When it comes to desserts, nothing beats the charm of a creamy, layered trifle-style creation. This layered creamy dessert is made with a handful of simple ingredients: a smooth cream base, cornstarch cookies, and fresh strawberries. The result is an indulgent, refreshing dish that can be prepared ahead of time and served at parties, holidays, or even as a casual family treat.
It’s the kind of recipe that looks elegant, tastes delightful, and doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Let’s walk step by step through the process of creating this irresistible dessert, along with variations, serving ideas, and tips to ensure perfection.
Ingredients for Layered Creamy Dessert
To make this recipe, you’ll need just a few everyday ingredients that are easy to find.
For the Cream
- 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
- 3 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 2 cups of milk (500 ml)
- 1 cup of powdered milk (250 grams)
- 1 carton of heavy cream
For the Filling
- 1 small box of diced strawberries
For the Layers
- Maizena cookies (cornstarch cookies or ladyfingers)
- Milk for dipping the cookies
Step-by-Step Preparation
Making the Cream
- Start with the heat turned off. In a saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, cornstarch, and regular milk. Stir well until the cornstarch is fully dissolved, ensuring a lump-free mixture.
- Add the powdered milk to the mixture and whisk until smooth.
- Turn the stove to medium heat. Cook while stirring constantly to prevent burning or clumping.
- Once the cream thickens to a smooth, pudding-like consistency, remove it from heat.
- Allow the cream to cool completely before adding any other ingredients. This prevents the fruit from softening too much and keeps the layers firm.
Preparing the Strawberries
- Wash the strawberries thoroughly and remove the stems.
- Dice into small, even pieces for easy layering.
- Once the cream has cooled, gently fold in the diced strawberries with a spatula.
Assembling the Dessert
- In a medium glass dish or trifle bowl, spread a layer of the cream mixture evenly across the bottom.
- Quickly dip the Maizena cookies in milk—just enough to soften them slightly without making them soggy.
- Arrange a layer of dipped cookies over the cream.
- Repeat the process: a layer of cream, followed by cookies, and so on until all ingredients are used.
- Finish with a smooth top layer of cream for a polished look.
Final Touch
- Place the dessert in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to blend and the texture to firm up.
- Before serving, decorate with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or whole strawberries for an elegant finish.
Why This Dessert Is Perfect for Any Occasion
This layered creamy dessert is not only simple to make but also highly versatile. It combines the richness of cream with the lightness of cookies and the freshness of strawberries, creating a balance of flavors and textures.
The chilled layers make it a refreshing option for warm days, yet its creamy, indulgent texture feels cozy and comforting during colder months. It’s also a dessert that can easily be scaled up or down depending on the number of guests.
Flavor Variations
Tropical Twist
Replace the strawberries with mango slices, pineapple chunks, or seedless grapes for a refreshing tropical version.
Chocolate Lover’s Version
Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the cream base for a chocolate-flavored layer. Garnish with chocolate curls for extra indulgence.
Nutty Layers
Sprinkle crushed almonds, walnuts, or pistachios between the cream and cookie layers for added crunch and flavor.
Mixed Berry Delight
Use a combination of raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries instead of just strawberries for a more colorful and tart dessert.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve in clear glass cups for individual portions, perfect for dinner parties.
- Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat.
- Add a drizzle of strawberry syrup or chocolate sauce over the top before serving.
- For extra elegance, top with edible flowers or gold leaf for special occasions.
Tips for the Best Results
- Always dissolve the cornstarch fully before heating to avoid lumps.
- Make sure the cream is completely cooled before adding strawberries to prevent them from releasing too much liquid.
- Dip the cookies lightly in milk—over-soaking them will make the layers mushy.
- Prepare the dessert at least a few hours ahead of serving; overnight chilling enhances the flavor.
- Use a glass dish or bowl to showcase the beautiful layers of cream, cookies, and fruit.
FAQs About Layered Creamy Dessert
Can I prepare this dessert a day in advance?
Yes, this dessert actually tastes better the next day, as the flavors have more time to blend.
Can I use other fruits besides strawberries?
Absolutely. Mangoes, peaches, grapes, or even canned fruit cocktail work well in this recipe.
Do I need to use Maizena cookies specifically?
No. Ladyfingers, digestive biscuits, or vanilla wafers are good substitutes.
Can I make this dessert sugar-free?
Yes, you can use sugar-free condensed milk and low-fat milk powder to reduce sweetness and calories.
Will the cookies stay crunchy?
No, they soften slightly after refrigeration, but that’s part of the charm of this dessert. The softened cookies blend beautifully with the creamy layers.
Can I freeze this dessert?
Freezing is not recommended, as the cream base may separate when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh from the refrigerator.
Final Thoughts
The layered creamy dessert is proof that simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. With its luscious cream, tender cookies, and fresh strawberries, it delivers the perfect combination of flavors and textures.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner, celebrating a holiday, or simply treating your family to something sweet, this recipe is a winner. The best part? You can adapt it endlessly to suit your taste or the occasion. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to this dessert time and again.