Bavarian Cream Pie

This dessert is the Papenfuss family #1 most requested recipe. It's a simple recipe, but when all the flavors and textures are combined it makes something magical.  We make it for every birthday, every holiday, every scout auction, everything...and it is always a hit!!

1/2 cup butter
1 cup chopped pecans - divided
1 cup flour
1 8oz package cream cheese - softened
1 cup powdered sugar
16 oz whipped cream - divided
1 large package instant chocolate pudding

Melt butter and mix well with 3/4 cup pecans and flour.  Pat into the bottom of a greased 9x13 pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until the crust comes together and is a light golden brown.  Cool completely.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and powdered sugar.  Beat until fluffy.  Add 12 oz of whipped cream and fold together.  Put on top of the crust.  Mix the pudding packets with 2 1/2 cups cold milk and mix until thick consistency.  Layer on top of cream cheese mixture.  Use the remaining whipped cream and layer on top of the pudding. Sprinkle on the remaining 1/4 cup of chopped pecans.  Keep in refrigerator if not serving immediately.