this! ★★★★★"
Jump to:
Growing up in a neighborhood where everyone shared their table, cooking became second nature to me. Church potlucks were a favorite, packed with home-cooked dishes and sweet treats that left a lasting impression. One of those desserts, this Chocolate Delight, has stuck with me ever since. It's easy to make, full of flavor, and reminds me of those Sundays filled with food, family, and community.
It has it all: a buttery pecan crust, layers of sweetened cream cheese, silky chocolate pudding, and a fluffy whipped topping. Whether you're headed to a potluck, Sunday dinner, or just want something sweet in the fridge, this no-bake dessert hits the spot every time.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- No-Bake Layers: Once the crust is baked, the rest is chill and layer. No stovetop or oven required.
- Perfect Make-Ahead Dessert: Gets even better as it rests. Ideal for prepping a day ahead.
- Crowd Favorite: This is always one of the first desserts to disappear at any gathering.
- Classic Comfort: Creamy, crunchy, chocolatey layers that never go out of style.
Before You Make This Chocolate Delight
- Softened Cream Cheese - Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature so it blends smoothly.
- Pudding Mix - Use instant pudding mix, not cook-and-serve. We want it to thicken fast and chill easily.
- Whipped Topping - You can use store-bought or make your own stabilized whipped cream.
- Chill Time - This dessert needs at least 3 hours in the fridge to set properly, overnight is even better.
Ingredients You'll Need

Crust:
- All-Purpose Flour - Plain flour gives structure to the crust and helps it hold together.
- Butter - Use melted butter to bind the crust ingredients. Salted or unsalted butter both work.
- Pecans - Finely chopped pecans add crunch and nutty flavor to the base layer.
- Salt (optional) - A pinch helps balance the sweetness. If using salted butter, you can omit.
Layers:
- Cream Cheese - Use full-fat cream cheese for richness. Let it come to room temperature before mixing.
- Powdered Sugar - Also called confectioners’ sugar, sweetens the cream cheese layer.
- Whipped Topping (Cool Whip) - Adds lightness to both the cream layer and the topping. Thaw before using. Substitute with homemade whipped cream if preferred.
- Instant Chocolate Pudding - Be sure it’s instant, not cook-and-serve. This forms the rich chocolate layer.
- Milk - Cold whole milk helps the pudding set. Don’t substitute with non-dairy or low-fat unless tested.
👉🏾 See the recipe card below for exact quantities and full instructions.
📖 Recipe

Chocolate Delight
Video
Equipment
- 1 hand mixer
Ingredients
- Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups finely chopped pecans, divided
- Pinch of salt (unless you use salted butter, then skip this step)
- Layers:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 16 ounces Whipped Topping (Cool Whip), divided
- 2 3.9 ounce boxes instant chocolate pudding
- 3 cups whole milk
Instructions
- Begin the easy chocolate delight recipe by preheating the oven to 300 degrees F. Grab a 13x9-inch rectangle baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, stir together the 1 cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup softened butter, 1 ½ cups chopped pecans, and a pinch of salt until combined. A food processor can be used instead. The mixture will be clumpy and will loosely stick together.
- Pour into the baking dish and evenly press into the bottom in a single layer. Place into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until light golden brown. Carefully remove the crust from the oven and allow it to cool completely before continuing.
- Using a hand mixer with a large bowl, add the 8 ounces softened cream cheese and 1 cup powdered sugar. Mix until creamy and smooth. Add 8 ounces of whipped topping and use a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until combined.
- Create the next layer by adding the cream cheese mixture to the cooled crust layer. Spread evenly to form a second layer.
- Using an electric mixer on medium speed and a large bowl, mix together the 2 3.9 ounce boxes of instant chocolate pudding and 3 cups milk for two minutes until combined and soft set.
- Evenly spread the chocolate pudding mixture on top of the cream cheese layer to create the third layer.
- Lastly evenly spread the remaining 8 ounces whipped topping on top of the pudding layer. Sprinkle the top with the remaining chopped pecans.
- Place the chocolate delight dessert into the refrigerator allow it to chill and set for 2 to 3 hours before cutting to serve. Enjoy!
- Serve immediately and store any leftovers in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
Notes
- Use an offset spatula to evenly spread each layer for a clean, professional finish.
- Chill the finished dessert in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours before serving. In a pinch, place it in the freezer for 30 to 45 minutes.
- For perfect slices, place the dessert in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes, then slice using a sharp knife warmed under hot water. Wipe the blade clean between cuts.
- Always mix the instant pudding with cold milk to ensure a smooth texture and a quick soft set.
- Let the dessert sit out for 5–10 minutes before slicing if very cold.
- For extra chocolate flavor, layer in mini chocolate chips or ganache between pudding and whipped topping.
- Use clear or glass pans to showcase the layers!

