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How To Make A Chocolate Lush

Published: June 8, 2021 • 
Last Modified: November 29, 2023
Published: November 29, 2023

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Four Layers Of No-Bake Deliciousness

chocolate lush

Whoever first named this creation "Chocolate Lush" wins the prize for the most perfect descriptive name of a dessert in the entire history of dessert nomenclature. Seriously, it's an ideal name because it is so perfectly lush.

Someone you know is going to be crazy about this dessert. For some people, chocolate is a food group. We all know a person who honestly believes there's no such thing as too much chocolate. (My brother Stan) For them, the creamiest, chocolatiest chocolate desserts are a sacrament. This chocolate lush recipe is for those people.

4 layer chocolate dessert

This impressive-looking dessert requires no baking at all and only seven ingredients. The kitchen stays cool, so it's perfect when you don't want to turn on the oven. It's easy to put together, and you can make it a day or two ahead, saving time when kitchen demands are greater. What's more, it feeds a crowd who will probably want to lick their fork before you pick up their plates!

What You Need To Make Chocolate Lush

Here's what you need to make it:

  • Butter
  • Chocolate sandwich cookies
  • Milk
  • Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix
  • Cream Cheese
  • Powdered Sugar
  • Whipped topping

Smash 39 Chocolate Sandwich Cookies To Start

OK, I'll admit the number is a little random, but you may understand if you have a cookie snitcher (Papa) at your house. Typically, a package of Oreo-type chocolate sandwich cookies, famous or store brand, contains 45 cookies.

But if there's a cookie thief around, sometimes a few "fall in the sink," like my old Danish grandma used to say. It turns out fine with a full package or a few less. It's not worth a fuss!! 😊

crush chocolate sandwich cookies

This step is super easy if you have a food processor. (If not, a zip lock bag and a rolling pin to smash them will work fine!) First, crunch the cookies a little, then pulse until you have fine crumbs.

Next, I put a half stick of butter in a glass measuring cup without unwrapping it. Then, I lay a paper napkin on top to catch spatters and put it in the microwave. It takes just over 30 seconds to melt the butter. Easy peasy and no mess!

chocolate crumbs with butter

Toss the wrapper and the napkin in the trash. Drizzle the melted butter into the food processor with the cookie crumbs. Pulse until they are blended. Save back about a cup of crumbs for the topping, then press into a 13" by 9" pan. I like to use a glass pan to show off the attractive layers!

first layer in chocolate lush

Next, make the chocolate pudding the way it says on the box and put it in the fridge to set. Don't forget to lick the beaters. Someone has to! While that is chilling, you can whip up the yummiest layer of all!

chocolate pudding

Add Another Layer To Your Chocolate Lush

Cream cheese is the magic ingredient in so many desserts, and in this dessert, it's sweetened a bit with powdered sugar and fluffed up with a carton of whipped topping.

make the cream cheese layer

Spread this carefully over the chocolate crumb crust. This step actually made me slow down a bit. It works best to gently push the topping toward the edges to avoid pulling up the crumbs from the crust. It's worth it. Everything else is fast!!

second layer of chcocolate lush

Once that step is complete, spread the chocolate pudding on top of the cream cheese layer. It's getting better by the minute! Then, add a whole carton of (defrosted) whipped topping on top of the pudding. Yep, the entire carton! Remember, this feeds a bunch!

whipped topping on chocolate lush

Remember that cup of cookie crumbs you saved? You did keep them, didn't you? Sprinkle them over the whipped topping layer and refrigerate the pan until ready to serve.

crumb topping on chocolate lush

If you forgot, you can use toffee bits, chocolate chips, or sprinkles instead. I'll never tell; it will be our secret forever!!

Delight Them With The Perfect Chocolate Lush

There will be ooohing. There will be ahhs. Someone will try to sneak an extra piece, but I seriously doubt anyone will leave the table disappointed! It will be a dessert win! I hope you try it soon!

chocolate lush

Here's your printable recipe card!

Yield: 16 servings

Chocolate Lush

4 layer chocolate dessert

An easy, no-bake chocolate dessert using just seven simple ingredients. Perfect when you have a big group to serve!

Prep Time 30 minutes
Additional Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • One 14.3-ounce package of chocolate sandwich cookies
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • One 5.9-ounce pkg chocolate instant pudding (I used two regular size packages)
  • 8 Tbsp melted butter
  • 16 oz whipped topping, defrosted ( two 8-ounce tubs)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2¾ cups milk

Instructions

  1. Crumble cookies into a food processor and pulse until they form fine crumbs.
  2. Add melted butter and pulse until the butter is all incorporated.
  3. Reserve 1 cup of cookie crumbs for topping.
  4. Press the crumb mixture into a 13" by 9" pan.
  5. Make pudding according to package directions and refrigerate to thicken.
  6. Mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and beat until smooth.
  7. Fold in one carton of whipped topping and beat until well blended.
  8. Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over the crumb crust.
  9. Spread the pudding over the cream cheese layer.
  10. Spread the second carton of whipped topping on top of the pudding layer.
  11. Sprinkle crumbs evenly over the whipped topping.
  12. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve or up to two days ahead.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

16

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 477Total Fat: 31gSaturated Fat: 21gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 43mgSodium: 198mgCarbohydrates: 44gFiber: 2gSugar: 37gProtein: 6g

Does your family have a "special occasion" dessert? Is there someone in your family who would rather have a certain dessert instead of a birthday cake? Here's one we really like: A Light And Delicious Pistachio Dessert.

I can't resist sharing another cool, creamy chocolate dessert recipe here! This one has a cream puff crust, and it's divine, too! Crazy Good Chocolate Cream Puff Dessert.

If you liked this recipe, you are my people! So please share this post on your social media accounts like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest if you enjoyed this recipe today. It would sure tickle me, and I'd be ever so grateful; thank you! 

If you haven't already, please look for me on Facebook and Pinterest, where I will share easy, delicious, family-friendly recipes every week!

Love, GB (Betty Streff)

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