They were awakened by a sound in the kitchen. Dad got up to check out what was making the noise. He discovered it was from my brother making cinnamon rolls for breakfast. It’s interesting because that happened when my brother was about four years old. He has made many sweets since then. These days he is known for making a special dessert he calls “Fat Man’s Pie” and you may know it as Chocolate Delight.
My brother gave me his recipe. I also looked up similar ones on the internet. It appears this dessert is typically made with Cool Whip and instant pudding mix. Well, you know I had to take it up a notch. Perhaps it would be about four notches because after I was done it really is a fat man’s pie. It is the most heavy cream I have ever used in one recipe: 4, yes, 4 cups in total. That plus sugar, chocolate, and cream cheese means a total splurge. Be warned, this is not diet food in any shape or form. The title is beyond fitting.
Why did I make Fat Man’s Pie? It is for a fun “Man Food” Sunday Supper event. I immediately thought of it because it is something one of the men in the family makes often for our celebrations. My brother is quite proud of it too. Or he just likes it a whole lot because I see him smiling when he is spreading the whipped cream on top just before serving.
Re-vamping the recipe took some planning. A few weeks ago I made homemade chocolate pudding in preparation. I’m glad that part was a success. I only had to double the batch for this dessert. I also was sure to take my brother’s advice of chilling the crust before spreading on the cream cheese layer. My version takes a whole lot longer than his. However, the from scratch goodness is worth all the extra time and effort.
What do you consider man food? It certainly is a wide range of foods for Sunday Supper contributors. Scroll down to find a big list of ones with links to get the recipes. I’ll bet there were a lot of men quite happy about this event. I can imagine their smiles while enjoying the awesome dishes made just for them. One final note… take a look at my German Chocolate Cake that happens to be one of my brother’s favorites. A bunch of smiles have been sparked by it over the years.

Fat Manโs Pie aka Chocolate Delight
Ingredients
- Note: Make the pudding a day in advance
For the crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
For the cream cheese layer:
- 8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
- 1 1/4 cups confectioners sugar divided
- 1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream
For the chocolate pudding layer:
- 4 cups whole milk divided
- 6 egg yolks
- 6 tablespoons cake flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 vanilla bean split lengthwise
- 12 ounces chopped semi-sweet chocolate
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 teaspoons brandy
For the topping:
- 1 3/4 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup confectioners sugar
- Optional toasted chopped pecans for garnish
Instructions
For the crust:
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
-
Stir together flour, pecans, and salt in a large bowl. Use a fork to cut in the butter until mixed together well. Spread evenly and press down in a 9- X 13-inch pan.
-
Bake for 20 minutes. Cool to room temperature then chill for at least 1 hour before adding cream cheese layer.
For the cream cheese layer:
-
Beat cream cheese and 1 cup confectioners sugar until light and fluffy.
-
In a separate bowl, beat heavy cream and remaining 1/4 cup confectioners sugar until stiff peaks form. Fold whipped cream into cream cheese. Spread evenly over crust. Chill for at least 45 minutes.
For the chocolate pudding layer:
-
Put the 2 cups of milk, yolks, flour, and salt in a blender. Blend until smooth. Pour into a 3-quart saucepan (non-stick recommended).
-
Add remaining 2 cups milk, sugar, vanilla bean, and chocolate.
-
Slowly bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Let boil for 30 seconds.
-
Pour the mixture through a strainer into a large bowl. It will be very thick so you may need to press it through.
-
Scrap the seeds from the vanilla bean and discard bean shell. Add the seeds, cream, and brandy to the bowl.
-
Whisk to combine. Place plastic wrap directly on top of the pudding.
-
Cool to room temperature then chill thoroughly (best overnight). Spread 3 1/2 cups of pudding over cream cheese layer. Enjoy the remaining separately.
-
If not serving immediately, lay plastic wrap directly on top of pudding to prevent a skin from forming.
For the topping:
-
Just before serving, beat cream and confectioners sugar in a large bowl until stiff peaks form. Spread evenly over pudding layer.
-
Garnish with toasted chopped pecans if desired.
Recipe Notes
Time stated does not include overnight chilling time for pudding.
Are you ready for some man food recipes? Check out these by Sunday Supper contributors:
Manly Starters:
- BBQ Chicken Nacho by Country Girl in The Kitchen
- Beer Battered Fried Mushrooms by Kudos Kitchen by Renee
- Burrata Bresaola and Arugula Appetizer by Family Foodie
- Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce by Hip Foodie Mom
- Chipotle Pork Belly-Stuffed Jalapeรฑo Poppers by The Redhead Baker
- Coconut Prawns with Sweet and Spicy Dipping Sauce by The Wimpy Vegetarian
- Devils on Horseback by Nosh My Way
- Fried Pickles by Cookin’ Mimi
- Garlic and Herb Wine Jelly by What Smells So Good?
