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If you’re a lover of all things chocolate then this Chocolate Lush Dessert is a must-make dessert recipe with three no bake layers of creamy chocolate goodness. Classic chocolate lush starts with a buttery graham cracker crust, sweet cream cheese layer, chocolate instant pudding layer, and whipped topping for the final layer.
Layered lush desserts are so versatile! Check out this Strawberry Cheesecake Lush, Raspberry Cheesecake Lush, and Chocolate Peanut Butter Lush.
Delicious Chocolate Lush Recipe (No Bake Layered Dessert)
Indulge with this crowd-pleasing, chocolaty dessert with four no bake layers! A sweet Oreo cookie crust, a no bake cheesecake layer, creamy and cool chocolate pudding layer, and finished off with whipped cream and mini chocolate chips, chocolate shavings, or chopped Oreo cookies.
This lush dessert never lasts long and everyone loves it. Learn how to make the easiest chocolate lush recipe with detailed step-by-step instructions, and all my tips for success below.
Ingredients Needed For Chocolate Lush
- Oreo Cookie Crumbs : Use finely ground Oreo cookie crumbs for the crust. It’s best to use a food chopper or food processor to grind them really finely.
- Melted Butter : Salted butter or unsalted butter can both be used, whichever you prefer.
- Cream Cheese : For the best thick texture and rich flavor I only recommend using full-fat cream cheese in this layered dessert.
- Powdered Sugar : Sweetener for the no bake cheesecake layer.
- Cool Whip : 16 ounces is what the recipe calls for. I think it’s easiest to buy two separate containers (8 oz each) but you can also buy the larger tub (16 oz) and just guesstimate half for each of the steps that call for it.
- Instant Chocolate Pudding : Only use the instant pudding mix and not the cook n’ serve version of pudding.
- Half and Half : The extra fat and thickness of half and half is what this layered dessert needs in order to set and thicken properly.
- Mini Chocolate Chips : Used as a garnish on top of the lush dessert before serving. Don’t add them until right before serving.
How To Make Chocolate Layered Lush with Chocolate Instant Pudding and Whipped Topping (Recipe Card Below)
Because this lush dessert is no bake, the prep time is so simple! There are 4 different layers to this dessert that include simple ingredients and no bake time needed. You will need an electric hand mixer and some mixing bowls to prepare this lush dessert.
Oreo Cookie Crust
- Place the whole Oreo cookies into a food processor or food chopper. Pulse until it’s fine crumbs. The finer, and more ground the Oreo crumbs are is better for the crust.
- In a mixing bowl, add the crushed Oreo cookie crumbs and melted butter. Stir until all the crumbs are evenly coated in butter.
- Firmly press the Oreo cookie crust into the bottom of a 9×13 baking pan. The crust is the first layer in this lush dessert.
- Place the pan in the freezer for 20 minutes.
Cream Cheese Layer
- In a mixing bowl, using an electric hand mixer, blend the cream cheese and powdered sugar until no lumps remain in the batter and it’s smooth.
- Add 8 ounces of the whipped topping (Cool Whip) and beat on low speed just until incorporated.
- Spread the cream cheese layer evenly over the Oreo cookie crust. Make sure to spread it all the way to the sides of the pan to ensure that each layer stays intact from the one above it. This will make the second layer of this lush dessert.
Chocolate Pudding Layer
- In a separate mixing bowl, add the dry chocolate instant pudding mix and half and half milk. Use a whisk to whisk it together until it starts to thicken (about 1-2 minutes). Let the pudding sit for 5 minutes so it can thicken even more.
- Evenly spread the chocolate pudding on top of the cream cheese layer. This will make the third layer of the lush dessert.
Cool Whip/Whipped Cream Layer
- For the fourth and final layer, spread the remaining 8 ounces of Cool Whip over top.
- Securely cover the pan with plastic wrap or a lid.
- Refrigerate the lush dessert for at least 6-8 hours, but overnight is best!
- Right before serving garnish the top of the chocolate lush with mini chocolate chips, chocolate shavings, or additional chopped Oreo cookies. Enjoy!
How Many Oreos Do You Need For 2 1/2 Cups Crushed Oreo Crumbs?
