Midnight Cowboy Delight (Chocolate Delight Dessert)
A chilled layered dessert made with a chocolate cookie crust, fluffy cream cheese layer, smooth chocolate pudding, and whipped topping. Easy to prep ahead and slice into squares.
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish (glass preferred)
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Whisk
- Spatula
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar optional but recommended for better flavor and structure
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter melted
Optional chocolate variation: add 2 tbsp cocoa powder to make it chocolate.
- Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz 225 g cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz whipped topping Cool Whip, thawed (or 2 cups freshly whipped cream)
Chocolate Pudding Layer
- 2 3.4 oz boxes instant chocolate pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
Topping
- 8 oz whipped topping Cool Whip, thawed
- ½ cup shredded coconut optional
- ½ cup chopped pecans optional
- chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips optional
Instructions
- Stir the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until the mixture looks like damp sand. Press it firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch glass dish using the bottom of a measuring cup so it packs tightly. Refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes so the crust firms up and holds the layers cleanly.
- Beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and fluffy, scraping the bowl so there are no lumps. Fold in the whipped topping gently until the mixture looks light and spreadable. Spread this layer evenly over the chilled crust using a spatula, keeping it smooth and even.
- Whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix with cold milk until smooth and thickened. Let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes to fully set up before spreading. Spoon the pudding over the cream cheese layer and spread gently so the layers stay separate.
- Spread the whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer, smoothing it out like frosting. Sprinkle with shredded coconut and chopped pecans if using. For a richer finish, add chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips on top.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, but overnight is best for firm layers and clean slices. When ready to serve, slice into squares and wipe your knife between cuts for neat edges.
Notes
- For the cleanest layers, chill overnight and slice straight from the fridge.
- Coconut and pecans are optional and can be replaced with crushed cookies or chocolate curls.
- Let pudding thicken before spreading so the layers don’t blend together.
- This dessert is best served cold for clean slices and the best texture.