from Peace by Chocolate
A great basic recipe to change up components and make variations of a yummy dessert.
Ingredients
Base:
1 pack chocolate graham crackers
1/2 cup unsalted butter
Mousse:
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 package cream cheese
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 cup whipped cream
Pudding:
1 pack instant chocolate pudding mix
2 cups milk
Directions
Crush the chocolate graham crackers in a zip-top bag until they’re finely crumbled. Mix these crumbs with melted butter until they resemble wet sand. Firmly press the mixture into an 8×8-inch baking dish to form a sturdy crust.
Gently melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips over a double boiler or in the microwave. Whisk in cream cheese and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Fold in the whipped cream until just combined.
Pour the mousse layer over your crust, spreading it evenly. Prepare the instant pudding mix according to the package instructions using milk, then layer it over the mousse. Smooth it out for a beautiful finish.
Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 4 hours or, for the best results, overnight until it’s fully set and flavors meld beautifully.
Using a sharp knife, cut the dessert into squares or serve it in jars for individual portions. Top with extra whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate, or fresh berries for a pop of color and flavor!
Variations
Fruit Layering: Incorporate sliced strawberries or bananas between the mousse and pudding layers to add a fresh, fruity surprise.
Nutty Delight: Stir in crushed nuts like almonds or hazelnuts into the mousse for a delightful crunch that complements the creaminess.
Creamy Coconut: Replace whipped cream with coconut cream for a tropical twist that adds richness and flavor, perfect for summer days.
Rich Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a deeper, more intense chocolate flavor that will satisfy the most dedicated chocoholic.
Spiced Up: Add a dash of cinnamon or instant espresso powder to the chocolate mixture to enhance flavors and introduce an unexpected depth.
Layered Pudding: Try different flavors of pudding mix, such as vanilla or butterscotch, layered with chocolate for a fun and colorful dessert
Nada’s Tips & Tricks: Substitute the graham crackers for crushed digestive or Oreo cookies. Use mascarpone instead of cream cheese. Instead of the powdered sugar, try honey or maple syrup. So many variations – go wild!
Contents and images used with permission by Canadian Cookbooks.