Chocolate Cream Layered Dessert

ByKim Lange April 23, 2017February 14, 2026

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This Chocolate Cream Layered Dessert is the ultimate layers‑of‑yumminess moment — a silky, chocolate‑on‑chocolate dream stacked with creamy pudding, fluffy whipped topping, and a buttery cookie crust. It’s the kind of easy chocolate cream cheese pudding dessert that disappears fast at potlucks, holidays, and weeknight cravings.

If you love no‑bake chocolate desserts, this chocolate cream cheese pudding dessert is about to become your new signature sweet, which means you would also love this No Bake Coconut Cream Layered Dessert and this Chocolate Lasagna Layered Dessert!

SLICES OF CHOCOLATE DESSERT WITH WHIPPED CREAM AND CREAM CHEESE LAYERS

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cream Layered Dessert

Rich chocolate layers with a smooth, creamy texture.
A buttery shortbread crust made with flour, butter, and chopped nuts.
Simple ingredients, no‑fail steps, and no baking required if you use a no‑bake crust option.
A classic chocolate cream dessert everyone asks for.
Perfect for parties, gatherings, and make‑ahead desserts.

Check out these 20 Heavenly Layered Desserts, these Lemon Layered Pudding Cheesecake Bars and this fun Ultimate Strawberry Shortcake Tiramisu!

SLICES OF CHOCOLATE DESSERT WITH WHIPPED CREAM AND CREAM CHEESE LAYERS

Ingredients You Need

Chocolate Cream Cheese Pudding Dessert Recipe

1st Layer – Shortbread Layer

1 cup all purpose flour (Replace with 1 cup gluten-free flour or rice flour, if wanting gluten-free)
1 cup chopped pecans, fine
1 stick butter, cubed

second Layer – Cheesecake Layer

8 oz cream cheese , softened
½ cup powdered sugar
8 oz whipping cream or cool whip

third Layer – chocolate Pudding Layer

1 (3.4 ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
1 (3.4 ounce) box instant chocolate pudding mix
3 cups cold milk

fourth Layer – Whipped Cream Layer

8 oz whipped cream or cool whip
¼ cup grated chocolate or chocolate sprinkles

chocolate cream cheese dessert

Instructions How to Make Layered Chocolate Pudding Dessert

Make the Shortbread Layer

Preheat your oven to 350°F.
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, finely chopped pecans, and cubed butter.
Use a fork, pastry cutter, or your hands to blend until the mixture looks crumbly and evenly coated.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Let the crust cool completely before adding the next layer.

Make the Cheesecake Layer

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
Fold in the whipped cream or Cool Whip until light and fluffy.
Spread this layer evenly over the cooled crust.

Make the Chocolate Pudding Layer

In a large bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix, chocolate pudding mix, and cold milk until thickened.
Let it sit for 2–3 minutes to finish setting.
Spread the pudding mixture over the cheesecake layer.

Add the Whipped Cream Layer

Spread the remaining whipped cream or Cool Whip over the pudding layer.
Finish with grated chocolate or chocolate sprinkles for a simple, sweet touch.

Chill & Serve chocolate cream cheese pudding dessert

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.
Slice into squares and enjoy those dreamy layers.

How to Store Layered Chocolate Pudding Dessert

Refrigerator

Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a fitted lid.
Store in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
The layers stay creamy and the crust stays pleasantly firm.

Freezer

This dessert freezes surprisingly well.
Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month.
Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Note: The texture becomes slightly softer after thawing, but still delicious.

Make‑Ahead Tips

You can make this dessert 24 hours in advance — the layers actually set even better overnight.
If making ahead, add the chocolate sprinkles or grated chocolate right before serving so they stay crisp and don’t melt into the whipped topping.

Tips & Variations

Tips for the Best Layered Chocolate Pudding Dessert

Let the crust cool completely before adding the cheesecake layer so everything stays clean and defined.
Soften the cream cheese fully for the smoothest, fluffiest cheesecake layer with no lumps.
Use cold milk for the pudding — it thickens faster and sets beautifully.
Chill for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better) to help the layers firm up and slice neatly.
Fold, don’t stir the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to keep it light and airy.
Use a glass dish if you want those pretty layers to show off.

Variations

No‑Bake Version – Skip baking the crust and use (Press into the pan and chill before adding the layers)

crushed Oreos + melted butter
or graham cracker crumbs + melted butter

Extra‑Chocolatey

Use two chocolate pudding mixes instead of chocolate + vanilla for a deeper chocolate flavor.

Nut‑Free – Swap the pecans for (Still buttery, still delicious)

crushed shortbread cookies
or graham cracker crumbs

Peanut Butter Twist

Add ¼ cup creamy peanut butter to the cream cheese layer for a chocolate‑PB dream.

Holiday Version – Top with:

crushed peppermint
chocolate curls
festive sprinkles

Summer Berry

Add sliced strawberries or raspberries between the pudding and whipped cream layers for a fresh, fruity contrast.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes — this layered chocolate pudding dessert is even better when made ahead. The layers firm up beautifully overnight, making it perfect for holidays, potlucks, and parties.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Absolutely. Use the same amount of freshly whipped cream. Just whip it to medium peaks so it stays fluffy when folded into the cream cheese layer.

Can I make this gluten‑free?

Yes — simply replace the all‑purpose flour in the crust with gluten‑free flour or rice flour. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten‑free.

Can I make this nut‑free?

Yes. Replace the pecans with:

crushed shortbread cookies
graham cracker crumbs
or leave the nuts out and increase the flour slightly, the crust will still bake into a buttery shortbread base.

Why does this recipe use both chocolate and vanilla pudding?

The combo creates a smoother, richer, more balanced chocolate layer. It’s creamier than using two chocolate puddings and gives that classic layered‑dessert flavor.

Can I use two chocolate puddings instead?

Definitely — if you want a deeper chocolate flavor, go for two chocolate pudding mixes.

How long does this dessert need to chill?

At least 2 hours, but overnight gives the cleanest slices and the best texture.

Can I freeze this dessert?

Yes — freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving. The texture softens slightly but stays delicious.

What size pan should I use?

A 9×13 baking dish works best for even layers and easy slicing.

SLICES OF CHOCOLATE DESSERT WITH WHIPPED CREAM AND CREAM CHEESE LAYERS

And that’s it — layers of creamy, chocolatey goodness stacked into one dreamy dessert. Whether you’re making it for a holiday, a potluck, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this layered chocolate pudding dessert always hits the spot. Chill, slice, and enjoy every bite.

Follow on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook for recipe updates, baking tips, and lots of sweet inspiration.

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