The Next Best Thing to Robert Redford

Last weekend when our families were here to visit we celebrated Mr. Wonderful's birthday.  The cake his mom has made for years is also a favorite at my family's house... with a few differences.  Both are delicious.  This dish goes against my philosophy of all-natural, wholesome foods, but it is so tasty, I suppose that a little bit once in a while won't hurt.  I should probably also explain the name.  My family calls this tasty dessert "The Next Best Thing to Robert Redford" - where the name came from I can't be sure.  I do know that Robert Redford is pretty yummy, and so is this dessert.  You can decide which one is the best, and which one comes in second.

The Next Best Thing to Robert Redford

1 1/2 sticks melted butter
1 1/2 c. flour
3/4 c. chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds)
1 8 oz. pkg cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 c. powdered sugar
3 c. Cool Whip, divided
2 pkgs Instant pudding (chocolate, pistachio, or vanilla)
3 c. milk
 
1. Combine the butter, flour, and chopped nuts and pat into the bottom of a greased 9x13 pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Cool for at least 1 hour.
2. Mix together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 1/2 cups of Cool Whip.  Spread over the cooled crust.
3. Mix together the pudding and the milk, and spread over the last layer.
4. Spread remaining Cool Whip over the pudding, and sprinkle extra nuts on top.

Enjoy!