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Homemade Chocolate Caramel Layered Dessert photo

Chocolate Caramel Layered Dessert

This Chocolate Caramel Layered Dessert is a rich, creamy, and decadent treat with luscious layers of chocolate, caramel, and cream cheese - a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Print Recipe Save it
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 37 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Electric Mixer
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Saucepan

Ingredients
  

For the Crust:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup crushed pecans (or nuts of your choice)
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter melted

For the Caramel Layer:

  • 20 KRAFT caramels unwrapped
  • 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup Cool Whip (from an 8 oz container)

For the Chocolate Pudding Layer:

  • 6.8 oz chocolate instant pudding (2 packages of 3.4 oz each)
  • 3 cups cold milk

For the Topping:

  • remaining Cool Whip (from the 8 oz container)
  • 1/4 cup chocolate shavings for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Crust

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of crushed pecans, and 1/4 cup of sugar. Pour in 1/2 cup of melted butter and mix until crumbly. Press this mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden. Allow to cool.

Create the Caramel Layer

  • In a saucepan over low heat, melt 20 unwrapped KRAFT caramels with 3 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream, stirring until smooth. Pour this warm caramel mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly. Let it set while you prepare the next layer.

Make the Cream Cheese Layer

  • In a large bowl, beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese with 1 cup of powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in 1 cup of Cool Whip gently until well combined. Spread this mixture over the caramel layer, smoothing it out evenly.

Prepare the Chocolate Pudding Layer

  • In another bowl, whisk together the two packages of chocolate instant pudding with 3 cups of cold milk. Mix until it thickens, about 2 minutes. Pour the chocolate pudding over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.

Final Touches

  • Top the chocolate pudding layer with the remaining Cool Whip, spreading it evenly. Finish with a sprinkle of chocolate shavings for an elegant touch. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best results.

Notes

  • Allow the crust to cool completely before adding the caramel to prevent layers from mixing.
  • Use softened cream cheese to ensure a smooth and creamy layer without lumps.
  • Prepare the dessert a day ahead and refrigerate to let flavors meld beautifully.
  • Substitute gluten-free flour or dairy-free milk to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Freeze the dessert before adding the final Cool Whip layer for longer storage.
Keyword Caramel, Chocolate, Easy, Layered, Make Ahead