No Bake Layered Dessert (Printer-friendly)
Layered chilled dessert with cookie base, whipped cream and vanilla pudding - simple to assemble and slice.
# 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, well chilled
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 - 1.75 ounces chocolate shavings or cocoa powder (optional)
# How-To Guide:
01 - Combine the crushed graham crackers with melted butter in a mixing bowl until the mixture forms an even texture. Firmly press mixture into the bottom of a 9x9 inch baking dish to create an even base.
02 - In a chilled bowl, use an electric mixer or whisk to beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together vanilla pudding mix and cold whole milk for 2 minutes. Allow the mixture to rest for 5 minutes so it thickens.
04 - Spread half of the whipped cream mixture evenly on top of the cookie base. Follow with the entire pudding layer, smoothing it out. Top with the remaining whipped cream, spreading smoothly using a spatula.
05 - Garnish the top with chocolate shavings or dust with cocoa powder, if using. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the layers to fully set.
06 - Slice the chilled dessert and serve directly from the baking dish.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- No bake means you can whip this up on a hot day without turning your kitchen into a sauna.
- The creamy layers impress every single time, even when you’re short on time or energy.
02 -
- If you skip the chilling, the layers will run together and the dessert just won’t hold its shape.
- Switching to chocolate cookies or chocolate pudding is a total game-changer, and you’ll never regret experimenting once you try it.
03 -
- Don’t rush the whipped cream—it needs to be ultra-firm for perfect, lofty layers that won’t collapse.
- Chilling overnight transforms the base from crumbly to cohesive, so patience pays off tenfold.