This Milk, Chocolate, and Fruit Layered Dessert combines the creamy richness of milk and chocolate with the refreshing taste of fresh fruits, all held together by agar-agar, making it both light and indulgent. This no-bake dessert is visually stunning, with its distinct layers of fruit and chocolate, making it perfect for any occasion. The preparation is straightforward and quick, and the result is a delightful treat that’s sure to impress your guests. Let’s get started on this delicious layered dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Dessert
This dessert is not only beautiful but also refreshing and satisfying. The creamy milk and chocolate layers perfectly complement the fresh fruits, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. Agar-agar, a natural setting agent, makes this dessert suitable for vegetarians and those who prefer to avoid gelatin. It’s a perfect dessert for warm weather or when you need a light yet indulgent treat.
Ingredients (Serves 8-10)
For the Fruit Layer:
- 2 cups (480 ml) milk
- 1 banana, sliced
- 1 kiwi, peeled and sliced
- 1 orange, peeled and segmented
- 1 strawberry, sliced
- 2 1/2 teaspoons agar-agar powder
- 2 tablespoons sugar
For the Chocolate Layer:
- 2 cups (480 ml) milk
- 4 1/2 oz (130 g) dark chocolate, chopped
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 1/2 teaspoons agar-agar powder
- 1/3 cup (65 g) sugar
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Dietary Fiber: 3 g
- Sugars: 20 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
- Sodium: 60 mg
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit Layer
- Pour 2 cups (480 ml) of milk into a saucepan.
- Add 2 tablespoons of sugar and 2 ½ teaspoons of agar-agar powder to the milk. Mix well with a hand whisk to ensure the agar-agar is fully dissolved.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, bringing it to a boil, then remove it from the heat. Stir occasionally to prevent clumping.
- Pour a ladle of the milk mixture into an 18×7×6 cm mold, spreading it evenly at the bottom.
- Begin adding the first layer of fruit by placing slices of kiwi in the center and the banana slices on the sides of the mold.
- Continue layering the fruit and ladling the milk mixture over the fruits until the mold is filled. Arrange the fruits in a decorative pattern, ensuring the milk mixture covers each layer fully.
- Set the mold aside for about 30 minutes to allow the fruit layer to set completely. Once set, turn the mold over onto a tray, revealing the fruit layer.
Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Layer
- Pour 2 cups (480 ml) of milk into a clean saucepan.
- Add ⅓ cup of sugar, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, and 2 ½ teaspoons of agar-agar powder to the milk. Whisk well to combine, ensuring the cocoa and agar-agar dissolve completely.
- Add 4 ½ ounces (130 grams) of chopped dark chocolate to the saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat until the mixture boils and the chocolate is fully melted and incorporated, stirring constantly.
- Take a larger mold (20×9×7 cm) and pour a ladle of the chocolate mixture into it, spreading it evenly.
- Insert the set fruit layer into the chocolate mixture in the larger mold, gently pressing it down to avoid any air bubbles.
- Pour the remaining chocolate milk mixture over the fruit layer, ensuring it is fully covered.
- Place the mold in the freezer for 1 hour to set the chocolate layer.
Step 3: Serve the Dessert
- After 1 hour, remove the mold from the freezer.
- Turn the mold onto a tray, revealing the beautiful layers of fruit and chocolate.
- Slice the dessert into portions and serve immediately. Enjoy the delightful combination of creamy chocolate and fresh fruit!
Tips for Perfect Milk and Fruit Dessert
- Work Quickly with Agar-Agar: Agar-agar sets quickly, so it’s important to work swiftly once it’s added to the liquid. Stir continuously to prevent clumping.
- Customize Your Fruits: Feel free to use your favorite fruits or whatever is in season. Berries, peaches, or mangoes would also work well in this dessert.
- Ensure Even Layers: When pouring the chocolate layer, make sure it covers the fruit layer completely for a neat presentation.
This Milk, Chocolate, and Fruit Layered Dessert is a delightful combination of creamy, chocolatey goodness and fresh, vibrant fruits. It’s perfect for any occasion and sure to impress with its beautiful presentation and delicious taste. Enjoy making and sharing this stunning dessert with your family and friends!
