Robert Redford Dessert: A Dreamy, Layered Chocolate Delight
When it comes to dessert, few things are as comforting and indulgent as a decadent layered treat that combines rich flavors and textures. Enter the Robert Redford dessert: a show-stopping, four-layer masterpiece that is as visually impressive as it is delicious. Named after the famous actor, this dessert boasts layers of creamy fillings, a buttery crust, and the irresistible allure of chocolate and vanilla pudding. With its perfect balance of flavors, this dessert quickly becomes a favorite at any gathering or celebration.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking, Chilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the crust:
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
For the cream cheese layer:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 (10-ounce) container frozen whipped cream, thawed
For the pudding layers:
- 2 cups chocolate pudding (prepared per the box instructions)
- 2 cups vanilla pudding (prepared per the box instructions)
For garnishing:
- Chopped pecans
- Grated chocolate
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan generously with butter to prevent the crust from sticking. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 1 minute. Once the butter is properly creamed, reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add in the flour. Beat just until the flour is incorporated, and then stir in the chopped pecans. The dough will be a bit crumbly at this point, but that’s exactly what you want.
- Bake the crust: Press the pecan-flour mixture evenly into the prepared pan to form a crust. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to press it firmly so that it holds together during baking. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown. Once it’s done, remove the pan from the oven and set it aside to cool completely. This will allow the crust to firm up, providing a solid base for the creamy layers that follow.
- Prepare the cream cheese layer: While the crust is cooling, work on the cream cheese layer. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy. This should take about 1-2 minutes. Once the mixture is well combined and creamy, gently fold in half of the thawed whipped topping. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream too much—just fold it in until it’s evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese mixture. This layer will be light, fluffy, and wonderfully creamy.
- Assemble the layers: Once the crust has cooled, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pecan crust. Use a spatula to smooth it out into an even layer, making sure to cover the crust completely. Next, carefully spread the prepared chocolate pudding over the cream cheese layer, ensuring an even distribution. After that, add the vanilla pudding layer on top of the chocolate pudding, spreading it gently to cover the entire surface. The contrasting colors of the chocolate and vanilla puddings will create a beautiful visual effect as they layer upon each other.
- Top with whipped cream: Once the pudding layers are spread out, take the remaining half of the whipped topping and spread it evenly over the vanilla pudding layer. This whipped cream layer adds a light, airy finish that balances the richness of the other layers.
- Garnish and chill: For a touch of elegance and crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans over the top of the whipped cream layer. You can also add grated chocolate for a decadent finishing touch. Place the dessert in the refrigerator and chill it for at least 3 to 4 hours, or until the layers are fully set and firm. This chilling time is crucial, as it allows the pudding to firm up and the flavors to meld together perfectly.
- Serve and enjoy: Once the dessert has chilled and set, it’s time to slice and serve. You’ll notice that the layers hold together beautifully, creating neat slices that reveal the gorgeous contrast of chocolate, vanilla, and cream. The pecans add a satisfying crunch to each bite, while the whipped cream and creamy layers of pudding provide a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth experience. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, from a weeknight treat to a special holiday gathering.
Notes
- Make it your own: If you’re looking to add a personal twist, try incorporating different nuts into the crust or topping. Walnuts or almonds would make a great substitute for the pecans, offering a slightly different flavor and texture. You can also experiment with different pudding flavors, such as butterscotch or caramel, to create new variations of this classic dessert.
- Use homemade pudding: For an extra indulgent touch, consider making your own chocolate and vanilla puddings instead of using the pre-packaged instant versions. Homemade pudding can add a deeper, more complex flavor to the dessert and take it to the next level.
- Gluten-free version: If you need a gluten-free version of this dessert, you can substitute the all-purpose flour in the crust with a gluten-free flour blend or even crushed gluten-free cookies for added flavor and texture.
- Make ahead: This dessert is perfect for preparing in advance. It can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator overnight, allowing the layers to set even more firmly. This makes it an excellent choice for parties, potlucks, or holiday gatherings where you need to prepare food ahead of time.