Chocolate Lush Dessert
This old-fashioned Chocolate Lush Dessert features layers of buttery crust, sweet cream cheese filling, and chocolate pudding for a simple crowd-pleasing dessert everyone loves.
One of the recipes I remember from my mom’s recipe collection was a dessert I love simply called “Delicious Dessert.”
Over the years, I’ve learned this nostalgic favorite actually goes by many names—Chocolate Lush Dessert, Four Layer Delight, or simply Chocolate Pudding Dessert—but no matter what you call it, it remains one of the easiest and most dependable desserts for potlucks, family dinners, and special gatherings.
I recently made this for a potluck with friends, and it reminded me why this recipe has stood the test of time. It’s quick to prepare, easy to transport, and always disappears fast.
With its buttery baked crust, fluffy cream cheese layer, and rich chocolate pudding topping, this dessert truly lives up to every version of its name.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Chocolate Lush Dessert
- All-purpose flour
- Butter
- Cream cheese
- Cool Whip
- Powdered sugar (icing sugar)
- Instant chocolate pudding mix
- Milk
Chocolate Lush Dessert
Looking for an easy layered dessert recipe? Chocolate Lush Dessert combines a shortbread crust, fluffy cream cheese layer, and chocolate pudding for the ultimate nostalgic treat.
Ingredients
- Base:
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup butter
- Middle Layer:
- 1 (8 oz or 250 gram) package cream cheese
- 1 cup cool whip
- 1 cup powdered (icing) sugar
- Top Layer
- 1 large package or 2 small packages instant pudding mix (chocolate or banana cream is good)
- 2 1/2 cups milk
Instructions
- Base Layer: Mix together butter and flour until mixture resembles course oatmeal. Press into a 9 x 13 inch pan. Bake 10 minutes at 350 degrees or until lightly browned. Cool completely.
- Middle Layer: In an electric mixer, combine cream cheese, icing sugar and cool whip. Mix together until mixture is smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Top Layer: Prepare pudding mix with 2 1/2 cups milk.
- Once base layer is completely cooled, spread on cream cheese layer and then top with the pudding layer. Chill before cutting. Serve with a dollop of cool whip.
How to Make Chocolate Lush Dessert
The base is simply a mix of flour and butter patted into the bottom of a pan and baked for 20 minutes.
While it’s baking, I start on the middle layer: cream cheese, cool whip, and icing (powdered) sugar.
Once it’s all mixed up, I transfer it into another bowl and wash out the mixer and paddles, so I can make the top layer ~ instant chocolate pudding!
Once the base is baked until just barely browned, it needs to cool completely before adding the layers on top of it. I speed up the cooling down process by just popping it into the fridge for a bit. After it’s cool to the touch, I start adding the cream cheese layer. I first place small spoon-fuls on the top,
and then I spread it out.
The base can be delicate, so this method prevents it from lifting off the bottom (and making a big ol’ mess!).
I then add the pudding layer the same way.
I pop it into the fridge to cool before cutting and then serve it with a dollop of cool whip.
Tips for Best Results
- Cool the crust completely before layering.
- Refrigerating between layers can make spreading easier.
- Use small spoonfuls when adding layers to keep the crust intact.
- This dessert is even better when made ahead.
Other Dessert Recipes You Might Enjoy
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Lush Dessert
- Make Ahead Mocha Dessert
- Easy strawberry pavlova recipe
- Mom’s banana cream pie with cooked pudding is always a hit!
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Can you add more dessert recipes? Your recipes are always easy to follow.
Your article is very detailed and thorough with useful content.
Thank you for sharing the detailed and easy-to-understand recipe. This dish has become my family’s favorite. I hope you will continue to share more delicious recipes like this.
I have made this for years. Have done all kinds of pudding. Pistachio is great! Love the recipes you share Rita!!
My recipe calls for a small box each of vanilla and chocolate. My family loves it, and it has been enjoyed at many potlucks as well. Blessings.