This easy dessert is perfect when you’re short on time but still want to impress with something delicious. With just a few ingredients and no need for eggs, sugar, or even an oven, this treat is not only quick but also healthier than your typical sweets. The combination of milk and orange juice makes it light and refreshing. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Milk Layer:

600 ml of milk: Any type of milk can be used—whole milk will give a richer flavor, but you can substitute with plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy for a dairy-free version.
55 g cornstarch (maicena): This is the thickening agent that will give the milk layer its pudding-like consistency.

2-4 tablespoons of honey: This natural sweetener replaces sugar and can be adjusted based on your desired level of sweetness.

For the Orange Layer:

800 ml of orange juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice will add a zesty and refreshing flavor. You can also use store-bought juice, but opt for one without added sugars for a healthier option.
65 g cornstarch (maicena): This will help the orange layer to set and hold its shape.

2-3 tablespoons of honey (optional): If your orange juice is too tart, adding honey will balance out the flavors.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Milk Layer

Dissolve the cornstarch: In a small bowl, take a few tablespoons of cold milk and dissolve the cornstarch. Stir well to ensure there are no lumps.
Heat the milk: In a medium saucepan, heat the remaining milk over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent it from burning. Add the honey at this point, adjusting the amount to your taste. You can also substitute honey with another natural sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar.

Thicken the mixture: Once the milk begins to steam, slowly pour in the cornstarch mixture, stirring constantly with a whisk to avoid clumping. Continue stirring until the milk thickens and turns into a smooth, pudding-like consistency.
Pour and cool: Once the milk layer has thickened, pour it into your desired serving dish or individual dessert cups. Let it cool for a few minutes at room temperature, then place it in the refrigerator to set while you prepare the orange layer.

Step 2: Prepare the Orange Layer

Dissolve the cornstarch: Like in the first step, dissolve the cornstarch in a small amount of cold orange juice. Stir well to make sure it’s smooth and lump-free.

Heat the orange juice: In another saucepan, heat the remaining orange juice over medium heat. If you find your orange juice too sour, you can stir in the honey now to sweeten it to your liking.
Thicken the mixture: Once the orange juice is warm, slowly pour in the cornstarch mixture while stirring continuously. The juice will start to thicken and turn glossy. Cook for a few more minutes until it reaches a pudding-like consistency.
Pour over the milk layer: Gently pour the thickened orange layer over the cooled and set milk layer. If the milk layer hasn’t fully set, give it some more time in the fridge to ensure the layers don’t mix.

Step 3: Let the Dessert Set

Once both layers are in place, refrigerate the dessert for at least 1-2 hours to allow the layers to fully set and firm up. The result will be a beautiful layered dessert that is both light and satisfying.

FAQs

1. Can I substitute the honey with another sweetener?

Yes! You can replace honey with any other natural sweetener such as maple syrup, agave syrup, or even date syrup. If you’re using a sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit, adjust the quantity to match the sweetness level.

2. Can I use other fruit juices instead of orange?

Absolutely! While orange juice gives a fresh, zesty flavor, you can experiment with other fruit juices like pineapple, mango, or mixed berry juice. Just make sure to balance the sweetness with your choice of natural sweeteners.

3. Is it possible to make this dessert dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute regular milk with plant-based milk such as almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk for the milk layer. For the orange layer, simply use juice without any modifications.

4. Can I make this dessert in advance?

Definitely! This dessert needs some time to set in the fridge, so it’s perfect for making a day ahead. Just store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Tips for Success

Avoid lumps: Dissolve the cornstarch in a small amount of cold liquid before adding it to the warm milk or juice. This will prevent lumps from forming.

Adjust the sweetness: Taste the milk and orange mixtures before thickening them to ensure they are sweetened to your preference.
Use a strainer: If you end up with lumps, you can strain the mixture through a fine sieve to smooth it out before pouring it into the dish.
Garnishing ideas: Once set, this dessert can be garnished with fresh fruit slices, a drizzle of honey, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and decoration.

Storage Tips

Refrigeration: Store this dessert in an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing any unwanted refrigerator odors. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing: This dessert can be frozen, but note that the texture may change slightly when thawed due to the cornstarch. To freeze, cover the dessert tightly with plastic wrap and place in an airtight container. Allow it to thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutritional Facts (per serving)

Calories: 180 kcal

Carbohydrates: 35 g
Protein: 5 g
Fat: 3 g

Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 22 g
Calcium: 120 mg

These values are estimated and can vary depending on the specific ingredients and sweeteners you use.

Conclusion

This easy, no-bake dessert is a fantastic option for those who want a quick, healthy, and flavorful treat without the fuss of an oven or complicated ingredients. With just a few basic pantry items like milk, orange juice, and cornstarch, you can create a dessert that’s not only beautiful but also delicious. The creamy milk layer combined with the zesty orange layer offers a perfect balance of flavors, and the ability to customize it with different sweeteners and fruit juices makes it versatile. Give it a try for your next family gathering or simply enjoy it as a guilt-free treat during the week!