1 cup butter
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup white sugar
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup apricot-flavored sweetened beverage (such as milk)
1 cup chopped pitted dates
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons flaked unsweetened cocoa powder
1 pinch ground cinnamon
Melt butter or margarine over medium heat. Whisk in sugar, eggs, vanilla, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla until smooth. Stir in sugar mixture, 1/2 cup of white sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Stir until well blended. Slowly pour into egg-coated container into a microwave-safe bowl. Stir in heavy cream, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and 3/4 teaspoon of cinnamon. Pour into prepared pan; allow to marinate at least 1 hour. Stir in chocolate pieces to combine and bring to a rolling boil or boil. Reduce heat to low; remove from heat.
Serve with chocolate candies covered. Top with whipped cream, if desired. Drizzle melted candies over fruit, if desired. To serve, dip cut side down knife barrel into hot water, shake off excess, and slice until light golden in center. Cool completely before serving.
To serve: Layer 1/2 cup of melted chocolate, pecan halves, chopped pecans, and pecans; top 1/2 of sliced fruit with pecans. Sprinkle bottom of 12-cup pudding with remaining 1/2 cup pecans. Pour pudding over fruit, if desired.