Decadent Chocolate Pecan Delight Recipe

Magical Chocolate Pecan Delight Recipe: Sweet Bliss in Every Bite

Decadent chocolate swirls dance with nutty pecan magic in this irresistible chocolate pecan delight recipe that promises pure indulgence.

Rich, velvety chocolate meets the earthy crunch of perfectly toasted pecans in a dessert that melts hearts instantly.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this classic combination of sweet and savory flavors.

Each bite delivers a symphony of textures that tells a delicious story of comfort and tradition.

Layers of smooth chocolate intertwine with roasted pecans, creating a dessert that feels like a warm embrace.

This recipe turns simple ingredients into an extraordinary treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Let’s find out this delightful creation and let your taste buds celebrate pure culinary bliss.

Serving Chocolate Pecan Delight for Dessert

Serving Chocolate Pecan Delight for Dessert
  • Pecan Paradise Plating
  • Garnish each slice with a whole pecan on top for an elegant, crunchy touch that adds visual appeal and extra nutty flavor.
  • Chocolate Drizzle Delight
  • Zigzag melted chocolate across the chilled dessert right before serving to create a professional restaurant-style presentation that looks stunning and tastes incredible.
  • Cool Whip Cloud Topping
  • Create decorative swirls using a piping bag with the remaining cool whip, making each serving look like a gourmet dessert that will impress family and friends.
  • Sweet Companion Pairing
  • Serve alongside a steaming cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the rich chocolate and creamy layers, enhancing the overall dessert experience.

Storing Chocolate Pecan Delight the Right Way

  • Chilling Strategy: Refrigerate the dessert for a minimum of 2 hours to allow layers to set perfectly and flavors to meld together, creating a delightful texture that enhances the overall taste experience.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for a quick and delicious treat anytime.
  • Portion Control Tip: Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts to create clean, precise slices that look professionally prepared and appetizing.
  • Freshness Keeper: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep away from strong-smelling foods to maintain the dessert's delicate chocolate and pecan flavor profile.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 13

Chocolate Pecan Delight Ingredients You’ll Need

For The Crust:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides the sturdy base that holds the dessert together, choose unbleached flour for better texture and richer flavor.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the crust, select high-quality unsalted butter for optimal taste and consistency.
  • Pecans: Brings a delightful crunch and nutty depth to the crust, opt for fresh, crisp pecans with no signs of staleness.
For The Creamy Layers:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, tangy foundation for the filling, select full-fat cream cheese at room temperature for perfect blending.
  • Milk: Ensures a silky pudding texture, use whole milk for maximum creaminess and rich flavor.
  • Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Provides sweet, classic flavor and helps set the dessert, choose a reputable brand for consistent results.
  • Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix: Delivers intense chocolate notes and smooth consistency, pick a high-quality mix for deep chocolate taste.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the cream cheese layer, sift to prevent lumps for a perfectly smooth mixture.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle caramel undertone, select fresh, soft brown sugar with no hard clumps.
For The Topping:
  • Cool Whip: Creates a light, airy topping that's easy to spread, thaw completely before using for best texture.
  • Pecans: Provides a delightful crunch and visual appeal to the final dessert, toast lightly for enhanced nutty flavor.

Baking Tools for Chocolate Pecan Delight

  • 9×13-inch baking dish: Essential for creating and baking the layered dessert.
  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for blending pudding mixture and cream cheese layer.
  • Small bowl: Ideal for mixing crumb crust ingredients.
  • Whisk: Crucial for smoothly combining pudding and milk.
  • Mixing spoon or spatula: Helps spread layers evenly across the dessert.
  • Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
  • Measuring spoons: Precise for smaller ingredient measurements.
  • Plastic wrap: Necessary for covering and chilling the dessert.

How to Make Chocolate Pecan Delight at Home

How to Make Chocolate Pecan Delight at Home
  • Crust Foundation

Create a buttery, nutty base by mixing flour, softened butter, brown sugar, and finely chopped pecans. Press this crumbly mixture into a baking dish and bake until golden. Let it cool completely, forming a delicious foundation for your dessert.

  • Creamy Pudding Layer

Whisk chocolate and vanilla pudding mixes with milk until silky smooth. This creates a luxurious middle layer that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.

  • Cream Cheese Magic

Blend cream cheese with powdered sugar and a portion of whipped topping until you achieve a velvety texture. Spread this dreamy mixture evenly over the cooled crust.

  • Layered Perfection

Pour the prepared pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.

  • Finishing Touches

Top the dessert with remaining whipped cream and sprinkle with chopped pecans. This adds a delightful crunch and visual appeal to your masterpiece.

  • Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the dessert for a few hours to let the layers set and flavors meld. When ready, slice and enjoy this decadent treat that’s sure to impress family and friends.

Flavor Boosts for Chocolate Pecan Delight

Flavor Boosts for Chocolate Pecan Delight
  • Swap regular pecans with toasted pecans for an extra depth of flavor that adds a rich, smoky undertone to each bite.
  • Prepare this dessert a day before your event, allowing flavors to meld together and creating an even more delicious experience.
  • Experiment with different nut variations like walnuts or almonds to create unique flavor profiles that match your personal taste preferences.
  • Add a chocolate or caramel sauce right before serving to elevate the dessert's visual appeal and provide an extra layer of indulgence.
  • Substitute low-fat cream cheese and sugar-free pudding mixes to create a slightly healthier version without compromising on incredible taste.
Print
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Decadent Chocolate Pecan Delight Recipe

Decadent Chocolate Pecan Delight Recipe


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4.8 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Delectable chocolate pecan delight recipe showcases rich Southern baking traditions with classic ingredients. Nutty pecans and smooth chocolate create an irresistible dessert you’ll savor with each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups milk
  • 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese
  • 3.4 oz (96 g) instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 3.9 oz (110 g) instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 3 cups Cool Whip (thawed and divided)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup butter (softened)
  • 1 cup pecans (finely chopped)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 3 tbsps pecans (chopped, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Crust Preparation: Meld flour, softened butter, brown sugar, and finely chopped pecans in a mixing bowl until a crumbly consistency develops, then press firmly into a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Initial Baking: Roast the crust in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for approximately 15 minutes until achieving a delicate golden hue, then allow to cool completely at room temperature.
  3. Pudding Fusion: Whisk chocolate and vanilla pudding mixes with milk until achieving a silky smooth texture, simultaneously beating cream cheese with powdered sugar until creamy.
  4. Layer Assembly: Gently incorporate whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture, then spread evenly across the cooled crust, followed by carefully pouring the prepared pudding mixture to create a uniform layer.
  5. Topping Finalization: Crown the dessert with remaining whipped topping, generously scatter additional chopped pecans across the surface for enhanced crunch and visual appeal.
  6. Chilling and Serving: Encase the dessert with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of two hours to allow complete setting, then slice into elegant squares and serve chilled. Preserve any remaining portions in a sealed container within the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Notes

  • Crust Consistency Check: Ensure the crumb mixture is firmly packed to create a stable, crisp base that won’t crumble when serving.
  • Whipping Technique: Beat cream cheese until completely smooth to prevent lumpy texture in the filling layer.
  • Chilling is Crucial: Refrigeration time is non-negotiable for achieving the perfect set and melding of flavors.
  • Pecan Protection: Chop pecans finely and evenly to distribute nutty crunch throughout the dessert without overwhelming other layers.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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