Runza Casserole

🍫 Chocolate Pecan Delight: A Layered Dessert Everyone Loves

You can never have too many go-to desserts, especially ones that are guaranteed crowd-pleasers. This Chocolate Pecan Delight hits all the right notes—crunchy, creamy, chocolatey, and easy to make ahead. With its buttery pecan crust, smooth chocolate-vanilla filling, and airy whipped topping, this layered dessert is a reliable hit for gatherings or weekend treats.

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🧾 Ingredients at a Glance

Ingredient	Amount
All-purpose flour	1 cup
Butter (softened)	½ cup
Brown sugar	1 tablespoon
Pecans, finely chopped	1 cup + 3 tbsp
Cream cheese (softened)	8 oz (1 block)
Powdered sugar	1 cup
Cool Whip (thawed)	3 cups total
Instant chocolate pudding mix	3.9 oz box
Instant vanilla pudding mix	3.4 oz box
Cold milk	3 cups

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👩‍🍳 How to Make It

1. Prep the Crust
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Build the Base
   Combine flour, softened butter, brown sugar, and 1 cup of chopped pecans. Mix by hand until the mixture is crumbly, then press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes. Set aside to cool completely.
3. Whisk the Filling
   In a mixing bowl, whisk the pudding mixes with the cold milk until smooth and thickened. Blend in the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 cup of Cool Whip. Mix until creamy and uniform.
4. Layer It Up
   Spread the creamy filling over the cooled crust. Top with the remaining 2 cups of Cool Whip, spreading it into an even layer. Sprinkle the final 3 tablespoons of chopped pecans over the top.
5. Chill to Set
   Refrigerate the dessert for at least 2 hours (or overnight) before serving. Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

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🍴 Make It Your Own
Want to dress it up? Garnish with chocolate shavings, a drizzle of caramel, or a dusting of cocoa powder just before serving.