No-Bake Chocolate Orange Layer Bars

This elegant no-bake dessert combines the classic flavors of chocolate and orange in a beautiful layered presentation. Perfect for when you want an impressive dessert without turning on the oven!

Prep Time

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Chilling: 4 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients

For the Orange Layer

• 2 egg yolks
• 60g (2.1 oz) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar
• 600ml (21 fl oz) whole milk
• 40g (1.4 oz) cornstarch
• Juice of 2 fresh oranges
• 120g (4.2 oz) plain cookies/biscuits

For the Chocolate Layer

• 2 egg yolks
• 40g (1.4 oz) granulated sugar
• 400ml (14 fl oz) whole milk
• 20g (0.7 oz) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 30g (1 oz) cornstarch
• 150g (5.3 oz) dark chocolate, chopped

Detailed Instructions

Step 1: Orange Cream Layer

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together:

• Egg yolks
• Sugar
• Vanilla sugar

1. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly
2. Add cornstarch and whisk until smooth
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened
4. Remove from heat and stir in orange juice
5. Let cool slightly

Step 2: Chocolate Cream Layer

1. In another saucepan, combine:

• Egg yolks
• Sugar

1. Gradually add milk while whisking
2. Add cocoa powder and cornstarch
3. Cook over medium heat until thickened
4. Remove from heat and stir in chopped chocolate
5. Stir until chocolate is completely melted

Step 3: Assembly

1. Line a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) dish with parchment paper
2. Layer cookies in the bottom of the dish
3. Pour orange cream over cookies
4. Add another layer of cookies
5. Pour chocolate cream over cookies
6. Smooth top with spatula

Step 4: Setting

1. Cover with plastic wrap
2. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight
3. Cut into squares before serving

Pro Tips

• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother creams
• Strain creams through a fine-mesh sieve for extra smoothness
• Dip knife in hot water between cuts for clean slices
• Keep refrigerated until serving

Nutrition Information

Per serving (1/12 of recipe):

• Calories: 285
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 95mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 41g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g

Serves: 12

This dessert can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve after 24 hours, making this a perfect make-ahead dessert for special occasions. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve, as the layers will soften at room temperature.

Note: For food safety, use pasteurized eggs if available, especially if serving to young children, elderly, or immunocompromised individuals.