Ingredients for Gretchen's 4 Layer Chocolate Dessert
- 1 cup (2 sticks) margarine, softened
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- Chocolate Instant Pudding
- 1 cup milk
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 8 oz (2 cups) powdered sugar
- 8 oz Cool Whip, divided (1 cup for layer 2, remaining for layer 4)
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How to Make Gretchen's 4 Layer Chocolate Dessert
- **Prepare the Crust:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cream together the softened margarine and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the flour and pecans; mix until combined.
- **Bake the Crust:** Press the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Bake for 20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
- **Make the Cream Cheese Layer:** In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Gently fold in 1 cup of Cool Whip.
- **Spread the Cream Cheese Layer:** Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
- **Prepare the Pudding Layer:** In a separate bowl, prepare the instant chocolate pudding according to package directions, using 1 cup of milk.
- **Spread the Pudding Layer:** Carefully spread the chocolate pudding evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- **Add the Cool Whip Topping:** Spread the remaining Cool Whip over the pudding layer.
- **Garnish and Chill:** Garnish with shaved chocolate, halved maraschino cherries, and chopped nuts (optional). Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
Sodium
31 g
Sugar
232g
Fat
132g
Carbs
29g
