No Bake Layered Dessert (Printable)
Crunchy cookie base, silky vanilla pudding and whipped cream chilled into an elegant no-bake layered dessert.
# What You Need:
→ Base Layer
01 - 7 ounces graham crackers or digestive biscuits, finely crushed
02 - 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
→ Cream Layer
03 - 1 2/3 cups heavy whipping cream, chilled
04 - 1/3 cup powdered sugar
05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Pudding Layer
06 - 1 package (3.5 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
07 - 1 2/3 cups cold whole milk
→ Topping
08 - 2 ounces chocolate shavings or cocoa powder (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Combine crushed graham crackers with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press firmly into the base of a 9x9 inch baking dish, forming an even layer.
02 - In a clean bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract using an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk instant vanilla pudding mix with cold whole milk for 2 minutes. Allow to rest for 5 minutes to thicken.
04 - Spread half of the whipped cream over the prepared cookie base, smoothing to edges.
05 - Evenly distribute the vanilla pudding over the whipped cream layer and smooth the surface.
06 - Gently spread the remaining whipped cream on top of the pudding layer, creating a smooth surface.
07 - Sprinkle the surface with chocolate shavings or dust lightly with cocoa powder, if using.
08 - Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the dessert to set.
09 - Slice neatly with a sharp knife and serve chilled.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- This is the kind of no-fuss dessert you can make with one hand while chatting with friends or kids.
- Its the recipe I reach for whenever I want creamy comfort but not a mountain of dishes or stress.
02 -
- Rushing the chilling step means soupy layers, so patience is key here.
- Using warm cream by accident once taught me that only truly cold cream whips gorgeously.
03 -
- Chill your mixing bowl and beaters for faster, fluffier whipped cream.
- Swap cookies or pudding flavors based on what you have—the technique is endlessly adaptable.