Recipe: Four Layer Delight

An easy, almost no-bake dessert that’s sure to please

This recipe goes by a lot of names, but in my family, we’ve always called it “Four Layer Delight.” It’s simple and easy to make ahead of time, plus it’s delicious. Using ingredients like boxed pudding mix, Cool Whip and cream cheese, you can also make this crowd-pleasing dessert without an extra trip to the store!

This recipe calls for instant chocolate pudding mix, but you can try out different flavors if you’d prefer. You can also add toppings on top of the final Cool Whip layer such as crushed oreos, mini chocolate chips or chocolate shavings. 

Four Layer Delight Ingredients

• 1 stick butter (or margarine if you prefer) 

• 1 ¼ cup flour

• ½ c. pecans, chopped

• Pinch of salt

• 8 oz. cream cheese

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• ½ tsp vanilla

• 1 container Cool Whip (large container) 

• 2 small packages instant chocolate pudding (you can try other flavors if you are feeling adventurous) 

• 3 cups milk 

Four Layer Delight Instructions

1. Melt butter, then add flour, salt and chopped pecans. Mix together, then press into a greased 9x13 pan.

2. Bake crust at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Set aside to cool.

3. Make the second layer by whipping cream cheese with a hand or stand mixer. Once creamy, add powdered sugar and vanilla. Fold in 1 cup of Cool Whip. 

4. When smooth, spread over the cooled crust. 

5. Make the third layer by mixing together the pudding mix and 3 cups milk until smooth. Spread on top of second layer. 

6. The fourth and final layer is the remaining Cool Whip or whipped topping from the container. You’re also welcome to make your own whipped cream, but whipped topping tends to hold up better in this dessert. 

7. Sprinkle with chopped pecans or any toppings you’d prefer. 

8. Refrigerate until time to serve and ENJOY!