This No-Bake Layered Delight combines the rich textures of silky vanilla pudding, creamy whipped topping, and luscious chocolate ganache, all layered between moist, milk-soaked biscuits. A final drizzle of white chocolate adds a touch of elegance to this fridge-set marvel, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying as a family treat.
Embrace the ease of no-bake desserts with this indulgent layered cake. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or needing a quick and impressive dessert, this recipe delivers big on flavor and presentation with minimal effort. Serve it with the accompanying spiced coffee drink for a truly decadent experience.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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- For the Cake Layers:
- 200 ml (6.8 fl oz) milk
- 400 g (14 oz) biscuits (cookies)
- For the Vanilla Pudding Layer:
- 1 liter (34 fl oz) milk
- 100 g (3.5 oz) vanilla flavored pudding powder
- 100 g (3.5 oz) sugar
- 10 ml (0.3 fl oz) vanilla essence
- For the Whipped Cream Layer:
- 100 ml (3.4 fl oz) whipping cream
- 20 g (0.7 oz) powdered sugar
- For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 200 ml (6.8 fl oz) milk
- 400 g (14 oz) biscuits (cookies)
- 150 g (5.3 oz) dark chocolate
- 150 ml (5.1 fl oz) whipping cream
- 50 g (1.8 oz) white chocolate
- 10 ml (0.3 fl oz) vegetable oil
- For the Coffee Drink:
- 15 g (0.5 oz) instant coffee
- 15 g (0.5 oz) cocoa powder
- 15 g (0.5 oz) sugar
- 7 g (0.2 oz) cinnamon
- 5 ml (0.2 fl oz) vanilla essence
- 200 ml (6.8 fl oz) hot water
- 150 ml (5.1 fl oz) milk
- 50 g (1.8 oz) whipped cream
- 2 g (0.1 oz) cinnamon (for garnish)
- For the Cake Layers:
Directions:
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- Prepare the cake layers by dipping the biscuits in milk and arranging them in a cake pan.
- Mix milk, pudding powder, sugar, and vanilla essence in a saucepan; cook until thickened.
- Layer the thickened pudding over the biscuits and refrigerate.
- Whip cream with powdered sugar, layer it over the pudding, and refrigerate.
- Melt dark chocolate with cream and oil for the ganache, pour over the biscuits, and refrigerate.
- Drizzle melted white chocolate over the ganache.
- Mix coffee, cocoa, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla with hot water; add milk and top with whipped cream.
- Serve chilled with coffee.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours (includes setting time) | Servings: 8
Origins and Inspiration
The No-Bake Layered Delight is inspired by the simplicity and elegance of European dessert traditions, particularly the Italian and Eastern European love for layered desserts. This cake stands out as it requires no baking, making it perfect for those without an oven or who prefer not to bake. It combines familiar ingredients like biscuits and pudding but elevates them through its presentation and textural contrasts.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Baking Required: This recipe is perfect for hot summer days when you don’t want to heat up your house with the oven, or for those who want to prepare a dessert without the hassle of baking.
- Versatility: The cake’s layers can be customized. You can substitute biscuits for other types of cookies, or even flavored biscuits to add a new dimension to the cake. Similarly, the pudding can be swapped for other flavors such as chocolate or strawberry for a different twist.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dessert can be made in advance, making it a convenient option for entertaining. It sets beautifully in the fridge and can be a great save-time option for dinner parties or family gatherings.
Nutritional Information
The No-Bake Layered Delight is relatively indulgent. It’s a high-energy dessert that features sugar and whipping cream, providing a rich texture and taste. However, it can be modified for lighter versions by using low-fat milk, sugar substitutes, and light whipping cream.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: The cake is best served chilled. For a neat presentation, use a warm knife to cut through the layers cleanly.
- Storage: Keep the cake refrigerated and consume within 3-4 days. It’s not suitable for freezing as the texture of the pudding and whipped cream layers may be altered.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair this dessert with a strong coffee or espresso to balance its sweetness, or a sweet dessert wine for an elegant finishing touch to a meal. The spiced coffee drink included in the recipe complements the cake perfectly, making it a complete dessert experience.
Eco-Friendly Cooking Tip
To make this dessert more eco-friendly, consider sourcing organic and locally produced milk and cream. Using fair-trade chocolate and organic biscuits can also make a difference in the overall sustainability of the dish.