Discover a delightful no-bake dessert that combines the bright flavors of citrus with creamy richness. This elegant layered dessert features a buttery cookie base, velvety orange-citrus filling, and a cloud-like whipped cream topping. Perfect for warm summer days or when you need an impressive dessert without turning on the oven.
Ingredients
For the Orange Custard Layer
- 4 oranges (200ml/7 fl oz juice)
- 2 egg yolks
- 20g (0.7 oz) sugar
- 20g (0.7 oz) cornstarch
For the Cream Layer
- 2 lemons (20ml/0.7 fl oz juice)
- 80g (2.8 oz) condensed milk
- 100g (3.5 oz) ricotta cheese
- 100ml (3.5 fl oz) whipping cream
For the Base
- 200g (7 oz) cookies
- 30g (1 oz) coconut flakes
- 80g (2.8 oz) white chocolate
- 80g (2.8 oz) butter, melted
For Decoration
- Whipping cream for piping
- Ground cinnamon or cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Orange Custard
- Extract juice from 4 oranges (approximately 200ml)
- In a saucepan, combine orange juice, egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened
- Remove from heat and let cool completely
Step 2: Make the Cream Filling
- Juice the lemons to get 20ml juice
- Mix lemon juice with condensed milk until thickened
- Fold in ricotta cheese
- Gradually add whipping cream, beating until smooth
Step 3: Prepare the Base
- Crush cookies finely
- Mix in coconut flakes
- Melt white chocolate
- Combine melted chocolate with melted butter
- Mix all base ingredients until well combined
- Press mixture into a lined rectangular pan
Step 4: Assembly
- Spread cooled orange custard over the base
- Layer cream filling on top
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes
- Pipe decorative whipped cream on top
- Dust with cinnamon or cocoa powder
Nutritional Information
Per serving (12 servings):
- Calories: 325
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 18g
Timing:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Pro Tips and Tricks
- Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing
- Strain orange juice to remove pulp for smoother custard
- Chill bowl and beaters for better whipped cream
- Use a food processor for finely crushed cookies
- Line pan with parchment paper for easy removal
Variations and Substitutions
- Replace orange with mandarin or blood orange juice
- Use mascarpone instead of ricotta
- Substitute graham crackers for cookies
- Try dark chocolate instead of white chocolate
- Use alternative citrus combinations like lime and grapefruit
- Make it dairy-free using coconut cream alternatives
Common FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, prepare up to 24 hours in advance and keep refrigerated.
Q: Why isn’t my custard thickening?
A: Continue cooking while stirring; the cornstarch needs to reach boiling point to activate.
Q: Can I freeze this dessert?
A: Not recommended as the texture of the cream layers may change.
Q: How long will it keep in the refrigerator?
A: Up to 3 days when properly stored.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator
- Keep away from strong-smelling foods
- Add decorative toppings just before serving
- Can prepare components separately day before
- Best consumed within 3 days
- Do not freeze