Description

The Perfect Potluck Dessert is a rich, layered treat featuring a buttery yellow cake base, a smooth cream cheese filling, and gooey chocolate chips topped with a drizzle of heavy cream and optional pecans. This simple yet sophisticated dessert is easy to make, serves a crowd, and is perfect for sharing at any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg

Filling & Topping

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a dough forms, then press this evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to create the base layer.
Bake the Crust: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. After baking, remove from the oven and let cool slightly while you prepare the cream cheese layer.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer: In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture evenly over the warm crust.
Add Chocolate Chips and Pecans: Sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips evenly over the cream cheese layer. If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans on top for added texture and flavor.
Drizzle Heavy Cream: Drizzle the heavy cream over the chocolate chips and pecans to add moisture and help everything meld during baking.
Final Bake: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the dessert to cool completely before slicing into bars. Serve at room temperature and enjoy!

Notes

For a different flavor twist, try using chocolate or spice cake mix instead of yellow cake mix.
Adding fresh berries or fruit preserves on top of the cream cheese layer can add a refreshing contrast.
Chopped nuts are optional but add a nice crunch; you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds.
This dessert can be made ahead and stored at room temperature or refrigerated before serving.
Make sure cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: potluck dessert, layered dessert, cream cheese dessert, chocolate chip dessert, easy dessert, yellow cake dessert, crowd-pleaser