No Bake Layered Dessert (Printable)
Chilled layers of cookie base, whipped cream and vanilla pudding — no baking required, serves eight.
# What You'll Need:
→ Base Layer
01 - 7 ounces graham crackers or digestive biscuits, crushed
02 - 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
→ Cream Layer
03 - 1 2/3 cups cold heavy whipping cream
04 - 1/3 cup powdered sugar
05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Pudding Layer
06 - 3.5 ounces instant vanilla pudding mix
07 - 1 2/3 cups cold whole milk
→ Topping
08 - 1.8 ounces chocolate shavings or cocoa powder (optional)
# Directions:
01 - In a mixing bowl, combine crushed graham crackers or digestive biscuits with melted butter until the mixture is evenly moistened. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9x9 inch baking dish to create a uniform base.
02 - In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer or whisk to whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
03 - In another bowl, whisk instant vanilla pudding mix with cold whole milk for 2 minutes. Allow to stand for 5 minutes to thicken.
04 - Spread half of the whipped cream evenly over the prepared base layer.
05 - Spoon the thickened vanilla pudding over the whipped cream layer and smooth to cover.
06 - Spread the remaining whipped cream on top, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
07 - Sprinkle with chocolate shavings or dust lightly with cocoa powder as desired.
08 - Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to allow the layers to firm.
09 - Slice into portions and serve directly from the chilled dish.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- No oven needed—even on a sweltering day, you get an elegant dessert with no sweat.
- The layers meld into a soft, spoonable dream that feels more impressive than the effort you put in.
02 -
- The base will fall apart if you don’t pack it firmly enough; lean into it with confidence and use the base of a glass for even pressure.
- Chilling is non-negotiable—cutting too soon turns your masterpiece into a rather tasty but messy pudding pile.
03 -
- Chill your mixing bowls and beaters before whipping cream—it noticeably speeds up the process.
- A pinch of salt in the cookie base wakes up every flavor in the whole dessert.