Indulge in this heavenly no-bake dessert that combines rich chocolate layers, silky vanilla custard, and golden caramel in one spectacular treat. This show-stopping dessert looks like it came from a fancy patisserie but takes just 5 minutes of active preparation time. With its perfect balance of textures and flavors, this layered dessert will become your go-to recipe for impressing guests or satisfying those intense chocolate cravings.
Ingredients
For the Caramel Layer:
- Granulated sugar – 150g / 5.3 oz / ¾ cup
- Heavy cream (33% fat) – 100ml / 3.4 fl oz / ⅓ cup (warmed)
- Butter – 30g / 1 oz / 2 tablespoons
- Salt – 1 pinch
For the Vanilla Custard:
- Egg yolks – 3 large
- Granulated sugar – 120g / 4.2 oz / ½ cup
- Whole milk – 600ml / 20 fl oz / 2½ cups
- Cornstarch – 40g / 1.4 oz / ⅓ cup
- Butter cookies – 200g / 7 oz / 1½ cups (crushed)
For the Chocolate Layer:
- Egg yolks – 2 large
- Granulated sugar – 80g / 2.8 oz / ⅓ cup
- Whole milk – 450ml / 15 fl oz / 1¾ cups
- Cornstarch – 30g / 1 oz / ¼ cup
- Cocoa powder – 40g / 1.4 oz / ⅓ cup
- Dark chocolate – 100g / 3.5 oz
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- Dark chocolate – 100g / 3.5 oz
- Milk chocolate – 100g / 3.5 oz
- Heavy cream (33% fat) – 100ml / 3.4 fl oz / ⅓ cup
Instructions
- Make the caramel layer: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat 150g sugar over medium heat until it melts and turns golden amber. Remove from heat and slowly whisk in warm cream, then butter and salt. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare vanilla custard: In a saucepan, whisk egg yolks with 120g sugar until pale. Add cornstarch and mix well. Gradually whisk in milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick and smooth. Cover with plastic wrap directly touching the surface and let cool.
- Create chocolate custard: Whisk 2 egg yolks with 80g sugar until combined. Mix in cornstarch and cocoa powder. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, until thick. Stir in 100g dark chocolate until melted and smooth. Cool completely.
- Prepare the base: Crush cookies and spread evenly in the bottom of your serving dish (9×13 inch pan works perfectly).
- Layer the dessert: Pour cooled caramel over the cookie base. Spread vanilla custard as the second layer. Add the chocolate custard as the third layer, smoothing each layer before adding the next.
- Make the ganache: Melt both chocolates together in microwave in 30-second intervals. Heat cream and gradually whisk into melted chocolate until smooth and glossy.
- Finish and chill: Pour ganache over the top layer, spreading evenly. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until completely set.
- Serve: Cut into squares and serve chilled for the perfect layered dessert experience.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 12 portions
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 385 | Fat: 18g | Carbs: 52g | Protein: 8g | Sugar: 45g
Why This Recipe is Special
This layered dessert offers a perfect balance of indulgence and satisfaction with surprisingly beneficial elements. The eggs provide high-quality protein and essential vitamins, while milk contributes calcium and riboflavin. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants and may support heart health when consumed in moderation. The homemade custards are free from artificial preservatives and stabilizers found in store-bought alternatives. The combination of textures from crunchy cookies, smooth custards, and rich ganache creates a dessert that satisfies multiple cravings in one bite, making it a more satisfying treat than simple sweets.