These decadent 3 Layer Cookies are a nostalgic treat that layers textures and flavors for a satisfying dessert bar. Starting with a rich, chocolatey base made with cocoa and crushed vanilla wafers, the middle layer offers a creamy, dreamy vanilla pudding mixture. The top layer finishes it all with melted chocolate and a sprinkling of chopped nuts if desired. Popular at potlucks and family gatherings, this recipe reflects the ingenuity of mid-century dessert making, combining pantry staples into a multi-textured sweet that’s both simple and indulgent.
Ingredients
First Layer
- ½ cup butter (1 stick, oleo)
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg (slightly beaten)
- 2 cups vanilla wafers (chopped, approx. 40 wafers)
- 3½ oz coconut (shredded )
Second Layer
- 2 tsp vanilla instant pudding (heaping, not cooked)
- 3 tbsp skim milk
- 2 cups confectioner's sugar
- 1 stick oleo ( or ½ cup butter)
Third Layer
- 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate
- 1 tbsp butter
- chopped nuts for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare First Layer
- Melt butter, cocoa, sugar, and vanilla in a double boiler.
- Add the beaten egg slowly and stir continuously until mixture thickens (about 5 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in crushed vanilla wafers and coconut.
- Press mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch pan.
Step 2: Prepare Second Layer
- In a small bowl, mix together pudding powder, skim milk, powdered sugar, and softened butter.
- Beat until smooth and fluffy.
- Spread evenly over the first layer in the pan.
Step 3: Prepare Third Layer
- Melt chocolate and 1 tbsp butter together over low heat or in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments.
- Stir until smooth.
- Spread gently over the second layer.
- Sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired.
Step 4: Chill
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars.
Tips
- Toast the coconut lightly before adding for deeper flavor
- Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate
- Press the bottom layer firmly for clean slices
- Chill bars before cutting to keep layers neat
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the top layer as written
- Line the pan with parchment for easy removal
- Swap vanilla wafers with graham crackers if needed
- Drizzle melted chocolate instead of spreading for a lighter topping
Nutrition
Calories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 3.6gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 9.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.8gMonounsaturated Fat: 4.2gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 48mgSodium: 135mgPotassium: 165mgFiber: 2.1gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 420IUVitamin C: 0.4mgCalcium: 62mgIron: 1.3mg
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