Caramel and Chocolate Layered No-Bake Dessert
A luscious layered no-bake dessert combining a crunchy base, rich caramel, and silky chocolate ganache for an indulgent treat. This desserts ready in about 30 minutes layers crushed digestive biscuits, melted unsalted butter, dulce de leche into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 200 g, crushed digestive biscuits
- 100 g, melted unsalted butter
- 1 cup dulce de leche
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 200 g, chopped dark chocolate
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 200 g crushed digestive biscuits with 100 g melted unsalted butter; stir until crumbs are evenly coated.
- Step 2: Press the biscuit mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even base; chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
- Step 3: Spread 1 cup dulce de leche evenly over the chilled biscuit base.
- Step 4: In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup heavy cream over medium heat until just simmering, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 5: Remove the cream from heat and immediately pour over 200 g chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl; let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Step 6: Pour the chocolate ganache gently over the caramel layer, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Step 7: Refrigerate the layered dessert for at least 3 hours or until the ganache is firm.
- Step 8: Remove from the pan and slice into 12 portions before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Caramel and Chocolate Layered No-Bake Dessert take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Caramel and Chocolate Layered No-Bake Dessert?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Caramel and Chocolate Layered No-Bake Dessert?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Caramel and Chocolate Layered No-Bake Dessert for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Caramel and Chocolate Layered No-Bake Dessert?
Desserts desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