It takes approximately 26 whole Oreo cookies in order to get the 2 1/2 cups of crumbs called for in the recipe. I find it easiest to use a food processor or food chopper to crush the Oreo cookies into fine crumbs. The finer the crumbs the better for a cookie crust.
If you don’t have a food processor or food chopper, then place the Oreos into a heavy-duty Ziploc bag and use a rolling pin or meat pounder to crush the Oreos into fine crumbs.
Can I Use Homemade Whipped Cream Instead of Cool Whip?
Yes! If you don’t love the idea of using Cool Whip then make your own. It will require about 5-8 minutes of extra prep time, but it is a tasty substitution if wanted.
To equal 16 ounces of Cool Whip you will need to add 3 cups of heavy whipping cream + 3/4 cup of powdered sugar to a mixing bowl. Beat on low speed until stiff peaks form. Start at low speed and increase speed as needed.
Serving Suggestions For Chocolate Lush
Instead of mini chocolate chips you can top chocolate lush with chocolate shavings (use a vegetable peeler and a chocolate bar) or additional chopped Oreo cookies.
Chocolate Lush needs to be served chilled from the fridge.
More Must-Try Chocolate Desserts
- Chocolate Eclair Icebox Cake
- Chocolate Chip Brownies
- Easy Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars
- Chocolate Reese’s Cookies
- Chocolate Brownie Bundt Cake
- No Bake Double Chocolate Cream Pie
- Perfect Chocolate Sheet Cake
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
- Milk Chocolate Marshmallow Pie
Chocolate Lush Dessert
Ingredients
Oreo Cookie Crust
- 2½ cups Oreo cookie crumbs
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter melted
Cream Cheese Layer
- 1 bar (8 oz) full-fat cream cheese room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 8 ounces Cool Whip thawed
Chocolate Pudding Layer
- 1 box (5.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding
- 3 cups half and half
Whipped Cream & Garnish Layer
- 8 ounces Cool Whip thawed
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- chopped Oreo cookies or chocolate shavings (additional garnish options)
Instructions
- Oreo Cookie Crust : Combine the Oreo cookie crumbs and melted butter in a mixing bowl and stir until the crumbs are evenly coated in the butter. It should look like wet sand. Firmly press the mixture into the bottom of a rectangle 9×13 baking pan. Cover the pan with foil, plastic wrap, or a lid and place it in the freezer for 20 minutes while you prepare the other layers.2½ cups Oreo cookie crumbs, 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- Cream Cheese Layer : Using a mixing bowl and electric hand mixer, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and no lumps remain. Add in the Cool Whip, and continue beating on low speed until combined. Set aside.1 bar (8 oz) full-fat cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, 8 ounces Cool Whip
- Chocolate Pudding Layer : Add the dry instant chocolate pudding mix and half and half into a mixing bowl. Whisk together for 1-2 minutes until it starts to thicken. Let the bowl sit for 5 minutes so it can thicken even more.1 box (5.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding, 3 cups half and half
- Assemble Chocolate Lush/Fridge Time : – Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over top the Oreo crust. Make sure to spread it all the way to the sides of the pan to ensure the layers stay intact. – Evenly spread the chocolate pudding layer over top the cream cheese layer. Again, make sure to spread it all the way to the edges of the pan. – Spread the remaining 8 ounces of Cool Whip over top the pudding layer for the final layer. Cover the pan with a lid, plastic wrap, or foil and place it in the fridge for at least 6-8 hours, or overnight is even better.8 ounces Cool Whip
- Serve : Right before serving, sprinkle the mini chocolate chips over top and cut into slices. For big servings cut into 12 large squares OR I find that it's best cut into 15-18 squares for smaller servings.1/2 cup mini chocolate chips, chopped Oreo cookies or chocolate shavings
Notes
Did You Make This Recipe?
I’d love to see it! You can share it with me on @togetherasfamilyblog and follow on Pinterest @together-as-family-blog-recipes or Facebook @togetherasfamilyblog for more!
So easy, so delicious, well written instructions!! We love it ❤️
Thank you! I love hearing when a recipe turns out well or it was a success.