Recipe: Layered Chocolate Delight

Usually, you’ll find our J.C. Colón behind the grill, making every company BBQ a savory event. But recently (and to our delight!), he surprised us all when he brought this dessert to the lunchroom. Adapted from Family Circle Magazine, the Layered Chocolate Delight mirrors the recipe of June’s famous Lemon Lasagna—but with a twist! It takes just 45 minutes to prepare (20-minute prep and 25-minute cook time) and serves 12. We guarantee you’ll be a favorite potluck contributor if you show up to any event with this dessert in hand.

Ingredients

• 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 10 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1 (8 ounce) package reduced fat (Neufchatel) or regular cream cheese
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 (8 ounce) containers whipped topping (Cool Whip)
• 1 (5.1 ounce) package vanilla instant pudding
• 1 (5.9 ounce) chocolate fudge instant pudding
• 3 cups milk
• 1/4 cup grated semi-sweet chocolate bar
• additional finely chopped nuts, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 13″ x 9″ baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine flour, melted butter, and chopped nuts until well combined and crumbly. Press into prepared baking dish and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until lightly golden brown around edges. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.

In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Fold in 1 container of Cool Whip and stir to combine well. Spread over cooled crust.

In a clean bowl, whisk both the vanilla and chocolate pudding mix with 3 cups cold milk. Whisk together until smooth and thickened and spread over cream cheese layer. Spread remaining container of Cool Whip over the top.

Cover dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight. Garnish with the grated chocolate and additional finely chopped nuts, if desired, before serving.

Recipe Notes

If you prefer less whipped topping, you may choose not to use the entire second container for the top layer. Alternatively, you may substitute one (12-ounce) container of Cool Whip, using half for the cream cheese layer and the remaining half for the top layer.

When you enjoy this dish with your loved ones, drop us a note or post the photo on Twitter and tag @AmbassadorTeam! We’ll enjoy vicariously through you. 😊

EnJOY!