Four-Layer Surprise
Four-Layer Surprise is a creamy, crunchy, no-fuss dessert featuring a buttery pecan crust, smooth cream cheese, rich chocolate pudding, and a fluffy whipped topping. It’s nostalgic comfort food at its best.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 16 oz whipped topping (like Cool Whip), divided
- 2 (3.9 oz) boxes instant chocolate pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
- Extra chopped pecans (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix flour, softened butter, and chopped pecans until crumbly. Press into bottom of a 9×13 dish.
- Bake crust for 15–20 minutes until golden. Cool completely.
- Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in half of the whipped topping.
- Spread cream cheese mixture over cooled crust.
- Whisk pudding mix and cold milk until thick. Spread over cream cheese layer. Chill for 10 minutes.
- Top with remaining whipped topping and sprinkle with extra pecans if using.
- Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Let each layer chill briefly before adding the next for cleaner layers.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for best flavor and texture.
- Make it a day ahead for even better results.
- Try different pudding flavors for fun variations.
Find it online: https://dishmio.com/four-layer-surprise/