Experience pure decadence with these no-bake dream bars. Each slice showcases beautiful layers of crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, rich chocolate pudding, caramel cream cheese blend, and light whipped cream. This practical dessert requires no baking, with each layer chilled to perfection for the ideal texture and taste.
The Perfect Layers
The beauty of this dessert lies in its distinct layers, each contributing to the overall harmony of flavors:
- A crunchy chocolate cookie base
- A decadent chocolate pudding layer
- A smooth caramel cream cheese blend
- A cloud-like whipped cream topping
- A finishing touch of crushed cookies and caramel drizzle
Ingredients
For the Cookie Base:
- 24 halal chocolate sandwich cookies, finely crushed
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
For the Chocolate Layer:
- 2 packages (3.9 oz each) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
- 1 cup halal semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
For the Caramel Layer:
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
For the Whipped Cream Layer:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon alcohol free vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 4 chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed
- Extra caramel sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Create the Cookie Base:
- Process chocolate sandwich cookies into fine crumbs
- Combine with melted butter and sugar
- Press firmly into a 9×13 inch dish
- Chill for 15 minutes until set
- Build the Chocolate Layer:
- Whisk pudding mix with cold milk until smooth
- Incorporate melted chocolate chips
- Spread evenly over the chilled base
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes
- Prepare the Caramel Layer:
- Beat cream cheese until fluffy
- Mix in caramel sauce and powdered sugar
- Gently spread over set chocolate layer
- Chill for 15 minutes
- Add the Whipped Cream Layer:
- Whip cream until soft peaks form
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla
- Beat to stiff peaks
- Spread over the caramel layer
- Complete the Topping:
- Sprinkle with crushed cookies
- Add a delicate caramel drizzle
- Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight
Critical Tips for Success
- Keep the cream filling in the cookies when crushing them
- Ensure proper chilling between layers for structural integrity
- Balance the caramel flavor – it shouldn’t overpower the chocolate
- Keep portions modest due to the rich nature of the dessert
- Use room temperature cream cheese for smooth mixing
- Clean your knife between cuts for pristine slices
Perfect Pairing Suggestions
- Serve with a cold glass of milk
- Add fresh berries for contrast
- Pair with hot coffee or tea
- Consider a small scoop of vanilla ice cream
Storage Guidelines
- Keep refrigerated in an airtight container
- Best enjoyed within 5 days
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator
Recipe Notes
All ingredients used in this recipe are halal-friendly. However, feel free to adjust the ingredients according to your dietary preferences and needs.