Description
This Cream Puff Dessert combines a light, airy pastry base with a rich, creamy chocolate pudding filling, topped with whipped cream, drizzled chocolate and caramel sauces, and crunchy chopped almonds for a delightful layered treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry Dough
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
Filling
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 3–1/2 cups cold 2% milk
- 2 packages (3.9 ounces each) instant chocolate pudding mix
Topping
- 1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 1/4 cup chocolate ice cream topping
- 1/4 cup caramel ice cream topping
- 1/3 cup chopped almonds
Instructions
- Mix the cream puff dough: In a large saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil over medium heat. Add the flour all at once, stirring vigorously until a smooth ball of dough forms.
- Add the eggs: Remove the dough from heat and let it rest for five minutes. Then add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition until the mixture is smooth and shiny.
- Bake the crust: Spread the dough evenly into a greased 13×9-inch baking pan. Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until the crust is puffed and golden brown.
- Let the crust cool: Transfer the pan to a wire rack and allow the crust to cool completely before proceeding.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, cold milk, and instant chocolate pudding mixes until smooth and well combined.
- Add the filling: Spread the chocolate pudding filling evenly over the cooled pastry crust. Refrigerate for 20 minutes to set.
- Finish the dessert: Spread the thawed whipped topping over the chocolate filling layer. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Just before serving, drizzle the chocolate ice cream topping and caramel ice cream topping on top, then sprinkle with chopped almonds for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the eggs are at room temperature before adding to the dough for better incorporation.
- Allow the crust to cool completely before adding the filling to prevent melting or sogginess.
- Chilled milk helps the pudding set properly and keeps the filling smooth.
- Use a wire rack for cooling to keep the crust crisp on the bottom.
- For best results, prepare the dessert a few hours in advance so flavors meld together.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cream Puff Dessert, chocolate pudding dessert, layered cream cheese dessert, easy baked dessert, no-bake pudding filling
