This is a post about a recipe. But how on earth could I not include these first!?
It never ceases to amaze me that a little rover can go from this: 
To this in a split second… 
And then back to this in another split second…
He’s so dramatic!
OK…
This recipe reminds me of my mother’s side of the family. We have it at nearly every gathering, thanks to my aunt Diana. Which reminds me that I’ve been meaning to share with y’all that my maternal grandfather has unfortunately been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. He should hear today of the results of a PET scan he had Monday as well as what chemotherapy regimen he will be placed on. My family would love prayers for complete restoration of his health and strength to tolerate the strong doses of chemotherapy. He is pictured below with my grandmother on Christmas Eve.
I’m sure this recipe has other names and other variations… but this is my favorite way to make a delicious dessert that serves a crowd, tastes really good, and is simple.
{entire recipe with measurements & directions available w/printable PDF at bottom}
I make mine with a graham cracker crust with a smidge of cinnamon… which really makes the chocolate come to life— kinda like churros y chocolate.
To the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon, I add a considerable amount of melted butter.
And then I mix it up, mix it up, and throw it in the pan…
And pat it down while the grazers look on in love…
I bake it for a few minutes and then start on the first layer– the cream cheese layer. Which consists of softened cream cheese, sugar, milk, and whipped cream.
Beat the cream cheese, milk, and sugar until creamy. And to that add whipped cream. I prefer homemade whipped cream over the alternative Cool Whip or Whipped Dairy Topping… it’s easy to make and tastes better than it’s impostor!!
I always start with a frozen bowl. Heavy whipping cream likes really cold bowls if it’s going to be whipped.
While it’s whipping I add sugar {just a few tablespoons} and a splash of vanilla extract. When it’s ready it will be thick, stiff and yummy.
Too the cream cheese, milk and sugar you add your whipped cream and combine until creamy. Then spread over your graham cracker crust.
Now, the chocolate layer– which is simply instant chocolate pudding and milk. I blend mine in the blender and pour it on before it sets.
A good photographer would have removed the miscellaneous items from behind the Jello. The offset spatula will make this job easy but a butter knife works too!
Once your pudding has set {I actually let mine sit over night} you top it with the whipped cream {which I also refrigerated over night}. My whipped cream wasn’t quite whipped to it’s full potential so I whipped it again {which works great}.
And last but certainly not least… I’ll let pictures speak for themselves.
Printer-friendly PDF: HERE
Or, if you’d rather copy and paste:
Striped Delight
Crust:
3 C finely crushed graham cracker crumbs
½ C white sugar
¾ C {1 ½ sticks} melted butter
½ t cinnamon {heaping tsp}
Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter or margarine, and cinnamon until well blended. Press mixture into an 8 or 9 inch pie plate. Bake at 375 degrees F for 7-10 minutes. Cool completely.
Filling:
1 {8 ounce} package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cold milk
1 (12 ounce) tub whipped topping, thawed, divided or heavy whipped cream {recipe below}
3 1/4 cups cold milk
2 pkg. (4 serving size) Jello Chocolate Instant Pudding
1 dark chocolate candy bar for garnish
Beat cream cheese, sugar and 2 Tbsp. milk in medium bowl well blended. Stir in 1 & 1/4 cups of the whipped topping. Spread evenly over crust.
Pour 3-1/4 cups milk into large bowl or blender and add dry pudding mixes. Beat 2 min. or until well blended in blender. Pour over cream cheese layer. Let stand 5 min. or until thickened. Drop remaining whipped topping/whip cream by spoonfuls over pudding layer; spread to evenly cover pudding. Before serving, grate chocolate bar and sprinkle generously over top. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours and keep leftovers in fridge. Yields 12 huge servings or 24 smaller servings.
Whipped Cream:
1 pint {or 2 C} heavy whipping cream
2 T sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Be sure to pop your bowl & whisk/beaters in freezer for a few minutes for best results. Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks are just about to form. Beat in vanilla and sugar until peaks form. You can adjust sugar/vanilla amounts to your liking. Do not over beat. If you under beat you can beat again before serving or using. You will likely have a little left over—2 cups of heavy whipping cream will yield 4 cups of whipped cream—but don’t worry it won’t be around long!
Lindsay @ Not2Us
January 22, 2010 at 11:57 amOh my…I think I just found dessert for tonight! 😉
Holly @ Times Two
January 22, 2010 at 12:12 pmHe is so adorable and I LOVE this recipe! Thanks
Page
January 22, 2010 at 12:19 pmI’m so glad I discovered your blog a few weeks ago during my Christmas break. (I’m a teacher) What beautiful ideas you share, pictures you take, and an even more beautiful family that you have. Thank you so much for sharing the gifts and talents you have been blessed with! Always inspiring! 🙂 I will be sure to say a prayer for your grandfather.
