My grandmother’s recipe for the Next Best Thing To Robert Redford dessert is a creamy, layered dessert made up of a pecan crust, chocolate and cream layers. It has been a staple in our house and I want to pass it on to you. A nostalgic dessert that is great for parties, holidays, and more.

You will love this Robert Redford Dessert Recipe

This Robert Redford recipe takes me back to my childhood because it’s one my grandmother and mom would make for family gatherings and potlucks. I was always the first one in line to get a slice because it is so delicious!

This dessert became popular in the 70’s and goes by several names like Better than Robert Redford Dessert, Chocolate Delight, and Chocolate Lush. 

This cool, creamy, pudding dessert has a pecan crust, cream cheese layer, pudding layer, and cool whip layer. It’s the perfect make-ahead recipe if you need something delicious to serve your guests. I guarantee everyone will be asking for the recipe.

Alright, now go watch Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and make some Robert Redford Dessert!

Robert Redford dessert ingredients

• Crust: chopped pecans, all-purpose flour, butter
• Cream cheese layer: Softened cream cheese, sugar, Cool Whip, instant chocolate pudding mix, instant vanilla pudding mix, milk
• Topping: Cool Whip

Substitutions

• Have a nut allergy in the house? You can substitute the pecan crust for a graham cracker crust.
• You can easily substitute the chocolate and vanilla pudding with a different flavor like butterscotch or lemon.

How to make Next Best Thing To Robert Redford Dessert

Step one: Make the crust by mixing chopped pecans, melted butter, and flour together. Place the mixture in a 9 x 13 baking dish and form to make a crust by pressing it down into the dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes and then let the crust completely cool.

Step two: To make the cream cheese layer, mix together softened cream cheese, sugar, and Cool Whip. Spread it over the top of the crust.

Step three: Now it’s time to make the second layer, the chocolate pudding layer. Mix together chocolate pudding mix, vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until creamy. Spread that over the cream layer.

Step four: Finish by topping with more Cool Whip and garnish like cherries, chopped pecans, chocolate shavings, or chocolate curls. Let set up in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.

Heather’s recipe tips

• The pudding layer is thick and almost fudgy. 
• I like to save adding the garnishes until ready to serve. 

How to store leftovers for Robert Redford dessert

You will want to store any leftovers in an airtight container or you can cover the dish with plastic wrap. Make sure to keep it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. 

This dessert does not freeze well. The creamy layers loose the consistency once frozen and thawed. 

More easy dessert recipes

• Chocolate Chip Squares
• Butterscotch Brownies
• Ambrosia with Cool Whip
• Potato Candy
• Cherries In The Snow
• Eclair cake

Make this retro dessert? Let me know in the comments below.