No-Bake Dessert in 5 Minutes: Layered Custard and Chocolate Delight
Ingredients
For the Custard:
- 5 eggs (yolks separated from the whites)
- 200 g (1 cup) sugar (divided into 150 g for the custard and 50 g for the chocolate layer)
- 1 liter (4 ¼ cups) milk
- 70 g (½ cup + 1 tbsp) corn starch
- 200 g (7 oz) cookies (tea biscuits or digestive work best)
- 40 g (⅓ cup) cocoa powder
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 100 g (3.5 oz) dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 50 ml (3.4 tbsp) cream (heavy or whipping cream)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Custard
Start by making the base of the dessert: a smooth, rich custard. Separate the egg yolks from the whites and place the yolks in a large bowl. Add 150 g of sugar and whisk together until the mixture is pale and creamy. Gradually whisk in the corn starch, ensuring the mixture remains smooth and free of lumps.
In a separate saucepan, heat 1 liter of milk over medium heat until it just starts to steam, but not boil. Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking continuously to temper the eggs and prevent them from curdling.
Once combined, return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat. Stir constantly until the custard thickens to a creamy consistency, about 5–7 minutes. Be sure to keep stirring to avoid any lumps or scorching on the bottom of the pan. Once the custard has thickened, remove it from heat.
2. Divide the Custard
Divide the custard into two equal portions. Leave one half plain to create a vanilla custard layer.
For the chocolate custard layer, take the second portion and mix in 40 g of cocoa powder and the remaining 50 g of sugar. Stir well until the cocoa powder is fully incorporated, and the custard is smooth and rich in color. Set both custards aside to cool slightly while you prepare the next step.
3. Assemble the Dessert Layers
Now it’s time to layer the dessert. Start by selecting a medium-sized baking dish (a rectangular or square dish works best for even layering).
Begin by placing a layer of cookies at the bottom of the dish. If desired, you can dip the cookies lightly in milk to soften them, but this step is optional depending on how soft or firm you prefer the cookie layers.
Next, pour the plain vanilla custard over the cookie layer and spread it evenly to cover all the cookies. Smooth the surface with a spatula for an even layer.
Add a second layer of cookies on top of the vanilla custard, following the same process.
After the second layer of cookies, pour the chocolate custard over the top. Spread it evenly, ensuring that the cookies are fully covered. This chocolate layer will add a rich, decadent contrast to the vanilla custard and cookies.
4. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache
While the custard layers are cooling slightly, prepare the ganache that will top the dessert.
In a small saucepan, heat 50 ml of cream until it just starts to simmer. Remove it from the heat and add the chopped 100 g dark chocolate. Stir until the chocolate melts completely, forming a smooth and glossy ganache.
Pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the chocolate custard layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a shiny, indulgent finish.
5. Chill the Dessert
Place the assembled dessert in the refrigerator for at least 3–4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the layers to fully set and the flavors to meld together. The cooling process is crucial to achieve the perfect texture, as the custards will firm up, and the cookies will soften slightly.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Once the dessert has fully set, remove it from the refrigerator and cut it into squares or slices. Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor. This dessert is creamy, chocolatey, and perfectly satisfying without the need for baking—ideal for any time you need a quick, no-fuss treat.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Serving size: 1 portion (makes 8 servings)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Sugar: 28 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
- Sodium: 70 mg