Holy Smokes, this dessert truly lives up to its name!! This chocolate dessert has become a family favorite. My kids and their friends beg me to make "Holy Smoke" when we get together. It is the kind of dessert that brings smiles, sticky fingers, and memories. I am excited to share it with you, and I hope it becomes a favorite for your family, too!
Holy Smoke is a layered pudding chocolate dessert that looks impressive and tastes amazing, yet it is surprisingly easy to make! It starts with a buttery pecan cookie crust that's topped with layers of cream cheese filling, rich instant pudding mix, and a blanket of Cool Whip.
This dessert is perfect for all of the chocolate lovers in your life. It's the perfect treat to bring to parties, potlucks, and holiday gatherings, and people always ask me for the recipe. One bite and you'll understand why!
Jump to:
Ingredients
For the Crust
- All-purpose flour- The sturdy foundation to hold your crust together.
- Pecans - these make every bite feel a little fancy
- Butter- the golden goodness
- Salt- to wake up all the other flavors
For the Filling
- Cream Cheese- smooth, tangy, and creamy
- Powdered Sugar - soft, sweet, and fluffy sugar that blends seamlessly
- Cool Whip - an airy, melt-in-your-mouth layer that makes everything luscious.
- Vanilla Pudding Mix - for depth and a lovely contrast
- Chocolate Pudding Mix - rich, smooth, and deeply chocolately. This is the star of the show!
- Milk - whole milk works best
- Chocolate Chip - These are optional, just for some extra fun!
Variations of "holy Smoke."
Holy Smoke has many other names you may recognize. It's also called Holy Smoke Cake or Holy Smoke Pie. I've heard it called Chocolate Delight, Better Than Robert Redford, Four-Layer Dessert, and even a Holy Cow Dessert. No matter how you know this dish, the recipe concept pretty much stays the same.
Crust Options: Instead of chopped pecans, try walnuts or almonds. If you need to stay away from nuts completely, crushed Oreos and graham crackers, and vanilla wafers work perfectly!
Customize the Pudding: Tired of chocolate? Use a banana or lemon pudding to lighten it up. If you're cooking for a holiday, try a pumpkin or seasonal-flavored pudding to fit the theme!
Adding Flavor to Cream Cheese: Adding coconut, almond, or vanilla extract takes the topping to another level! We've even mixed peanut butter into the topping layer for a more Reeces-type Holy Smoke dessert.
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a baking dish.
- Step 2 : Bottom Layer - Mix together flour, chopped pecans, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Press the mixture into the bottom of the baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes. Then, let it cool completely.
- Step 3: Middle Layer - Mix cream cheese and powdered sugar. Once mixed, fold in 8 oz of Cool Whip and spread evenly on the cooled crust.
- Step 4: Top Layer - Mix together puddings and milk. Spread evenly on top. Place in the fridge for 2 hours to cool before serving. Top with remaining Cool Whip and mini chocolate chips (optional).
- Step 5: Top with remaining Cool Whip and mini chocolate chips (optional).
Pro Tip: I use less milk than the mix calls for to yield a slightly more set texture for slicing purposes.
Equipment and Supplies
- Glass Mixing bowls - these are perfect for prepping and mixing
- Spatula - every kitchen needs a good spatula for mixing and folding ingredients.
- 9x13 dish - I love this dish because it has a lid and is perfect for storing.
- Measuring cups - I love these nesting measuring cups! I reach for the each time I cook.
- Whisk - no kitchen is complete without a good whisk!
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Holy Smoke (if you have leftovers) keeps beautifully. Just cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. The layers will stay creamy and delicious for 3-4 days.
We do not recommend freezing Holy Smoke. While it technically can be frozen, the texture can change, losing some of its perfectly smooth consistency.
More Dessert Recipes
If you love easy, no-bake desserts, here are some others for you to try:
Try them all and let me know which one was your favorite in the comments below!
Video of Recipe
Recipe
Holy Smoke Chocolate Dessert
Equipment
- 1 Baking Dish 9 x 13
- 1 Oven
Ingredients
- 1 Cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 ½ Cups Pecans finely chopped
- ½ Cup Butter room temp
- ¼ Teaspoon Salt
- 16 Oz Cream Cheese softened
- 1 Cup Powdered Sugar
- 16 Oz Cool Whip
- 5.1 Oz Vanilla Pudding Mix
- 5.1 Oz Chocolate Pudding Mix
- 3 Cups Milk
- ¼ Cup Chocolate Chips optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325℉. Grease baking dish.
Layer 1 (Bottom)
- Mix together flour, chopped pecans, butter and a pinch of salt. Press this mixture into the bottom of baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes and let cool completely before adding layer 2.
Layer 2 (Middle)
- Mix together cream cheese and powdered sugar. Once mixed, fold in 8 oz of cool whip and spread evenly on cooled crust.
Layer 3 (Top)
- Mix together puddings and milk and spread evenly on top.
- Place in fridge for 2 hours to cool before serving. Top with remaining cool whip and mini chocolate chips (optional).
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this dessert is perfect for making ahead. In fact, it tastes even better after it chills for a few hours or overnight, giving the layers time to set.
Yes! Use a gluten-free flour in the pecan crust and make sure to double-check that your pudding mix is labeled gluten-free.
The dessert is widely considered a classic comfort or "church-potluck" cake in the South. It has stuck around for decades, and it lasts because it is so delicious.
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CookitwithTim says
Very easy dessert thats perfect for the Fall and Winter Holidays coming up.
Judi Hoover says
This looks and sounds delicious!
CookitwithTim says
Thanks Judi - maybe you can make this and bring it over soon to our house.
Casey says
We made this and loved it! The chocolate chips were the perfect touch
Tammy Clark says
Wow!!! Can I just eat this for breakfast,lunch, and dinner???? THIS is the BEST dessert ever!!! Holy Smokes is the perfect name…it’s fabulous!!! I will be returning to get more ingredients to make it for a work party!!!
CookitwithTim says
It's great for work parties and larger gatherings! Love to hear you've enjoyed this so much. Thanks for the feedback Tammy!
Darby says
This recipe is perfect! Takes me right back to my childhood, it’s so nostalgic but just as delicious today
Rosa Poindexter says
Looks delicious! I can’t wait to make it for Christmas!
Thank you
CookitwithTim says
Its super easy to make and you will love it and its our families go to every Christmas.
Madison says
So good
CookitwithTim says
Thanks. We do love this so much.
David Soreano says
Love this dessert! Easy to make, stores leftovers wonderfully, and recipe is fully customizable. You can change the filling/toppings for whatever you desire. Key lime in the summer or pumpkin in the fall. I suggest the chocolate first, then venture out from there. Delicious!
CookitwithTim says
Thank you David, we do love this recipe and its super easy to make and you can customize this to your taste as well.
Kelly says
Love this dessert!! Easy to make & reminds me of Summers & Holiday Family gatherings.
CookitwithTim says
Exactly! It's good all year long! Thanks Kelly!
Jordan says
Wow this one is delicious!