No-Bake Layered Dessert (Printer-Friendly)
Creamy graham cracker base layered with vanilla pudding and whipped cream, chilled until set and finished with chocolate shavings.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Base Layer
01 - 7 ounces graham crackers or digestive biscuits, crushed
02 - 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
→ Cream Layer
03 - 1 2/3 cups cold heavy whipping cream
04 - 1/3 cup powdered sugar
05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Pudding Layer
06 - 1 package (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 Make It:
01 - Combine crushed graham crackers with melted butter in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9x9 inch baking dish to create a uniform base.
02 - Whip the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract in a chilled bowl until firm peaks form using an electric mixer or whisk.
03 - Vigorously whisk instant vanilla pudding mix with cold whole milk for 2 minutes. Allow the mixture to rest for 5 minutes until it reaches a thick consistency.
04 - Spread half of the whipped cream over the prepared graham cracker base, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
05 - Pour the thickened vanilla pudding over the whipped cream layer and spread evenly for a consistent layer.
06 - Top the pudding with the remaining whipped cream, evenly covering the surface.
07 - Garnish with chocolate shavings or dust lightly with cocoa powder as desired.
08 - Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, or overnight for optimal texture.
09 - Cut into equal portions and serve the dessert chilled.
# Helpful Hints:
01 -
- It feels like cheating the system—decadent layers ready in minutes, no oven drama required.
- This is the dessert that saves you when guests are coming and you want something that feels impressive but takes barely any effort.
02 -
- If the cream is whipped too long it turns grainy—watch closely and stop at soft, pillowy peaks.
- Letting it chill overnight makes slicing so much easier and creates cleaner layers you’ll want to show off.
03 -
- If you’re in a hurry, pop the dish into the freezer for 30 minutes—the layers will set faster.
- A tiny pinch of salt stirred into the biscuit base makes the sweetness pop without tasting salty.