Shireen
January 22, 2010 at 12:21 pmI’d rather come over and have a bite of yours with you guys! 🙂
Miss you, friend, and am thankful for you.
bryn alexandra
January 22, 2010 at 12:34 pmOMG you had me at “cream cheese”. That looks amazing but I’m hesitant to make it because I think I could eat the entire pan in one or two sittings. 😉
grace
January 22, 2010 at 12:34 pmrover you are not alone my dear! you have a sidekick named harper who does the same exact thing as you in the car. except he has mastered the fake cry. make sure you don’t try that on your mom. it’s not fun.
thank you darby for the sweet comment over at MLHP. and another thank you for this fab recipe! have i told you that, i often visit your recipe tab for ideas? they are always so simple and yummy!
hugs to your family. i’ll be keeping them in my prayers! have a great weekend. xo grace
E @ Oh!Apostrophe
January 22, 2010 at 12:45 pmThe pictures are just much too cute today! How do you get anything done Darby?
kendall boggs
January 22, 2010 at 12:45 pmI’m just going to die right now and go to chocolate heaven. yummylicious!
Stephanie
January 22, 2010 at 12:49 pmAs with all of your recipes – I’ve gotta try this!
I’ll probably be organizing a get together JUST SO I can make this and not eat all 1 million calories BY MYSELF. Cause, believe me, I CAN!
Sara
January 22, 2010 at 12:50 pmAh, the roller coaster ride of emotions that comes with a toddler! Experiencing alot of that these days myself – she’s not even 2 yet and I keep hearing that age 3 is the worst!!
Debra
January 22, 2010 at 1:01 pmThanks! Sorry about your grandfather. We will be praying!
Kathleen
January 22, 2010 at 1:08 pmummm yum. my friend katie and i have already decided to make it tonight!
also, darby, thank you for being a great example of a Godly woman, mother and wife alike. i really appreciate it and often find inspiration from you when im having a toddler meltdown kind of day!
Megan
January 22, 2010 at 1:12 pmLove that little Rover (who is getting very big and toddler-ish)! I’m so sorry to hear about your grandfather. I pray that he has many more years of good health, and family memories upon him
Jessi
January 22, 2010 at 1:20 pmThank you so much for posting the recipe! I am making it tomorrow night!
Susan
January 22, 2010 at 1:34 pmMy boys will go bananas over that recipe! Thanks for sharing. I will be glad to lift up your grandfather in my prayers.
Thanks for visiting my blog! I’ve been watching photoshop cs4 tutorials for a couple of hours, and my eyes are crossing! Time for a Tarjay break before carpool.
Have a great weekend!
Hugs!
Susan
Emalee
January 22, 2010 at 1:37 pmMy father-in-law battled NHL and is doing very well. I will pray for your granddaddy. Thanks for the delicious looking recipe!
Amanda
January 22, 2010 at 1:49 pmThis looks so delicious! I can’t wait to make it!
Blog hop « Two Onesies!
January 22, 2010 at 2:03 pm[…] Blog hop Yeah, this looks pretty good right now. […]
beckyBrodbeck
January 22, 2010 at 2:10 pmOh, my goodness! I want some of that dessert right now but alas I don’t have any of the ingredients on hand! I’ll have to wait…delayed gratification isn’t all its cracked up to be especially for this pregnant momma:-) Love you and your blog!
andi
January 22, 2010 at 2:15 pmYUm. IS that like eclair dessert???
Love that little rover!
Melissa Richie
January 22, 2010 at 2:16 pmyummm. thanks for sharing! i can’t wait to make it.
Jenna
January 22, 2010 at 2:19 pmI’m drooling…Mmm, mmm, mmm… We’re moving and my kitchen is in shambles or I would be making this tonight!
mandy
January 22, 2010 at 2:20 pmLooks yummy! Rover is so cute! Sorry to hear about your Grandfather…I will pray for him. I just lost my grandfather two weeks ago, the first of four living grandparents and it has been hard! Have a great weekend and thanks for sharing….Oh, I had the idea that you should decopage sp??? some of those precious valentines on a try to use at Valentines…like a serving tray! You had so many…just a thought! Mandy
Dana Roberts Chaffee
January 22, 2010 at 2:24 pmI’ll be thinking of your grandfather and your family during this time. 🙁
By the way, your grandmother is absolutely beautiful. You and Erika look just like her.
