How to Make a Chilled Dessert with 3 Cheap Ingredients
If you’re looking for a quick, affordable, and delicious dessert, this chilled recipe made with just three simple ingredients is the perfect solution. This easy-to-make treat combines creamy sweetness with a delightful crunch, making it ideal for any occasion—whether you’re entertaining guests or just satisfying a craving at home. With no cooking involved, minimal prep, and ingredients that won’t break the bank, this recipe is great for those who want a low-effort yet impressive dessert.
The dessert relies on the richness of dulce de leche, the creaminess of whipped cream, and the light crispness of Maria cookies to create layers of flavor and texture. Let’s dive into the detailed recipe, step-by-step preparation, and tips to ensure you get the best results every time.
Ingredients:
- 14 ounces (400 grams) of dulce de leche
- 1 ¾ cups (400 ml) of heavy cream for whipping
- 2 packs of Maria cookies
Preparation Method
Step 1: Whip the Heavy Cream
Begin by chilling your heavy cream in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours. This ensures that the cream whips up to a firm consistency, which is crucial for building the layers in this dessert.
Using a stand mixer or a hand mixer, place the chilled heavy cream in a large bowl. Beat the cream on medium speed until it reaches a firm consistency. Be careful not to over-whip the cream—stop as soon as it becomes thick and holds its shape but hasn’t yet formed stiff peaks.
Step 2: Incorporate the Dulce de Leche
Once your heavy cream has reached the right consistency, it’s time to add the star ingredient: dulce de leche. Gradually add the dulce de leche to the whipped cream while continuing to beat the mixture on low speed. This ensures that the two blend smoothly, creating a luscious, creamy mixture. Increase the speed slightly and continue beating until the mixture forms stiff peaks. It should be thick, creamy, and smooth at this point, with the dulce de leche fully incorporated into the whipped cream.
Step 3: Begin Layering
Now, you’re ready to assemble your dessert. Choose a dessert dish or a trifle dish for layering. Start by spreading a thin layer of the whipped cream and dulce de leche mixture at the bottom of your dish. This will serve as the base for the cookies and help them adhere to the layers above.
Step 4: Add a Layer of Maria Cookies
Next, take the Maria cookies and place them in a single layer on top of the whipped cream mixture. You can break the cookies into smaller pieces to fit the dish perfectly, but try to keep the layer even and as close together as possible. The cookies will soften as the dessert chills, absorbing some of the cream and giving the dessert a cake-like texture.
Step 5: Alternate Layers
Repeat the process of layering the whipped cream mixture and cookies. Add another layer of the whipped cream mixture, followed by another layer of cookies. Continue alternating between the two until all the ingredients are used. Aim to finish with a layer of the whipped cream and dulce de leche mixture on top.
Step 6: Garnish the Dessert
For the final touch, crush some Maria cookies coarsely and sprinkle them over the top layer of whipped cream. This adds a bit of texture and visual appeal to the dessert. You can also drizzle some additional dulce de leche over the top for an extra burst of flavor, or add a sprinkle of cocoa powder for a touch of elegance.
Step 7: Chill and Serve
Place the assembled dessert in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours. Chilling the dessert allows the flavors to meld and the cookies to soften slightly, creating a creamy, layered treat. For the best results, you can even let it sit overnight, allowing the dessert to firm up and the flavors to deepen.
Once chilled, your dessert is ready to serve. Slice into squares or spoon it out to reveal the beautiful layers of whipped cream and cookies. This dessert is light yet satisfying, with a perfect balance of creamy sweetness and a crunchy bite from the cookies.
Tips for Perfect Chilled Dessert
- Chill the Cream Properly: It’s essential that the heavy cream is well-chilled before whipping. This helps it whip up faster and hold a firm consistency. Place the cream in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours before starting, or even better, chill it overnight.
- Avoid Over-Whipping: While it’s important to beat the cream until it forms stiff peaks, be careful not to over-whip it. Over-whipping can cause the cream to become grainy and eventually turn into butter. If you notice the cream starting to break down, stop mixing immediately.
- Use Fresh Dulce de Leche: Ensure that your dulce de leche is smooth and creamy before adding it to the whipped cream. If it’s too thick, you can warm it slightly in the microwave to soften it, making it easier to incorporate into the cream.
- Maria Cookies Substitutes: If you can’t find Maria cookies, any other plain, crisp cookies will work as a substitute. Digestive biscuits or graham crackers are great alternatives, though they may alter the flavor slightly.
- Customizing the Flavor: If you’d like to add a personal twist, try mixing some crushed nuts or a dash of cinnamon into the whipped cream mixture. You can also top the dessert with fresh berries or caramel sauce for an added layer of flavor and visual appeal.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cream for this dessert?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with whipping cream or double cream, depending on what’s available. Just ensure that whatever cream you use has a fat content of at least 30%, as this helps it whip into the necessary thick consistency for layering.
What can I use if I can’t find dulce de leche?
If you can’t find dulce de leche, caramel sauce can be used as a substitute. You may need to adjust the amount since caramel sauce is often thinner than dulce de leche. Condensed milk can also be boiled to make homemade dulce de leche if you have time.
Can I make this dessert in advance?
Absolutely! This dessert is perfect for making in advance. In fact, it gets even better after a few hours in the fridge, as the flavors blend together and the cookies soften. You can make it the night before or in the morning if you’re serving it in the evening.
Can I freeze this dessert?
While freezing this dessert isn’t recommended due to the whipped cream, it will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. The cookies may soften even more over time, but it will still taste delicious.
Can I add any toppings or extra ingredients?
Yes! This dessert is very versatile. You can top it with a drizzle of caramel sauce, sprinkle of cocoa powder, or even add some crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts. Fresh fruit such as strawberries or raspberries would also complement the sweetness of the dulce de leche nicely.
Conclusion
This Chilled Dessert with 3 Cheap Ingredients is a budget-friendly, deliciously simple recipe that requires minimal effort yet delivers maximum flavor. With only three ingredients—dulce de leche, heavy cream, and Maria cookies—you can create a layered dessert that’s both creamy and crunchy, perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s easy to customize with toppings or additional ingredients to make it uniquely yours. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering or enjoying it as a mid-week treat, this chilled dessert is sure to be a hit!