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Next Best Thing to Robert Redford Dessert
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4.85 from 133 votes

Next Best Thing to Robert Redford Dessert

The Next Best Thing to Robert Redford Dessert is full of layers of creamy, chocolaty goodness on top of a pecan shortbread crust. This throwback to the 70's dessert is a fun choice for parties and potlucks.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 12
Calories: 477kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 10 tablespoons butter melted
  • 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
  • 8 ounces 1/3 less fat (Neufchatel) or regular cream cheese
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 16 ounces whipped topping (2 8-ounce containers) like Cool Whip
  • 5.1 ounces vanilla instant pudding
  • 5.9 ounces chocolate fudge instant pudding
  • 3 cups milk
  • ¼ cup grated semi-sweet chocolate bar
  • additional finely chopped nuts for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 13- x 9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine flour, melted butter, and chopped nuts until well combined and crumbly. Press into the prepared baking dish and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until lightly golden brown around edges. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
  • In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Fold in 1 container of Cool Whip and stir to combine well. Spread over cooled crust.
  • In a clean bowl, whisk both the vanilla and chocolate pudding mix with 3 cups cold milk. Whisk together until smooth and thickened and spread over cream cheese layer. Spread remaining container of Cool Whip over the top.
  • Cover dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight. Garnish with the grated chocolate and additional finely chopped nuts, if desired, before serving.
  • Garnish with the grated chocolate and additional finely chopped nuts, if desired, before serving.

Notes

If you prefer less whipping topping you may choose not to use the entire second container for the top layer. Optionally, you may substitute one (12-ounce) container of Cool Whip, using half for the cream cheese layer and the remaining half for the top layer.

Nutrition

Calories: 477kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 46mg | Sodium: 504mg | Potassium: 275mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 41g | Vitamin A: 527IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 155mg | Iron: 1mg