Ever had a dessert or meal that is nostalgic? My mom has always made a specific dessert for Thanksgiving and Christmas. This dessert brings back so many found memories. When we would get together for Thanksgiving with 50+ people, it was the first dessert that would be gone. It was such a problem that my mom started to make 2 of them so we brought one to the Thanksgiving potluck dinner and we would have one for after for us.
This last Thanksgiving, my mom made the dessert the way she always has and she made it with pumpkin. After eating both and trying to compare the two, I realized exactly why the dessert was such a hit. One reason I love Chocolate Lush is because it’s made with chocolate pudding. Most people love chocolate and even if they don’t, they still loved the dessert because the chocolate flavor isn’t a strong one. I am not a chocolate pudding fan, I prefer vanilla or banana, but I do not like chocolate. However, the combination in this recipe makes the pudding taste amazing and subtle. Also, it has the cream cheese that helps bring the salty flavor. The whipped cream is airy and light. The peanut crust is salty and flaky creating the crunch. It is not too sweet, it’s just right.
After a heavy meal, who wants a heavy dessert? This dessert is definitely not heavy. It has just enough sweetness and saltiness that you will not need to eat anymore.
Gluten Free or Regular Flour
Please note that this can be made with regular flour as well and that is how my mom makes it. However, I did make it with gluten free flour because I need to stay away from gluten, but also want to enjoy my favorite desserts. You will notice that gluten free is a little dryer and crust may break a little easier. You will still get the same great taste and enjoyment.
Make this your family’s favorite and bring on the nostalgia. I assure you, you won’t be disappointed.
Chocolate Lush
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 c gluten free flour
- 1 stick softened butter
- ½ c. walnuts or peanuts blended
1st Layer
- 1 ½ c. cool whip
- 8 oz. cream cheese
- 1-1 ½ c. powdered sugar
2nd Layer
- 2 small packages Instant chocolate pudding
- 3 c. milk
3rd Layer
- 2-3 c. Cool whip
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉
- Add flour, butter, and nuts together-Press into 13×9 casserole dish
- Bake for 15-20 minutes. Let cool.
- Mix Cool whip, cream cheese, and sugar. Spread over the cooled crust.
- Blend milk and pudding.
- Pour of 1st layer
- Spread remaining cool whip over pudding once it has set.
- Sprinkle with nuts.