Ingredients:

• 200 g waffles (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 100 g condensed milk
• 600 ml milk
• 60 g cornstarch
• 20 g butter
• 60 g dark chocolate

Steps to Make Layered Waffle and Chocolate Custard Dessert:

Step 1: Prepare the Custard

1. Whisk the Eggs: In a medium-sized bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them gently until well combined. Add the vanilla extract and mix it in.
2. Mix the Milk and Cornstarch: In a saucepan, pour 600 ml of milk and add 60 g of cornstarch. Whisk until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Make sure there are no lumps, as this will ensure the custard thickens evenly.
3. Add Condensed Milk: To the milk and cornstarch mixture, add 100 g of condensed milk and whisk to combine. The condensed milk will add sweetness and a rich, creamy texture to the custard.
4. Cook the Custard: Place the saucepan over medium heat and begin to cook the custard mixture. Stir constantly with a whisk to prevent lumps from forming. As the mixture heats up, it will begin to thicken. Continue stirring until the custard reaches a thick, pudding-like consistency, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Temper the Eggs: Once the custard has thickened, temper the whisked eggs by slowly adding a few spoonfuls of the hot custard to the eggs while whisking continuously. This step prevents the eggs from curdling. After tempering, pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan and continue cooking for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
6. Add the Butter: Once the custard has thickened and is smooth, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 20 g of butter. The butter adds richness and makes the custard silky and smooth. Set the custard aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Layer the Dessert

1. Prepare the Waffles: If using store-bought waffles, break them into pieces or cut them into smaller squares that will fit neatly into your serving dish. If you’re using homemade waffles, ensure they are cool before handling.
2. Assemble the Layers: In a large serving dish or individual dessert cups, start by adding a layer of waffles at the bottom. Follow this with a layer of the warm custard. Alternate layers of waffles and custard, ending with a final layer of custard on top. Spread the custard evenly to create a smooth surface.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Topping

1. Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, melt 60 g of dark chocolate. Stir occasionally until smooth and fully melted.
2. Drizzle or Spread the Chocolate: Once melted, drizzle or spread the dark chocolate over the top layer of the custard. You can create a decorative pattern or simply cover the custard for an extra layer of chocolatey goodness.

Step 4: Let the Dessert Set

1. Refrigerate: Cover the dessert with plastic wrap or foil and place it in the refrigerator. Let it rest for at least 5 hours, or overnight, to allow the custard to fully set and the flavors to meld. The waffles will absorb some of the custard, making them soft and flavorful.

Step 5: Serve Once the dessert has chilled and set, it’s ready to serve. Cut into slices if using a large dish, or serve individual portions if prepared in cups. The contrast between the soft waffles, creamy custard, and rich chocolate makes every bite deliciously satisfying.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Fat: 12 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugars: 30 g
• Sodium: 100 mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use different types of waffles? Yes, you can use any type of waffles for this dessert—plain, flavored, or even chocolate waffles. You can also use homemade waffles or store-bought, depending on your preference and convenience.

2. Can I substitute dark chocolate with milk chocolate? Absolutely! If you prefer a sweeter chocolate flavor, you can substitute the dark chocolate with milk chocolate. However, the dark chocolate provides a nice contrast to the sweet custard, which balances the overall flavor of the dessert.

3. Can I make this dessert ahead of time? Yes, this dessert can be made a day ahead. In fact, making it ahead of time allows the waffles to soak up the custard and for the flavors to develop. Just make sure to keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.

4. What can I use if I don’t have condensed milk? If you don’t have condensed milk, you can substitute it with regular milk and sugar. For every 100 g of condensed milk, use about 80 ml of milk and 20 g of sugar.

5. How can I make this dessert gluten-free? To make this dessert gluten-free, simply use gluten-free waffles. The rest of the ingredients, such as milk, eggs, and chocolate, are naturally gluten-free.

Tips for Making the Best Waffle and Custard Dessert:

• Don’t Overcook the Custard: Keep the heat at medium while cooking the custard and stir continuously to prevent lumps from forming. If the custard thickens too much, add a little milk to adjust the consistency.
• Let the Dessert Chill Properly: Be sure to give the dessert enough time to rest in the refrigerator. This allows the custard to set properly and the waffles to absorb some of the creamy mixture, making the dessert more cohesive.
• Add Some Crunch: If you’d like to add a crunchy texture, sprinkle chopped nuts such as almonds or hazelnuts over the chocolate topping before chilling.

Storage Tips: This waffle and custard dessert can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Avoid freezing the dessert, as the custard may separate when thawed.

Conclusion: The Layered Waffle and Chocolate Custard Dessert is a decadent yet easy-to-make treat that combines the rich flavors of homemade custard, crispy waffles, and dark chocolate. It’s an excellent dessert for special occasions or when you want something sweet but not overly complicated. The key to success is in letting the dessert chill for a few hours so that the flavors come together perfectly. Whether you’re serving this to guests or enjoying it with family, this indulgent dessert is sure to become a favorite!