Want To Save This Recipe?
LaKita's Tips For the Best Chocolate Delight
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest texture.
- Chill between layers if your kitchen is warm to help each layer set before adding the next.
- Clean cuts: Run a knife under hot water and wipe clean between slices for neat layers.
- Customize the crust: Swap pecans for walnuts or use a graham cracker crust for a different twist. Use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust or try a nut crust without flour.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Vanilla Delight: Swap the chocolate pudding for instant vanilla pudding to create a Vanilla Delight. Follow the rest of the recipe as written.
- Chocolate Shavings: Just before serving, grate a chocolate bar using a cheese grater or vegetable peeler and sprinkle over the top for an elegant finishing touch.
- Shortbread Crust Option: Replace the flour and chopped pecans in the crust with 24 pecan shortbread cookies. Pulse in a food processor, then mix with melted butter to form a flavorful cookie crust.
- Homemade Whipped Cream: Instead of whipped topping, beat heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. This makes a rich, homemade alternative to Cool Whip.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in the fridge covered for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 1 month. Let thaw in the fridge before serving, note that texture may slightly soften.
- Make-Ahead: You can make this dessert up to 2 days in advance. Just wait to garnish the top until ready to serve.

FAQs
Yes! Just make sure it’s stabilized (with powdered sugar or gelatin) so it holds up in the fridge.
A 9x13-inch pan is perfect. You can halve the recipe for an 8x8 dish.
Yes. Baking the crust helps it hold together and gives the dessert its signature texture.
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water, wipe clean between cuts, and make sure the dessert is well-chilled.
What to Serve with Chocolate Delight
Pair this rich dessert with:
- Fresh berries or a fruit salad
- A cup of coffee or espresso
- Mini cheesecakes or vanilla pudding cups for variety on a dessert table.