Very best,
Dana Chaffee
Jennifer
January 22, 2010 at 2:35 pmGlad to know I’m not the only one with drama kings! That dessert is making me salivate, and I’m already praying for your grandpa. And will continue to do so!
RachelD
January 22, 2010 at 2:36 pmMy grandmother makes this, too, for most family gatherings. We request it. She calls it chocolate delight and always says “Oh, isn’t this heavenly?” each time she has it. I’m sure she uses cool whip- I’ll have to try it making my own whipped cream.
Melissa
January 22, 2010 at 2:46 pmRover is a doll. That dessert looks very tasty and overall easy to make. May have to give it a whirl.
Ms. Bright
January 22, 2010 at 2:49 pmHey! That’s like our Chocolate Delight, except we add chopped pecans to the graham crust.
Thanks for sharing your version!!
Toni
January 22, 2010 at 2:59 pmI love your blog. It is so inspiring to see you loving and nurturing your babies in a Godly home. This is my desire when my husband and I start our family. I also LOVE this dessert. We call it Dessert Supreme and it is requested all the time!
bell
January 22, 2010 at 4:09 pmOh good! This is the “chocolate delight” that my hubby loves. I’ve never had the recipe for it. I’m glad to have it now. Thanks for sharing.
Kelley
January 22, 2010 at 4:11 pmI’m drooling. WOW.
Catherine
January 22, 2010 at 4:31 pmOh my goodness…you mom looks like her dad and you look like her mom!!! I have a 2 1/2 y/o Rover who does the same thing, with ease and no qualms whatsoever.
Your blog is a bright spot in my day, thank you for posting. You make the simple things so fun…
Cousin
January 22, 2010 at 4:53 pmmmmm…love that dessert! good ol’ Phebus recipe. rover’s precious;0 love and miss you!
katie p
January 22, 2010 at 4:59 pmmy friend and i are making this tonight to enjoy with friends! thanks for the recipe, can’t wait to try it!
rhonda
January 22, 2010 at 5:03 pmWill pray for your maternal grandfather. My mom battled a form of NHL this past year, and is currently in remission. Let us know what form it is (there are many) and the course of treatment. I may have a few tips for you. Chemo is hard, I would not wish it on anyone, but my mom is here today and we take that as a blessing. Squeeze that adorable rover! 🙂
Mandy
January 22, 2010 at 5:35 pmThis is one of my favorite desserts, too! My grandmother always made this. Most of the time, she used lemon pudding instead. SO GOOD!
I’m sorry to hear about your grandfather, you guys are in my prayers.
sarsk624
January 22, 2010 at 5:57 pmI’ve been lurking but had to comment. As soon as I saw the picture yesterday I thought Striped Delight! My mom still has the original recipe she got from a magazine. She made it for my first birthday 26 years ago and has made it every year since then. It is amazing. Although, it has taken on the name of “pudding cake” since that’s what my one-year-old self dubbed it. Thanks for the blast from the past.
Sorry to hear about your grandfather, sending prayers
Abby Maddox
January 22, 2010 at 7:10 pmFirst, how bout a blog on your thong story? Second, my skin keeps growing darker, and soon I will be another ethnicity. And third, when am i gonna get to taste this???!!!
Dianne
January 22, 2010 at 7:44 pmDoes your husband know how lucky he is to be married to such a great cook? This recipe shall be tried this weekend at my house. xoxo
Anne
January 22, 2010 at 7:47 pmHope your Grandfather does well…a dear friend of mine was diagnosed 2 years ago…she’s in remission now. Chemo was no fun…but her positive attitude and the support and prayers from friends and family made a big difference. Based on what I know of your family……I think grandfather is in good hands…Take Care.
natalie @ our old southern house
January 22, 2010 at 8:41 pmmy mamaw’s chocolate delight is that to a “t” except she puts chopped pecans on top. yum!
Sarah
January 22, 2010 at 9:06 pmMy toddler will do the same thing except also have a laugh mixed with a cry. She can’t decide if she’s laughing or crying which ends up making us all laugh. I love this dessert but have never known a name/had a recipe for it, now it’s going in the recipe box. Prayers for your grandfather.
edie
January 22, 2010 at 9:12 pmHey sweet Darby,
I have a recipe very similiar to this but haven’t made it in forever. I may just have to try it this weekend. I may have to post the infamous strawberry/pretzel salad that’s kinda like this—it’s so yummy and soooo—-1970. I just love the little glimpses into your life. Praying for your family. Happy weekend.
lots of love,
edie
Sarah M.
January 22, 2010 at 10:11 pmI love this stuff! It rates pretty high in my book!
