No Bake Layered Dessert (Printable)
Graham-cracker base, whipped cream and vanilla pudding layered and chilled for a creamy, make-ahead dessert.
# What You'll 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 - 1.8 ounces chocolate shavings or cocoa powder (optional)
# How-To Steps:
01 - Combine crushed graham crackers with melted butter in a mixing bowl and stir until uniformly moistened. Firmly press the mixture into the bottom of a 9x9 inch baking dish to form an even base layer.
02 - In a clean bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract using an electric mixer on medium speed until stiff peaks form.
03 - Whisk instant vanilla pudding mix with cold whole milk for 2 minutes until fully dissolved and slightly thickened. Allow to stand for 5 minutes to reach a thick, spreadable consistency.
04 - Spread half of the whipped cream evenly over the cookie base, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
05 - Spoon prepared vanilla pudding over the whipped cream layer and spread gently to form an even layer.
06 - Top with the remaining whipped cream, smoothing the surface for a uniform finish.
07 - Evenly sprinkle chocolate shavings or dust with cocoa powder, if desired.
08 - Cover dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours or overnight so that the layers firm up.
09 - Slice into portions and serve chilled.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- You can serve up pure indulgence with barely any effort, and nobody needs to know how easy it really was.
- The luscious cream, dreamy pudding, and cookie crunch come together for something truly showstopping—yet it takes only minutes to throw together.
02 -
- If you rush the chill time, your layers might slide everywhere—patience truly pays off.
- Switching to chocolate cookies and pudding once on a whim turned out even more irresistible; don’t be afraid to experiment.
03 -
- Chill your mixing bowl and whisk for the fluffiest whipped cream possible.
- Let each layer settle for a minute before adding the next to get those beautiful, bakery-worthy stripes.