More Dessert Recipes You'll Love
- Oreo Delight Recipe
- Strawberry Delight
- Homemade Banana Pudding
- Chess Squares
- Chocolate Sour Cream Pound Cake
- 9 Layer Chocolate Cake
- No Bake Blueberry Cheesecake
- Banana Pudding Tres Leches Cake
Leave a comment and rating below to let me know how it turned out! Don’t forget to tag @simplylakita on Instagram so I can see your creation.
💌 From my kitchen to yours, happy eating!
Patricia Burroughs says
I'm so happy to find this recipe here. It has always been a favorite of my family's. My grandson requested it for our church Thanksgiving meal tomorrow and I could not find my well used recipe. It is simple and delicious....a true DELIGHT!!!
LaKita says
Thank you so much for sharing Patricia! It makes me so happy to hear that you and your family enjoyed the chocolate delight recipe 🙂
Shirley Edmonds says
Since the crust will be baked, should I spray the baking dish with Pam first?
LaKita says
Yes, you can it certainly won't hurt anything.
Billie Jean says
If you are making the pecan Sandies crust and butter do you still have to bake it?
LaKita says
Yes, at least until it is golden brown, about 10-15 minutes.
Jamie says
Wow! This Chocolate Delight looks absolutely delicious! It has an amazing layer of different flavors. A mouth-watering dessert that everyone will love!
LaKita says
Thank you so much Jamie, much appreciated!
Laney says
Can I use stabilized fresh whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
LaKita says
Hi Laney, yes it should work without any problem!
Lisa says
Give me all the sweet chocolate desserts! And anything creamy is my type of treat!
LaKita says
Thank you Lisa, I agree, never enough chocolate dessert recipes!
Veronika says
All the layers may sound like a lot of work at first but the whole thing was so easy to make! Plus it's so good it's totally worth the effort!
LaKita says
Thank you Veronika! It is a simple process but so worth it 🙂
Sean says
This chocolate delight was a hit at my last game night. My friends couldn't get enough.
LaKita says
Thank you Sean, glad to hear the dessert was a hit!!
Jenny says
My grandma used to make a similar dessert and for years I have been looking for a recipe like it. And this is it! Wow I am amazed! Your recipe makes me so happy. Thanks a million!
LaKita says
Thank you Jenny!! That makes me so happy to hear 🙂
Amy Liu Dong says
I made this, it is so easy and delicious that even my kids love it!
LaKita says
Thank you Amy, happy to hear this recipe is kid approved 🙂
Amanda says
I made this last night for some friends how came over. Amazing dessert! The cream cheese added a decadent touch, and that rich chocolate layer was perfection.
LaKita says
Thank you Amanda! The cream cheese really does add a touch of richness!!
Cathleen says
I am so excited to make this over the weekend! This looks amazing, thank you so much for sharing this recipe 🙂
LaKita says
Thank you Cathleen! I hope you get a chance to try making it soon 🙂
veenaazmanov says
This looks so soft and chocolaty. This delicious dessert is just perfect to make my guest happy. Perfect for my next treat.
LaKita says
Thank you, I agree it is a great treat to share!
Colleen says
What a delicious, creamy sweet treat this chocolate delight dessert is! Thanks for the recipe!
LaKita says
Thank you so much Colleen, happy to hear that you enjoyed the recipe!
Joanne L Marcuson says
Thank you for the recipe! My Mom used to make it years ago and I misplaced her receipe. I Google it and yours came up.
Cant wait for our neighbors to come over tonight for game night and eat this yummy looking dessert! Thanks again!
LaKita says
Thank you and welcome Joanne, glad you found this recipe for chocolate delight. Enjoy!
Joanne L Marcuson says
Thank you for the receipe! I used lemon pudding and cant wait until tonight for our neighbors to come over for game night and this yummy dessert!
LaKita says
I have never had it with lemon pudding, but that sounds amazing! Will definitely give it a try soon! Thanks for sharing.
Nelda Sue Ludwig says
I make this with vanilla pudding, but the chocolate is a five star and my family likes both of these.
LaKita says
Thank you! I agree and it is delicious with vanilla pudding as well!!
Lauren F says
This. Looks. Amazing. That's pretty much all I have to say about that. Too bad it's midnight right now...or this would be happening in the kitchen. Until tomorrow...
admin says
Thank you! Midnight is a little late, but you can make these any other time 🙂
Victoria says
Thank you SO much for this recipe!! My mom and aunt used to make chocolate delight when I was a kid, but I’ve never had their recipe. Haven’t had it in years, so I decided to give it a shot! So quick and easy to put together, my first attempt was a hit! It was gone in 2 days in my house. It’s currently 2 am and I’m making it again bc my mother in law and I had sweet craving and we couldn’t get enough the first time!
LaKita says
Hi Victoria! Thank you for sharing this and I'm so happy to hear that you're enjoying the chocolate delight recipe! This is a favorite in my home as well and doesn't ever last long 😉
Keri says
Lakita, I have not had Chocolate Delight in ages. My MIL makes Strawberry Delight often as my husband loves it, but I much prefer Chocolate Delight. Pinning and hope to make soon! #SITSBlogging
admin says
Thanks Keri...Strawberry Delight sounds great! I will have to give that a try next time.
Lara says
Stopping by to leave some comment love!
This looks delicious! And I think that I have had the pleasure of munching on this at one of my church functions. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!
#SITSBlogging
admin says
Thank you so much! It is pretty good and doesn't take much to be a success.
Angela Gilmore says
Oh my! This looks so good! I could see eating it with some fresh fruit. I haven't been to a potluck in so long, but you are right that it is the perfect place to get new recipes and you have the convenience of asking the chef how to make it!
admin says
Thank you! It would be good with some fruit...that's a great idea. I love pot-lucks for that very reason.