I think I’ve found my new favorite dessert, it’s from itsy bitsy foodies. I made this layered pudding dessert to take to my dad’s for his birthday/Christmas eve get together. My entire family raved. My brother-in-law and sister both asked for the recipe. I hope you go and make this ASAP! I’ve seen this recipe with Cool Whip substituted for whipped cream…your call. I prefer whipped cream and now that I have this, it takes no time at all.
I’m still in shock!! I’ve been coveting a KitchenAid Stand Mixer for 5+ years now. Mike surprised me on Wednesday with my very own stand mixer! EEEEEEKKK!!!! I had about 15 minutes of “Oh my god! Oh my god! Oh my god!” Then another 2 days of “I can’t believe I have a stand mixer!” and squealing every time I look at it. I may have kissed it a few times too.
{Doesn’t she look like she’s always belonged on my counter?}
I’m still freaking out! I wanted to tell everyone, but had to keep things on the DL for a few days. It was so hard to not tell. Mike had the best idea ever. His friend Kyle works for a company that does vinyl wrapping. I’ve seen stand mixer decals like these, but with Kyle’s hook-up could take any picture or design and have them wrap the entire mixer. I’m on the hunt for the perfect picture.
Okay. Focus Julie. Focus. You made dessert.

The Next Best Thing to Robert Redford
Ingredients
Shortbread Layer:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans or almonds
Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 recipe homemade whipped cream {below} [or 1/2 tub Cool Whip]
Pudding Layer:
- 1 large package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 large package instant chocolate pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
Whipped Cream:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Garnish:
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
Whipped Cream:
-
Whip all ingredients together until medium to stiff peaks form; set aside.
Shortbread Layer:
-
Mix together the flour, butter and chopped nuts until the dough is crumble-like.
-
Press the mixture into a greased 9″ x 13″ pan.
-
Bake the shortbread crust at 350 degrees F for 15 to 20 minutes of until lightly golden. Let the cookie crust cool.
Cream Cheese Layer:
-
Beat the sugar into the cream cheese until it is smooth. Fold in the whipped cream (or 1/2 tub Cool Whip). Spread the mixture over the cooled crust.
Pudding Layer:
-
Beat the milk into the pudding mixes until the mixture is smooth and thickened. Spread the pudding over the middle layer.
Garnish:
-
Spread remaining whipped cream (or Cool Whip) over top of pudding and sprinkle mini chocolate chips. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Recipe Notes
Photos are of a half batch prepared in a 9" x 9" baking dish.
The old photo of this recipe.
So sad. No justice done to how wonderful this dessert is.