Name: No Bake Pudding Cake
Prep time: PT-497901H4M40S
Cook time: PT-497902H44M40S
Ingredients: 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla or chocolate pudding mix (or homemade pudding mix); 2 cups cold milk (whole milk works best, but 2% will also work); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for vanilla pudding); 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional, for extra sweetness); 1 box (about 8 oz) vanilla or chocolate cake mix (use a box with no need for eggs or baking, or make homemade cake mix); 1 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Whipped cream; Shaved chocolate or cocoa powder; Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries); Crushed cookies (Oreos, graham crackers); Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds); Pudding Mix: Instant pudding mix makes the process quick and easy, but if you prefer a homemade version, you can make the pudding from scratch using ingredients like sugar, cornstarch, egg yolks, and milk. Instant pudding mix, however, ensures a smooth consistency in no time.; Cold Milk: The milk helps set the pudding mix and gives it that silky, creamy texture. Whole milk will provide the richest flavor, but lower-fat options are also fine.; Cake Mix: For convenience, a pre-made box of cake mix works perfectly. Choose a mix that requires no eggs or baking (also called no-bake cake mix) so that you can skip the oven and keep the recipe truly no-bake.; Heavy Cream: Heavy cream adds a luscious, smooth texture to the cake layer. Whipping it up makes the cake fluffy and light, which balances the density of the pudding layer.; Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar helps sweeten the cake layer and the whipped cream topping, giving it that rich flavor without being too overwhelming.; Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds a sweet, aromatic flavor to both the pudding and cake layers. You can use either vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste for a more intense flavor.; Garnishes: The garnish options are endless! Fresh berries add a burst of freshness, while whipped cream provides extra indulgence. For a chocolate twist, shaved chocolate or cocoa powder works wonderfully. You can even crush up some cookies or sprinkle some nuts for added crunch.

Ingredients

Scale

For this No Bake Pudding Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Pudding Layer:

1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla or chocolate pudding mix (or homemade pudding mix)
2 cups cold milk (whole milk works best, but 2% will also work)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for vanilla pudding)
1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)

For the Cake Layer:

1 box (about 8 oz) vanilla or chocolate cake mix (use a box with no need for eggs or baking, or make homemade cake mix)
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Garnishes:

Whipped cream
Shaved chocolate or cocoa powder
Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries)
Crushed cookies (Oreos, graham crackers)
Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)

Ingredient Breakdown

Pudding Mix: Instant pudding mix makes the process quick and easy, but if you prefer a homemade version, you can make the pudding from scratch using ingredients like sugar, cornstarch, egg yolks, and milk. Instant pudding mix, however, ensures a smooth consistency in no time.
Cold Milk: The milk helps set the pudding mix and gives it that silky, creamy texture. Whole milk will provide the richest flavor, but lower-fat options are also fine.
Cake Mix: For convenience, a pre-made box of cake mix works perfectly. Choose a mix that requires no eggs or baking (also called no-bake cake mix) so that you can skip the oven and keep the recipe truly no-bake.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream adds a luscious, smooth texture to the cake layer. Whipping it up makes the cake fluffy and light, which balances the density of the pudding layer.
Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar helps sweeten the cake layer and the whipped cream topping, giving it that rich flavor without being too overwhelming.
Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds a sweet, aromatic flavor to both the pudding and cake layers. You can use either vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste for a more intense flavor.
Garnishes: The garnish options are endless! Fresh berries add a burst of freshness, while whipped cream provides extra indulgence. For a chocolate twist, shaved chocolate or cocoa powder works wonderfully. You can even crush up some cookies or sprinkle some nuts for added crunch.

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Pudding Layer

Whisk together the pudding mix and milk: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the instant pudding mix and cold milk. Whisk the mixture together until it thickens, which will usually take 2-3 minutes.
Let the pudding set: Allow the pudding to set in the fridge for about 5 minutes to firm up. If you want a smoother consistency, you can chill the pudding for up to an hour, but it’s not essential.
Add optional flavorings: If you’re making vanilla pudding, you can enhance the flavor with a teaspoon of vanilla extract. If you like your pudding a bit sweeter, add a little powdered sugar to taste. Stir these ingredients in once the pudding has thickened.

2. Prepare the Cake Layer

Whip the heavy cream: In a separate mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer on medium-high speed. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Continue to beat the cream until stiff peaks form. This will give your cake layer a light, fluffy texture.
Fold in the whipped cream: Once the heavy cream is whipped, gently fold it into the prepared cake mix. This step will help incorporate air into the cake layer, making it light and airy.
Spread the cake layer: After folding in the whipped cream, carefully spread the cake mixture evenly on top of the pudding layer in your dessert dish. You can use a spatula to smooth it out to ensure even coverage.

3. Chill the Dessert

Refrigerate the No Bake Pudding Cake: Cover the pudding cake with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2-3 hours. This chilling time allows the layers to firm up and meld together.
Check the texture: Once the dessert is chilled and set, the pudding should be firm, and the cake layer will be light and airy. The dessert is now ready to serve!

4. Garnish and Serve

Add garnishes: Before serving, top your No Bake Pudding Cake with whipped cream, fresh berries, or shaved chocolate. You can also add crushed cookies for an extra crunch or sprinkle some cocoa powder for a refined touch.
Serve chilled: Slice the pudding cake into portions and serve chilled. You can garnish individual servings with extra whipped cream or berries.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chilling2-3 hours (for best results): 2-3 hours (for best results)
Cook Time: 3-4 hours (includes chilling time)

Nutrition

Serving Size: 8
Calories: 350-400
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g