Craving a delightful treat that requires zero oven time? This no bake dessert recipe for Cold Brew Coffee Layered Dessert is your new go-to for a rich, creamy, and wonderfully simple indulgence. You’ll love how easy it is to assemble this elegant dessert.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Cold Brew Coffee: Use your favorite concentrate, or strong brewed coffee cooled completely.
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat is best for richness, but you can use lower fat if preferred.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: No direct substitute for its texture and sweetness in this no bake dessert.
- Whipped Topping: Freshly whipped heavy cream works too.
- Chocolate Sandwich Cookies: Any chocolate wafer cookie or graham cracker can be substituted.
Ingredients:
For the Coffee Cream Layer:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup strong cold brew coffee, chilled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 12 ounces frozen whipped topping, thawed
For Layering:
- 24 chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed
For Garnish (Optional):
- Cocoa powder
- Chocolate shavings
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Chill time: 4 hours (minimum)
- Total time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Tools needed: 9×13 inch baking dish, electric mixer, rubber spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cookie Crust Base
Take your chocolate sandwich cookies and crush them thoroughly. You can do this in a food processor or by placing them in a Ziploc bag and crushing them with a rolling pin. Spread half of the crushed cookies evenly on the bottom of your 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it’s smooth and creamy. Gradually beat in the sweetened condensed milk until well combined and lump-free.
3. Add the Coffee Flavor
Slowly mix in the chilled cold brew coffee and vanilla extract into the cream cheese mixture. Continue beating until everything is fully incorporated and smooth. This creates the delicious coffee base for your no bake dessert.
4. Fold in Whipped Topping
Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping into the coffee cream cheese mixture using a rubber spatula. Be careful not to deflate the whipped topping, as this keeps the dessert light and airy.
5. Assemble the Layers
Pour half of the coffee cream mixture over the cookie base in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining crushed chocolate sandwich cookies evenly over this layer. Top with the remaining coffee cream mixture, spreading it smoothly to the edges.
6. Chill and Garnish
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. Before serving this delightful no bake dessert, you can dust it with cocoa powder or sprinkle with chocolate shavings for an extra touch.
Variation Ideas:
- Mocha Twist: Swirl a tablespoon of chocolate syrup into the cream cheese mixture for a mocha flavor.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to the cookie layer for added texture.
- Individual Servings: Assemble in individual dessert cups instead of a baking dish.
- Different Cookie Base: Use crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers for a milder base.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover Cold Brew Coffee Layered Dessert covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This no bake dessert is best enjoyed chilled. Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I use instant coffee instead of cold brew?
Yes, you can dissolve 2 tablespoons of instant coffee in 1/2 cup of hot water, then let it cool completely before using.
How do I make sure the cream cheese is soft enough?
Leave the cream cheese out at room temperature for at least 30-60 minutes before you start. This ensures a smooth mixture.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! This no bake dessert is perfect for making a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
What kind of whipped topping should I use?
Use a frozen whipped topping like Cool Whip, thawed according to package directions.
My cream cheese mixture looks lumpy. What happened?
This usually means your cream cheese wasn’t soft enough. Beat it longer on its own before adding other ingredients.
Can I use decaf cold brew?
Yes, if you prefer a decaffeinated version, decaf cold brew works just as well in this no bake dessert.