I will be praying for you, your family and your grandfather. My paternal grandmother (granny) was also diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma about a week before Christmas. The good news is that it is the most treatable form of cancer there is! The first couple of weeks were very hard until they were able to get her started on the Chemo, but once started she immediately started regaining her strength (so don’t let the doctors drag their feet too much about starting the treatment). She just had her second treatment yesterday and so far has done pretty good with them. She has four more to go. I say all this to encourage you! I have found Isaiah 41:10 extremely promising to not only myself, but to Granny as well when I passed it on to her. I pass it on to you (and your grandfather) now. Obviously our grandparents may not have the exact same things going on, but I hope something I’ve said will bring you and your family hope!
Geez that was long-winded! 🙂
juliet
January 22, 2010 at 10:50 pmSorry about your grandfather. I will continue to keep him in my prayers. Also, I learned (but haven’t yet tried) a tip for whipped cream: if you use powdered sugar instead of regular it is supposed to get firmer/fluffier and stay that way longer… something about corn starch in powdered sugar, I think.
Hillary @ The Other Mama
January 22, 2010 at 11:12 pmI never knew the cold bowl trick! You are full of so much info! Love it! Looks delish!
And will definitley be praying for your grandfather!
xoxo,
Mott
January 22, 2010 at 11:15 pmPrayers for your grandfather and all the extended family. It’s so difficult to watch them age and have to deal with illnesses. My mom (almost 80) has Alzheimer’s and it has been so very hard on us all. But God helps us through whatever comes our way. Rover is precious AND I can do the same thing! LOL The recipe looks delicious. I can’t wait to try it. All I can say is YUM-O! And your pictures are awesome as always!
lauren
January 22, 2010 at 11:29 pm…and i just drooled all over my computer 🙂 it looks heavenly!!!!
Pony Girl
January 23, 2010 at 1:37 amOh goodness, that looks divine! I made something similar to it over Christmas.
So sorry to hear about your grandfather. Will keep you and yours in my thoughts and prayers. Have a wonderful weekend!
Ashley
January 23, 2010 at 2:11 amMy mom made a dessert very similar to this and was one of my favorites. The crust is flour, butter and chopped pecans (then baked) and she always used 1 box vanilla and 1 box of chocolate pudding instead of the 2 chocolates. I can’t wait to try the graham cracker crust. Yummy. Try the puddings…it is yummy too:)
Aimee
January 23, 2010 at 10:28 amWe make this dessert, too, but we add nut as well and it is soo yummy. It’s one of those that you have to nibble on every time you pass by it!!!
ryepye
January 23, 2010 at 2:21 pmSo sorry to hear about your grandfather. This recipe is an oldie but goody that I remember back when I was young in the late 70’s/early 80’s. Opossum Pudding is what we called it. Thanks for the reminder – I’ll have to “whip” it up again sometime.
Amanda
January 23, 2010 at 2:24 pmThat stuff is so stinkin’ good. We’ve always made it with a shortbread-esque crust, but I bet the graham cracker crust is really good too!
Lynn
January 23, 2010 at 2:43 pmThis is my daughter’s favorite dessert. She always wanted me to make it for her birthday. My Dad was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma six years ago so I know how hard it must be for your family. Unfortunately, after a five-year battle we lost my Dad. There is no doubt in my mind that your grandfather is in God’s hands. Your family will be in my prayers.
May
January 23, 2010 at 2:51 pmI’ll be praying for your grandfather. My father-in-law was diagnosed with Burkit’s Lymphoma (a Non-Hodgkins cancer) when he was just over 30 and God brought him back to complete health, and allowed him to have another child – my husband 🙂 I know the Lord will take care of your Grandfather with the same love and attention, and that all things will work together for good. Take care!
Angie
January 23, 2010 at 4:54 pmI’m not sure how your little guy’s “drama” moments compare to your girls…but it’s funny to me b/c we have a girl after two boys, and even though I expected more drama from a girl, I still utter disbelief at times at just how much ‘diva’ one little female can have.
Re: the recipe…oh, my. My hubby works for Whirlpool, yet I still don’t have a stand mixer! Perhaps if I show him pics of this little gem of a recipe, that could change… 😉
deb meyers
January 23, 2010 at 6:18 pmWe have the same dessert at Christmas 🙂 but ours is called “Jewel’s chocolate pudding dessert” after the dear friend who always shows up with it at just the right time.
I LOVE your blog, been reading for months now, prob first comment.
deb meyers
Melanie Gore
January 23, 2010 at 9:14 pmWe love this dessert at our house. It is just a really good trusty thing to make and everyone loves it.
jessica
January 23, 2010 at 10:13 pmoh, yum!!!!!!
Kate
January 23, 2010 at 10:14 pmI will send up prayers for your grandfather.