- Maple Sriracha Chicken Wings by Manu’s Menu
- Tomato Bacon Jam by Feed Me, Seymour
Manly Mains:
- Bacon Bourbon BBQ Burgers by The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
- Bacon Cheeseburger Crustless Quiche by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
- Beef Short Rib Sandwich by Life Tastes Good
- Beer Brats with Pepper Relish by Jelly Toast
- Beer Can Chicken by Curious Cuisiniere
- Chicago Pizza by Small Wallet, Big Appetite
- Chili Dog Casserole by Simple Gourmet
- Chipotle Pork Chops by girlichef
- Coconut and Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers by Take A Bite Out of Boca
- Colossal Burger by Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
- Gluten Free Lemon Pepper Wings by Gluten Free Crumbley
- Grilled Chipotle Chicken Pizza by Peaceful Cooking
- Grilled Lobster with Miso Butter by kimchi MOM
- Guava Chicken by The Foodie Army Wife
- Ham and Pineapple Pizza Pockets by gotta get baked
- Huevos Rancheros Casserole by Pescetarian Journal
- Lacquered Short Ribs in the Slow Cooker by Shockingly Delicious
- Maple Chipotle Barbecue Pork Tenderloin by Flavor Mosaic
- Meatball Style Veggie Burgers by Healthy.Delicious.
- Mom’s Slow Roasted Brisket by Food Lust People Love
- Perfectly Pan Seared Steak by Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch
- Pollo al Peperoncino by Run DMT
- Polish Coal Miner Piggies (Stuffed Cabbage Rolls – Golabki) by Rants from my Crazy Kitchen
- Red Chile Shredded Chicken Tacos by Simply Healthy Family
- Ropa Vieja by Meal Diva
- Salt of the Earth Ribs by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
- Salisbury Steak w/ Loaded Mashed Potatoes and Mushroom Gravy by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
- Shredded Beef Barbacoa by Casa de Crews
- Smoked Turkey Drumsticks by Cindy’s Recipes and Writing
- Stuffed Chipotle Bacon Cheese Burgers by Peanut Butter and Peppers
- Stuffed Pork Chops by The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
- Tex-Mex Gut Buster Chili by Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
- The Cleveland Hogg Burger by Seduction in the Kitchen
Manly Desserts:
- Beer Funnel Cake by Killer Bunnies, Inc.
- Black Forest Cake by Noshing with the Nolands
- Carob Chip Cookies by Pies and Plots
- Chunky Monkey Vegan Banana Bread by Ninjabaking.com
- Classic Cheesecake by Hot Momma’s Kitchen Chaos
- Grilled Pound Cake Stacks with Roasted Strawberries by Melanie Makes
- Fat Man’s Pie by Magnolia Days
- Mandarin Orange Cake aka Southern Pig Pickin’ Cake by Baking & Browning
- Pizookies by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Strawberry Rhubarb Pie With Mascarpone Cream by La Bella Vita Cucina
Wine Pairings for Man Food #SundaySupper byENOFYLZ Wine Blog
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The Ninja Baker says
Are angels singing? Oh my, oh my…You and your brother have created one heavenly concoction…No dessert ever has too much whipped cream for this Ninja Baker. Love the addition of your pudding and cream cheese layer, too.
Renee says
I’m pretty sure angels are singing over this one. If you had only seen the smile on my husband’s face when I told him it was ready to eat.
Manu says
Ohhh I don’t mind the extra calories for THIS dessert!!! Bring it on!!
Renee says
Calories? What calories? I thought there wasn’t any in pie. (wink wink)
Liz says
I made the Cool Whip version many years ago…and thought it was marvelous!!! I’m am SO glad you’ve updated this…now I can put it on my summer menu…the family will love it. ASAP, of course!!!
Renee says
Thanks Liz and I really don’t care for Cool Whip. The real stuff is so much better.
Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious says
Oh yeah, I’ve had the Cool Whip version, too! I want YOUR version, and I want it now. Apt name for this recipe, I’m sure. Don’t leave me with the whole pan of it though. That would be wrong.
Renee says
The whole pan just screams out relentlessly until you finish it off.
Shannon @VillageGirlBlog says
I need, need some Fat Man’s Pie… this looks amazing!
MealDiva says
Scrumptious! My husband would LOVE this! Can’t wait to make it! Happy Fathers Day!
Renee says
Thanks Jen. My husband loves it so much he ate it for breakfast.
Marsha -SOCAL says
I’m sure you didn’t mean 1/4 cup of salt in the ingredients for the crust, LOL!
Renee says
Oh my gosh no. Thanks for the heads up. I changed it to be 1/4 teaspoon salt.
Alicia (foodycat) says
That sounds fantastic! 4 cups of cream doesn’t sound so bad when it’s split between 16 portions.
Renee says
Thanks Alicia! Yes, dividing it up into portions makes it all better.
Laura Dembowski says
This pie is sure to be any dad’s dream! Hilarious that your brother made cinnamon rolls at such a young age!
Shaina says
Wow that is one decadent treat. I love the title lol
Renee says
Thanks Shaina and I love the title too – it makes it fun.
