No-Bake Caramel Dream Dessert

Table of Contents hide

This recipe makes a delightful, creamy, and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

Yields: 8-10 servings Prep time: 30 minutes Chill time: Minimum 4 hours (preferably overnight)

For the Creamy Filling:

For the Cookie/Biscuit Layer:

For the Caramel Drizzle:

Equipment:

Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Make sure there are no lumps.
Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar to the cream cheese, beating until well combined and light.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate, chilled bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat, or it will turn into butter.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture in three additions, until just combined. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream. This creates a light and airy, yet rich, filling.

Step 2: Assemble the Layers

Prepare the dish: Ensure your 9×13 inch baking dish is clean and ready.
First Cookie Layer: If using ladyfingers, quickly dip each ladyfinger into the milk (or coffee) for just a second or two – you don’t want them to get soggy. Arrange a single layer of the dipped ladyfingers at the bottom of the baking dish, breaking them as needed to fit. If using digestive or Marie biscuits, you can also quickly dip them in milk, or simply arrange them dry if you prefer a firmer base that will soften as it absorbs moisture from the cream.
First Cream Layer: Spread about half of the creamy filling evenly over the first layer of cookies/biscuits.
Second Cookie Layer: Repeat the process: dip and arrange another layer of ladyfingers or biscuits over the cream filling.
Second Cream Layer: Spread the remaining half of the creamy filling evenly over the second layer of cookies/biscuits, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 3: Chill the Dessert

Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap.
Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, but preferably overnight. This allows the cookies/biscuits to soften and absorb the flavors of the cream, and the dessert to set firmly.

Step 4: Drizzle with Caramel and Serve

Just before serving, remove the dessert from the refrigerator.
Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the top of the set creamy layer. You can make decorative lines as shown in the picture, or simply spread it. If your caramel sauce is too thick to drizzle, you can gently warm it for a few seconds in the microwave to make it more pourable.
To serve, use a large spoon or spatula to scoop out individual portions.

Cookie Choice: Instead of ladyfingers or digestive biscuits, you can also use graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or even shortbread cookies. The absorbency will vary, so adjust chilling time if needed.
Flavor Boost: Add a tablespoon of liqueur (like Kahlua, Amaretto, or Grand Marnier) to the milk for dipping the ladyfingers for an adult version.
Chocolate Lovers: You could add a layer of chocolate ganache or chocolate shavings between the cream layers, or drizzle with chocolate syrup in addition to or instead of caramel.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped toasted nuts (like pecans or walnuts) over the caramel drizzle for added texture and flavor.
Fruity Twist: For a fresh touch, you could layer in some sliced bananas or strawberries between the cream and cookie layers, especially if using a vanilla wafer base.
Homemade Caramel: If you want to make your own caramel, there are many recipes online for salted caramel sauce which would be fantastic here.

Enjoy your delicious homemade No-Bake Caramel Dream Dessert!

Comments