Jen
January 23, 2010 at 10:40 pmI just love your website and the ideas that you are constantly coming up with! You are so creative! I have a recipe similar that I always use for birthdays, I tried yours and love it even more. What also works good in place of the graham crackers is nilla wafers. I don’t know if you or your kids like them but it is very tasty! Thanks for sharing all your creative ideas!
Megan Clark Brezina
January 24, 2010 at 2:43 pmDarby-
I made the dessert last night and it was so heavenly!!! Thanks for sharing the “construction” photos :-).
krista
January 24, 2010 at 3:56 pmOh Darby, I am so sorry to hear about you grandad. He will be in our prayers!
The dessert looks so good!! I think we will be eating it some time this week!!
Melody
January 24, 2010 at 6:15 pmUpon the recommendation of a friend, I began following you this week – and boy what a good time I picked.:) I just finished constructing my Striped Delight and cannot wait to try it:) Love your site! I am sorry to hear about your grandfather – we will definitely be praying for your family!
Lauren Donofrio
January 24, 2010 at 10:17 pmHi Darby,
I love your pictures! Do you shoot in RAW or JPEG? Also, do you edit your pictures? If you do edit, do you edit with Photoshop or Digital Photo Professional for Canon? Thanks!
Renee Hargrove
January 25, 2010 at 12:08 amOh that looks so good.
Melissa
January 25, 2010 at 12:33 amThanks for the recipe, I just made it today for a party and it was sooo good!
Tricia
January 25, 2010 at 8:51 amPraying for your grandfather! My mother was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma at age 65. After some very intense chemo, she has been in remission now for 9 years! Prayers and positive attitude got us through! Sending up many prayers for your grandfather!
Kendra McBee
January 25, 2010 at 9:49 amMade this recipe this weekend, it is already gone! Love your blog!
shelly
January 25, 2010 at 3:39 pmDarby, I’m new to the blog world. Reading them, that is. I am not real sure how I even happened upon it, but it sure is enjoyable to read. Your kiddos are adorable. It is fun reading and seeing all the delightful things you do.
This weekend we are going to attempt to have a bake sale for the victims of Haiti. I am trying to get my five kiddos to help me make the fudge pies to sell at our church. We have tried the recipe twice, in two days and the kids looooooove them. Thanks so much for sharing your receipes. I find it fun to be inspired by you. I also may take my sewing machine out soon.
Thanks again and God bless you and your gang,
Shelly
Mama Faith
January 25, 2010 at 3:44 pmThat makes this pregnant Mama hungry! I will have to make that soon!
Sarah
January 25, 2010 at 4:37 pmYum! I’ll have to try this recipe. Thank for sharing.
What a cutie, Rover is. My little guys can go from calm to a complete breakdown in seconds. It’s the beauty of motherhood, yes?
Melise
January 25, 2010 at 8:33 pmYUM! I can’t wait. I love that you buy Great Value! LOL, my pantry looks like something in a 30 year fall out shelter because I buy so much GV….how can you not!? It’s a great value! ;0)
Shelly
January 26, 2010 at 2:55 pmMy mom calls it “4-layer Delight”…however, I think “Striped Delight” has a much better ring to it. Perhaps the name will evolve for this generation! So yummy.
Jami
February 3, 2010 at 6:14 pmDarby!
I love your blog… it is the very FIRST one I check on my google reader!
I made this today and will be eating it with some friends tonight.
Just an FYI… in the recipe it calls for an 8 or 9 inch pie pan… I think what you meant to say is 13×9 inch pan? I attmpted to make it first in a 9 inch pie pan and it wouldn’t fit! (I had printed the pdf version so I had no pictures. I quickly came back to your site and noticed that you used a MUCH bigger pan.
Thanks so much for the recipe, and for being forever entertaining, creative and a loving mom. You are an inspiration to me, and as I am sure many others.
Shelley @ Green Eggs & Hamlet
February 8, 2010 at 2:06 pmI love this recipe – my family calls it “The Next Best Thing to Robert Redford.” I think my mom got the recipe from the newspaper 20 years ago (when Robert Redford was certainly more hunky than present day).
Donna
October 31, 2011 at 10:51 pmWe make a similar dessert but also with the flour, butter and pecan crust. We also do the cream cheese and cool whip layer. Then we put a layer of French Vanilla pudding (2 small boxes). Oh wow this makes it so good. Then the whipped cream layer and the toppings are maraschino cherries, chopped pecans and coconut. This is my son’s favorite dessert. I make it for his birthday and every holiday. Wish I had a picture of it because it makes such a good presentation and always gets eaten first to what ever event we bring it to.