When I made this Chocolate and Cream Layered Dessert, the kitchen smelled rich and sweet.
Each layer turned smooth and silky, with chocolate and cream melting together perfectly.
I remember taking the first spoonful—it felt light, creamy, and so comforting.
This dessert is elegant, simple, and full of chocolatey goodness.
It’s perfect for parties, holidays, or an easy make-ahead treat.
Let’s layer it up together—you’ll love how soft and dreamy it turns out.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Baking Required: Simply layer and chill for an effortless dessert.
- Crowd Pleaser: Rich chocolate and smooth cream satisfy every sweet tooth.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the night before and let flavors blend in the fridge.
- Versatile: Use store-bought or homemade components based on your time.
- Beautiful Presentation: Stunning layers make it perfect for special occasions.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: About 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: This recipe serves 8-10 people. Perfect for family gatherings or dinner parties. Double the layers for larger crowds.
Difficulty: Easy enough for beginners. No special skills needed, just patience while it chills.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Electric hand mixer or whisk
- Small saucepan
- 9×9 inch square dish or trifle bowl
- Rubber spatula
- Knife for cutting cake layers
Ingredients
This elegant dessert uses simple pantry staples that create something truly special. The combination of dark chocolate with sweet cream creates perfect balance in every bite.
For the Layers:
- Biscuits: 2 cups crushed (about 20 biscuits) for a crunchy base layer
- Sponge Cake: 1 store-bought or homemade sponge cake, sliced into thin layers
For the Cream Layer:
- Heavy Cream: 2 cups, cold for best whipping results
- Powdered Sugar: 1/2 cup for sweetening the cream
- Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons for flavor depth
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- Dark Chocolate: 8 ounces, chopped into small pieces
- Butter: 2 tablespoons for extra richness
- Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup for the ganache
Variations for Chocolate and Cream Layered Dessert
- Add Coffee: Mix 1 tablespoon instant coffee into the chocolate ganache for mocha flavor.
- Try White Chocolate: Swap dark chocolate for white chocolate for a sweeter version.
- Add Fruit: Layer fresh berries between the cream for added freshness.
- Use Different Cake: Replace sponge cake with pound cake or ladyfingers.
- Add Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts between layers for texture.
How to Make Chocolate and Cream Layered Dessert Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Biscuit Base
Crush biscuits into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed bag and crushing with a rolling pin. Press the crumbs firmly into the bottom of your dish to create an even layer.
2. Slice the Sponge Cake
Cut the sponge cake horizontally into thin, even layers. You will need enough slices to create multiple layers in your dessert.
3. Make the Whipped Cream
Pour cold heavy cream into a large mixing bowl. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form. This takes about 3-4 minutes. Do not overbeat or the cream will become grainy.
4. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache
Heat 1/2 cup heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add chopped dark chocolate and butter. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until completely smooth and glossy. Allow to cool slightly before using.
5. Assemble the Layers
Start with the biscuit base. Add a layer of sponge cake slices to cover the biscuits. Spread a generous layer of whipped cream over the cake. Drizzle some chocolate ganache on top. Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of whipped cream and a final drizzle of chocolate ganache on top.
6. Chill the Dessert
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This allows the layers to set and flavors to meld together beautifully.
Serving and Decoration
How to Serve: Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to cut clean slices. Wipe the knife between cuts for the neatest presentation. Serve chilled on dessert plates.
Decoration Ideas:
- Dust the top with cocoa powder just before serving
- Add chocolate shavings or curls on top
- Place fresh berries or mint leaves as garnish
- Drizzle extra ganache in decorative patterns
- Pipe additional whipped cream rosettes around the edges
Storing Chocolate and Cream Layered Dessert
- Refrigerator: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dessert actually tastes better the next day as flavors blend.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the cream layer may separate when thawed.
- Individual Portions: Assemble in small glass cups for grab-and-go servings that store beautifully.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Keep Cream Cold: Use cold heavy cream straight from the fridge for best whipping results.
- Quality Chocolate Matters: Choose good quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content for rich flavor.
- Even Layers: Take your time spreading each layer evenly for the most beautiful presentation.
- Patience Pays Off: Allow full chilling time so layers set properly and are easy to slice.
- Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter blends more smoothly into the ganache.
- Prevent Soggy Layers: Apply cream layers gently to keep cake from becoming too moist.
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1/10 of recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 385 |
| Total Fat | 26g |
| Saturated Fat | 16g |
| Cholesterol | 75mg |
| Sodium | 180mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 26g |
| Protein | 4g |
Nutritional values are approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.
PrintChocolate And Cream Layered Dessert
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours (Chill Time)
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: No-Bake Dessert
Ingredients
Base Layer:
- 2 cups crushed biscuits (about 20 biscuits)
Cake Layers:
- 1 sponge cake, sliced into thin layers
Cream Layer:
- 2 cups heavy cream, cold
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Chocolate Ganache:
- 8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare Base: Press crushed biscuits firmly into the bottom of a 9×9 inch dish.
- Slice Cake: Cut sponge cake horizontally into thin, even layers.
- Whip Cream: Beat 2 cups cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form, about 3-4 minutes.
- Make Ganache: Heat 1/2 cup heavy cream until simmering. Remove from heat and add chopped chocolate and butter. Let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Cool slightly.
- Layer Dessert: Over biscuit base, add a layer of sponge cake. Spread whipped cream over cake, then drizzle with ganache. Repeat layers, ending with whipped cream and ganache on top.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Serve: Slice with a hot knife, wiping between cuts. Serve chilled.
Chocolate and Cream Layered Dessert FAQs
Yes, this dessert is perfect for making ahead. Prepare it the night before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. It actually tastes better after the flavors have time to blend.
Ladyfingers, pound cake, or angel food cake all work wonderfully. You can also use brownies for an extra chocolatey version.
Make sure your cream is very cold and do not overbeat it. Beat only until soft peaks form. Overbeating can cause the cream to separate.
Yes, though the dessert will be sweeter. Dark chocolate provides a nice contrast to the sweet cream, but use whatever you prefer.
Dip your knife in hot water and wipe it clean between each cut. This prevents the layers from smearing together.
Conclusion
This Chocolate and Cream Layered Dessert proves that simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular. The contrast between rich chocolate ganache and light vanilla cream, paired with tender cake and a crunchy biscuit base, makes every bite memorable. Whether you are hosting a dinner party or treating your family to something special, this no-bake dessert delivers impressive results with minimal effort.
