Decadent No-Bake Triple Chocolate Layer Cake

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Custard Layer:

• 600ml (21 fl oz) milk
• 50g (1.76 oz) granulated sugar
• 40g (1.4 oz) cocoa powder
• 35g (1.23 oz) cornstarch
• 80g (2.8 oz) dark chocolate, finely chopped

For the Cookie Base:

• 200g (7 oz) chocolate cookies
• 20g (0.7 oz) cocoa powder
• 30g (1 oz) peanuts
• 80g (2.8 oz) melted butter

For the Chocolate Topping:

• 80g (2.8 oz) milk chocolate
• Heavy cream for decoration

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chocolate Custard

1. Combine sugar, cocoa powder, and cornstarch in a saucepan
2. Gradually whisk in cold milk until smooth
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly
4. Add dark chocolate when mixture begins to thicken
5. Continue stirring until very thick and glossy
6. Remove from heat and let cool completely

Creating the Cookie Base

1. Process chocolate cookies into fine crumbs
2. Finely chop peanuts
3. Mix cookie crumbs and peanuts with cocoa powder
4. Stir in melted butter until thoroughly combined
5. Press mixture firmly into the base of a lined rectangular pan

Assembly and Decoration

1. Spread cooled chocolate custard over cookie base
2. Melt milk chocolate and spread over custard layer
3. Refrigerate for minimum 1 hour until set
4. Pipe decorative swirls of whipped cream before serving

Timing Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Nutritional Information

Per serving (1/12 of cake):

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 28g

Pro Tips and Tricks

1. Ensure milk is cold when mixing with cornstarch to prevent lumps
2. Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor depth
3. Allow custard to cool completely before assembly to prevent melting
4. Line pan with parchment paper for easy removal
5. Chill knife between cuts for clean slices

Variations and Substitutions

1. Replace peanuts with hazelnuts or almonds
2. Use graham crackers instead of chocolate cookies
3. Add a splash of coffee to enhance chocolate flavor
4. Substitute dark chocolate for milk chocolate in custard
5. Add orange zest for citrus notes