Description
Chocolate Lush is a decadent no-bake layered dessert featuring a crushed chocolate cookie crust, creamy sweetened cream cheese layer, rich chocolate pudding, and fluffy whipped topping. This crowd-pleasing treat is chilled to set, making it perfect for potlucks, parties, or anytime you crave an indulgent chocolate delight.
Ingredients
Crust
- 20 chocolate sandwich cookies
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
Chocolate Pudding Layer
- 2 (3.9 ounce) boxes instant chocolate pudding mix
- 3 1/4 cups cold milk
Topping and Garnish
- 2 cups whipped topping
- Chocolate shavings or grated chocolate (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a food processor, pulse the chocolate sandwich cookies until they are evenly crushed. Add the melted butter and pulse again until the mixture is well combined and resembles a crumbly crust.
- Form the Crust: Press the cookie and butter mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to create a solid crust layer. Set the dish aside for now.
- Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping until fully incorporated. Spread this mixture evenly over the prepared cookie crust.
- Prepare the Chocolate Pudding: In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes until the pudding thickens. Allow it to set for a few minutes to reach proper consistency.
- Assemble the Pudding Layer: Spread the thickened chocolate pudding evenly over the cream cheese layer in the baking dish.
- Add Whipped Topping: Spread the remaining 2 cups of whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer to create a fluffy top layer.
- Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle chocolate shavings or grated chocolate on top of the whipped topping for an extra decorative and chocolaty touch.
- Chill and Set: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the dessert is fully set and chilled. Serve cold.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth and lump-free cream cheese layer.
- For best results, refrigerate the dessert for 4 hours or overnight to allow the layers to firm up properly.
- Chocolate shavings can be made by using a vegetable peeler on a bar of chocolate or by finely grating chocolate.
- This dessert can be made a day in advance, making it great for entertaining.
- For a lighter option, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese and whipped topping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
