If you’re craving an utterly irresistible dessert that’s creamy, dreamy, and perfectly indulgent, Texas Yum Yum is about to become your new obsession. This layered treat gives you crunchy, buttery goodness, a luxuriously smooth cream cheese filling, rich chocolate pudding, and a crown of fluffy whipped topping! With every bite, you taste a harmonious balance of textures and flavors, making Texas Yum Yum a surefire hit at potlucks or family dinners. From the first spoonful, you’ll see why this decadent classic has won hearts all across the Lone Star State!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in Texas Yum Yum plays a starring role, bringing irresistible flavor and the signature layered look everyone loves. Gather these staples, and you’ll be amazed at how this simple lineup creates dessert magic.
- Pecans: These add a buttery, nutty crunch and make the crust unforgettable.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for your golden-brown crust – classic and reliable!
- Butter: Rich, salted butter binds your crust and lends melt-in-your-mouth flavor.
- Cream cheese: The key to a plush, tangy-sweet layer that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the creamy filling without any grittiness.
- Frozen whipped topping (like Cool Whip): Light and airy, it softens the richness and adds that gorgeous billowy finish.
- Instant chocolate pudding mix: Brings deep chocolate flavor and a heavenly pudding texture you just can’t resist.
- Cold milk: Ensures your pudding sets perfectly smooth and creamy.
How to Make Texas Yum Yum
Step 1: Make the Pecan Crust
Start by combining your chopped pecans, flour, and melted butter in a mixing bowl. Mix until you get a crumbly dough. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 18-20 minutes, or until your crust becomes lightly golden and aromatic. Let it cool completely before moving on—the crust needs to be firm so your layers stay neat.
Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling
Beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until super smooth and creamy. Fold in half of the whipped topping to create a light, mousse-like layer. Spread this mixture over the completely cooled crust, making sure to reach every edge so the next layers don’t seep through.
Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Pudding
In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk for about two minutes until it thickens marvelously. Allow it to set for a few more minutes, then pour and carefully spread this luscious pudding over your cream cheese layer.
Step 4: Top with Whipped Goodness
Finish strong by spreading the remaining whipped topping all over the pudding layer, smoothing it out for a cloud-like finish. For a little extra pizzazz, sprinkle more chopped pecans or a bit of grated chocolate on top. Refrigerate the entire Texas Yum Yum for at least four hours—overnight is even better—so it can chill and set up into perfect, sliceable layers.
How to Serve Texas Yum Yum
Garnishes
Dress up your Texas Yum Yum by scattering extra toasted pecans, a dusting of cocoa powder, or delicate chocolate curls across the top. These finishing touches add both flair and a little hint of what’s inside, making each piece look ultra-inviting.
Side Dishes
This dessert shines on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the table, serve it alongside fresh berries or a light fruit salad. The acidity and juiciness contrast beautifully with the creamy, chocolatey layers, turning your treat into a well-balanced finale.
Creative Ways to Present
Try dishing Texas Yum Yum in mini mason jars or cocktail glasses for individual servings—perfect for parties! For a different twist, add a layer of sliced strawberries between the cream cheese and pudding layers, or swap chocolate pudding for butterscotch for a Texan flavor remix.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Texas Yum Yum tightly covered in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and fabulous for up to 4 days, and some say those flavors meld even more beautifully on day two!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Texas Yum Yum if you want to get ahead or save leftovers for later. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
This delectable treat is best enjoyed cold, so there’s no need to heat it up! Simply cut and serve straight from the fridge. If you froze it, allow plenty of time to thaw so the layers return to that dreamy, creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Absolutely! Freshly whipped cream works beautifully in Texas Yum Yum. Just be sure it’s whipped to stiff peaks for the best texture, and sweeten lightly to taste.
What size pan is best for this dessert?
The classic 9×13-inch baking dish is ideal, giving you perfectly thick layers and easy-to-slice portions. You can use smaller pans for taller layers, but make sure to adjust chilling time accordingly.
Is there a gluten-free version of Texas Yum Yum?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend, and you’ll still get a deliciously crisp crust. Be sure to check that your pudding mix is gluten-free as well.
How far in advance can I make Texas Yum Yum?
You can easily make it a day ahead—the flavors only get better as they meld together in the fridge overnight. Just wait to garnish until just before serving for the prettiest presentation.
Can I add other flavors to the dessert?
Texas Yum Yum is ready for your spin! Try using vanilla or butterscotch pudding, swirling in fruit preserves with the cream cheese layer, or adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the crust for a fun, flavorful twist.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re serving it up for a celebration or sneaking a night-time treat from the fridge, Texas Yum Yum always brings big smiles and happy bellies. I hope you love every luscious forkful as much as I do—go ahead, give it a try and see why it’s a Texas favorite!
PrintTexas Yum Yum Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Texas Yum Yum is a crowd-pleasing, no-bake dessert featuring luscious layers of sweetened cream cheese, chocolate pudding, and a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for potlucks and family gatherings, this make-ahead treat is creamy, chocolatey, and guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
Chocolate Pudding Layer
- 2 (3.9 ounce) packages instant chocolate pudding mix
- 3 1/2 cups cold milk
Topping
- 2 cups whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- Chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined and the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating an even layer. Place the dish in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the next layer.
- Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and continue beating until well blended. Gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is light and fluffy. Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
- Prepare the Chocolate Pudding: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk until thick and smooth, about 2 minutes. Let the pudding sit for 5 minutes to fully thicken.
- Assemble the Pudding Layer: Carefully spread the prepared chocolate pudding evenly over the cream cheese layer, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Add the Topping and Chill: Spread the remaining whipped topping over the pudding layer. Sprinkle with chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips for garnish, if desired. Refrigerate the Texas Yum Yum for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the layers to set.
- Serve: Slice into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute vanilla pudding for the chocolate for a fun twist.
- Full-fat cream cheese and whipped topping yield the richest flavor, but lighter versions work as well.
- Allow ample chilling time for neat, clean slices.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (about 1/12th of dish)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 36mg
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