Roz says
what a delicious splurge this is! My husband would dive right in! Perfectly named, Renee!
Renee says
Thank you Roz
Shannon R says
Never heard of this one, but let’s be honest, that photo piece needs to be doubled! YUM! Haha, so sorry so gluttonous ๐ Your brother rocks by the way, nice job.
Renee says
Too funny Shannon and I’ll remember to make bigger slices next time (go team gluttonous!).
susan @ the wimpy vegetarian says
It would not last long here at our house. I love the story of your brother ๐
Renee says
Thanks Susan and the pie is going rather quickly here too.
Sarah says
Had to say I was curious when I saw the title, and ma’am you do not lie!! Looks delish!
Renee says
Thanks Sarah and yes, it truly is a fat man’s pie.
Kim (Feed Me, Seymour) says
I absolutely adore that this is called Fat Man’s pie! And I’d scarf this entire thing down in about two seconds. ๐
Renee says
Thanks Kim and wow it would be a feat to eat the whole thing.
Marlene @Nosh My Way says
WOW, and double wow. This is absolutely out of this world is deliciousness.
Renee says
Thanks Marlene.
Stacy says
Your brother is a genius, Renee! What a fabulous dessert! Better not let him taste your even more fabulous homemade version or you will be put in charge of Fat Man’s Pie for every family occasion from now on.
Renee says
My brother definitely is a genius in more than one way. I’ll still have to make this version for him at least once.
Alice // Hip Foodie Mom says
Renee,
I love this so much!! and love that you improved your brother’s recipe. . that is so cool that he bakes! I must try your homemade chocolate pudding recipe! This dessert looks fabulous!!
Renee says
He cooks too although most of the time when he cooks it is for the boy scout troop activities (fund raising and camping).
Micha @ Cookin' Mimi says
Oh my gosh. The cool whip and instant pudding version of this is delicious so I can’t begin to imagine the insanity of this one.
Renee says
Thanks Micha and this version is beyond decadent (and awesome too).
Simply Gourmet says
WOW–what ever you call it, call me too! LOL This sounds amazing. I have to make this for a family dinner.
Renee says
Thanks Sherron and I’d be happy to call you next time I make this.
Run DMT says
This sounds to die for! Can you omit the pecans? Is it just as good?
Renee says
The crust would not work without the pecans. You could possibly substitute a graham cracker crust.
Martin D Redmond says
You had me at pecan and chocolate. Amazing dessert Renee! Pinning!
Renee says
Thanks Martin and I really appreciate the pin.
dina says
all that cream…i see where it gets its name. it looks great!
Renee says
Thanks Dina
Sarah | Curious Cuisiniere says
My mom used to make something very similar. This looks delicious!
Renee says
It is quite a popular dessert with many names. It is very delicious.
Tara says
This is very similar to what I call Sex in a Pan, if it is for your dad it is Fat Man’s Pie if it is for your hubby is it Sex in a Pan. LOL Yours looks great!!
Renee says
I love the “Sex in a Pan” name for when you make it for your husband (or special someone).
Anita at Hungry Couple says
Skinny is very overrated. I’ll take some pie, please. ๐
Renee says
For real. Another slice for me too.
Cindys Recipes and Writings says
I don’t know much about Fat Man’s but I’d risk being a chubby girl for a piece!
Renee says
Awesome alternate title for this pie Cindy. Thanks for making me smile.
Renee - Kudos Kitchen says
Not sure I like the name, but I can kind of see how it fits. LOL. This looks delectable, Renee! Super rich and filling ๐
Renee says
Well Renee, you can call it Chocolate Delight (as many others do).
[email protected] Tastes Good says
The name is perfect! Love it!! There’s no calories in cream right? haha This looks amazing!! Pinning!
Renee says
Yea, no calories in cream (wouldn’t that be nice). Thanks a bunch for the pin.
Laura says
I am so excited you made this from scratch it looks fantastic.
Renee says
Thanks so much Laura
Nancy @ gottagetbaked says
Good on ya for making a homemade version of the pie, Renee. I haven’t bought a tub of Cool Whip in years! This looks sooooooooo amazing. It truly lives up to its name, not that I mind in the least. I don’t think you could hold me back from seconds, thirds, fourths… Lol, and I just read Cindy’s comment. I would definitely be a chubby girl after eating this (but it’d be worth it).
Renee says
I refuse to buy Cool Whip and wish more people would take a minute to whip up real cream. And I’m also still smiling at Cindy’s comment too.
Serena | Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch says
I make something similar and its always a hit in our house! Delish!
Renee says
Thanks Serena. It seems to be quite popular with many families and all with different names for it.
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says
Your brother sounds swell! Loooooove this decadent recipe-and the fact that it’s from scratch!
Renee says
Thanks so much Kayle
Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen says
Oh my goodness Renee!! That looks so incredibly rich and creamy. I am afraid to make it, I might hoard it all to myself LOL
Renee says
Too funny Bobbi although my husband did a great job of hoarding a lot of it for himself.