Chocolate Custard Dessert with Layers of Cookies and Cream

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Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
Chill Time: 2–4 hours
Total Time: About 3 hours

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Custard:

  • 3 egg yolks (large chicken eggs)
  • 80g granulated sugar (approximately 1/3 cup)
  • 400ml whole milk (approximately 1 2/3 cups)
  • 30g corn starch (approximately 1/4 cup)
  • 40g unsweetened cocoa powder (approximately 1/3 cup)

For the Cookie Layer:

  • 200g chocolate sandwich cookies or plain tea biscuits (about 20 pieces)
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk or coffee (for soaking cookies)

For the Cream Layer:

  • 250ml heavy whipping cream (cold, about 1 cup)
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Toppings:

  • Grated dark chocolate or chocolate shavings
  • Crushed cookies
  • Cocoa powder (for dusting)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Chocolate Custard

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients
    In a medium saucepan (off the heat), whisk together the sugar, corn starch, and cocoa powder until evenly blended and no lumps remain.
  2. Add Wet Ingredients
    Add the egg yolks and a few tablespoons of milk to the dry ingredients. Whisk to form a smooth paste, ensuring there are no lumps.
  3. Add Remaining Milk
    Gradually pour in the remaining milk while whisking continuously. This will help thin the mixture and prepare it for cooking.
  4. Cook the Custard
    Place the saucepan over medium heat. Cook the mixture, whisking constantly to prevent sticking or clumping. As it heats up, the custard will begin to thicken. This should take about 7–10 minutes.
  5. Check for Doneness
    Once the custard reaches a thick, pudding-like consistency and starts to bubble gently, remove it from the heat. If you prefer a smoother texture, strain the custard through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl.
  6. Cool the Custard
    Cover the surface of the custard with plastic wrap (directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming) and let it cool to room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Layer

  1. Whip the Cream
    In a chilled mixing bowl, combine the cold heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
  2. Beat to Stiff Peaks
    Using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the mixture until stiff peaks form. This usually takes 3–5 minutes. Be careful not to overbeat, as the cream can turn into butter.
  3. Chill the Cream
    Keep the whipped cream in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the dessert.

Step 3: Prepare the Cookie Layer

  1. Soak the Cookies
    Lightly dip each cookie in milk or coffee for just 1–2 seconds. They should soften slightly but not become soggy. Set aside on a plate.

Step 4: Assemble the Dessert

  1. Layer One – Cookies
    In a medium-sized glass serving dish or individual cups, start by laying a single layer of softened cookies at the bottom.
  2. Layer Two – Chocolate Custard
    Spread an even layer of the cooled chocolate custard over the cookies, smoothing it out with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
  3. Layer Three – Whipped Cream
    Spoon or pipe a generous layer of whipped cream over the chocolate custard.
  4. Repeat Layers
    Repeat the layering process with another layer of soaked cookies, chocolate custard, and whipped cream. You can adjust the number of layers based on the height and size of your serving dish.
  5. Final Toppings (Optional)
    Garnish the top with grated chocolate, crushed cookies, or a light dusting of cocoa powder for an elegant finish.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

  1. Refrigerate the Dessert
    Cover the dessert with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2–4 hours. This chilling time allows the layers to set and the flavours to meld together.
  2. Serving
    Once chilled, use a sharp knife or spoon to slice and serve. This dessert is best enjoyed cold.

Storage Notes

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing Not Recommended: This dessert is not ideal for freezing due to the texture of the whipped cream and custard.

Tips for Best Results

  • Custard Texture: For a velvety smooth custard, be sure to whisk continuously while cooking and strain the mixture after cooking.
  • Layering: If using individual glasses or jars, spooning the layers carefully with a piping bag will make for a cleaner presentation.
  • Cookies: Chocolate sandwich cookies add sweetness and texture, but you can also use digestive biscuits or graham crackers for a more neutral taste.

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