My Grandma’s 4 Layer Dessert all dressed up for Christmas! You’re going to love the all the yummy layers in this Chocolate Peppermint 4 Layer Dessert!
The other day I was flipping through the cookbook that my Aunt Lana had given all the nieces and nephews last Christmas. I stumbled upon “Grandma’s 4 Layer Dessert” and I was instantly flooded with memories. My Grandma or Aunt Lana would make this dessert for every family get together. It took different forms with different fillings but one thing always remained the same…
…it was INCREDIBLE!
My Grandma would pull out this pan (far larger than a 9×13) and within seconds everyone, big and small, would be storming the table ready to enjoy this fabulous dessert. The crust is basic but with the addition of pecans there is great flavor and texture. The second layer is all about creamy goodness with cream cheese and Cool Whip. The third layer is chocolate pudding and then the final layer is more Cool Whip.
Yeah, I know. Crazy good.
As I was reading through the recipe and remembering so many parties where I enjoyed this yummy dessert, I realized that I could make just a couple quick changes and it would be just perfect for Christmas!
Bring on the peppermint!
My Aunt Lana makes cakes. Like wedding cakes. So she would always add some thing pretty to the top like chocolate shavings, chopped nuts, etc., just to make it pretty. I added some chocolate shavings and crushed candy canes and it is seriously so pretty! I just love it!
Better than being pretty is the fact that this dessert is totally drool-worthy AND it can be made ahead of time! Bake off the crust, whip up the other layers and then assemble when ready. I know my Grandma would make this the morning of and pop it in the fridge and it was just perfect when we were ready to enjoy it in the evening.
Chocolate Peppermint 4 Layer Dessert
Ingredients
First Layer
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup crushed nuts I like pecans
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter melted
Second Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup Cool Whip from 8 oz container
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
Third Layer
- 6.8 oz chocolate instant pudding 2 packages
- 3 cups milk
Fourth Layer
- 1/3 cup Cool Whip Remaining Cool Whip from 8 oz container
- 1/4 cup chocolate shavings
- 1/4 cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
First Layer
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Combine ingredients and press into a 9x13 baking dish.
- Bake for 10 minutes.
- Cool.
Second Layer
- Beat cream cheese in a mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add in Cool Whip.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until thoroughly combined.
- Mix in peppermint extract.
- Spread on cool crust.
Third Layer
- Combine pudding mix and milk and prepare according to package instructions.
- Spread over second layer.
Fourth Layer
- Top third layer with remaining Cool Whip.
- Sprinkle on chocolate shavings and crushed candy canes.
- Keep refrigerated.
Nutrition
I don’t know but this may be my last peppermint recipe of the season…what do you think? Are we ready to move on to more Christmas flavors or should we keep going on this fun peppermint kick? I could totally go either way 🙂
More peppermint recipes I love:
Easy Christmas Peppermint Patties
White Chocolate Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bark
Soft and Chewy Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Connect with me!
Linking up at some of these parties.
Maureen says
I have some people looking for gluten-free desserts…..do you know what I can substitute for flour? Thanks, I’m new at this!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Probably gluten-free flour would work!
Dina says
mmm i love the chocolate and mint!
Lauralynn says
Hi Trish, my boyfriend is allergic to peanuts and tree nuts, but I really want to make this. Do you think I could use Pillsbury peppermint sugar cookie dough instead for the first layer? Or is there something else you recommend instead? Thanks so much! This looks great and I love your blog!!!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Hi Lauralynn 🙂 Yes! Definitely use Pillsbury peppermint sugar cookie dough – it will be amazing! So glad you stopped by – have a wonderful weekend!
Jocelyn @BruCrew Life says
I love peppermint twist to this classic pudding dessert! It has me drooling!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Me too! Thanks Jocelyn!
Laura @ Laura's Culinary Adventures says
Yum! I am loving all these chocolate and peppermint recipies!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you so much Laura!
Ila says
Peppermint and chocolate….oh, that is my favorite combination! Can’t wait to try this!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Mine too – at least right now 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
Great layered dessert, love seeing all these festive and fun colors!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Oh me too Pamela! Thanks for visiting!
Heather @ French Press says
my grandma made the same thing, but we called it slush cake – LOVED it, and I bet peppermint is delicious
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
That’s awesome Heather! Peppermint is definitely a great addition 🙂
Anne ~ Uni Homemaker says
I love how festive these are! Chocolate and peppermint are a great combo! Thanks for sharing this fabulous recipe. 🙂
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you Anne and thanks for stopping by!
Heather Lynne says
Trish, this is making me drool!!
And all of the recipes you linked to at the bottom of your post… *drool* 😉 haha
I would love for you to link any or all of them up at my Christmas Themed link party here: http://www.raisingmemories.com/2013/12/december-2013-sharing-time-week-in.html
Have a wonderful Christmas!
~Heather
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
You are so sweet Heather – thank you!
Jodi says
OH – and I pinned it!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thanks Jodi!
Jodi says
I love peppermint thing. This looks fabulous!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Me too Jodi – thank yoU!
Marcie says
I grew up on this, Trish! My aunt, who passed away several years ago, made this all the time and it was what I looked forward to most. I’ve never made it and I need to! I love that you added peppermint — looks delicious!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
You and me both it sounds like Marcie 🙂 Such a great, simple recipe! Thanks for stopping by!
Julianne @ Beyond Frsoting says
WHY did I look at this when I am already so hungry and craving sweets. It looks AMAZING!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you Julianne!
Nancy P.@thebittersideofsweet says
These types of layered desserts are always the best! I love the combination of peppermint and chocolate!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I totally agree Nancy! Layers are always yummy 🙂