Chocolate Caramel Delight No-Bake Dessert

Table of Contents

• Why You’ll Love This Crowd-Pleasing Treat
• The Perfect Dessert for Easy Entertaining
• How to Achieve Those Beautiful Layers
• Why No-Bake Dishes Are a Lifesaver
• Make it Ahead for Stress-Free Sweetness
• Recipe Variations: Get Creative!
• Chocolate Caramel Delight No-Bake Dessert
• Notes & Tips

Key Takeaways

This Chocolate Caramel Delight is a guaranteed showstopper that’s deceptively simple to make. Here’s the gist: you’ll layer a buttery graham cracker crust with a fluffy cream cheese filling, rich chocolate pudding, pillowy whipped topping, and a generous drizzle of caramel. The magic is in its no-bake nature—just assemble, chill, and serve. It’s the ultimate easy dessert for feeding a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Crowd-Pleasing Treat

As someone who values both flavor and simplicity, I’m Betty from Betty Cooks, and I’m thrilled to share one of my favorite simple recipes. Finding easy recipes that genuinely impress can be a challenge, but this dessert is a true exception. It delivers incredible taste with minimal effort, making it one of the best quick desserts in my repertoire. The combination of textures—from the crunchy crust to the creamy layers—is absolutely irresistible.

The Perfect Dessert for Easy Entertaining

Whether you’re hosting a casual potluck or a more formal dinner party, this dish fits right in. Its make-ahead nature means you can focus on your guests, not the clock. This is the kind of easy dessert recipe that becomes a requested staple because it’s universally loved and incredibly simple to put together.

How to Achieve Those Beautiful Layers

The visual appeal of this dessert is half the fun! The key is allowing each layer to set slightly before adding the next. A firm press for the crust and a few minutes of chilling between the creamy and pudding layers ensure clean, distinct stripes that make every slice picture-perfect.

Why No-Bake Dishes Are a Lifesaver

Especially during warmer months, turning on the oven is the last thing you want to do. This entire simple recipe comes together without any heat, keeping your kitchen cool. This approach is what makes it such a fantastic quick dessert—no baking, no waiting for things to cool, just straightforward assembly.

Make it Ahead for Stress-Free Sweetness

Planning is the secret weapon for any successful host. This dessert not only can be made ahead—it should be. Chilling it overnight allows the flavors to meld and the texture to become perfectly sliceable, transforming it from good to absolutely sublime. It’s the ultimate quick and easy dessert strategy.

Recipe Variations: Get Creative!

While the classic version is divine, don’t be afraid to make it your own. Swap the chocolate pudding for butterscotch or vanilla. Use a different cookie for the crust, like crushed Oreos or gingersnaps. Top with sea salt, toffee bits, or fresh berries. The framework of this easy dessert is wonderfully adaptable.

Chocolate Caramel Delight No-Bake Dessert

This easy and no-bake Chocolate Caramel Delight is a show-stopping dessert with layers of chocolate, caramel, and cream. It’s perfect for any occasion and requires no oven time.

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Total Time4 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Keywords: chocolate caramel delight, chocolate pudding, cream cheese dessert, easy dessert, easy recipes, No-Bake Dessert, quick desserts

Servings: 12 servings

Author: Betty

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Filling

• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 (8 oz) container frozen whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed, divided
• 2 (3.4 oz) packages instant chocolate pudding mix
• 3 cups cold milk
• 1 cup caramel sauce or topping
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• Chocolate shavings or additional caramel for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Make the Crust

1. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until well mixed.
2. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to form an even layer.
3. Place in the refrigerator to set while you prepare the filling.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy.
2. Gently fold in 1 cup of the thawed whipped topping until fully incorporated.
3. Spread this mixture evenly over the chilled crust. Return the dish to the refrigerator.

Make the Pudding Layer

1. In another large bowl, whisk the chocolate pudding mixes with the cold milk for 2 minutes, until it begins to thicken.
2. Let the pudding stand for 5 minutes to set further.
3. Carefully pour and spread the pudding over the cream cheese layer.

Assemble and Chill

1. Spread the remaining whipped topping over the pudding layer.
2. Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the top.
3. Sprinkle with chopped nuts and chocolate shavings, if using.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the dessert to set completely.
5. Slice into squares and serve chilled.

Notes

For best results, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth mixture. You can use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.