This chocolate caramel dessert in glasses is so simple to make. It's a layered dessert that combines silky chocolate with smooth caramel for a perfect, fuss-free treat. The layered effect creates a beautiful parfait that's perfect for parties. Ideal for anniversaries, holidays, or whenever you crave something sweet without the oven. Just like my Dubai Chocolate Bar Recipe (Pistachio, Tahini & Kataifi Crunch).
This easy dessert features chocolate and light caramel pudding dusted with cocoa powder. The recipe requires simple ingredients readily available at your nearest supermarket and will be ready in no time.
If you have a soft spot for something sweet, try more of our desserts, your go-to destination for all things sweet! Whether you're craving a classic chocolate cake, curious about how to make Pistachio Babka Buns, or looking for quick and easy no-bake recipes like Chocolate Mini Tarts or Vegan No-Bake Dessert, we've got you covered. Our dessert recipes are perfect for any occasion, from birthday celebrations to cosy nights in. Make sure you try this Rich Chocolate Berry Mousse Cake recipe for your next special day, or my Apple Cake - more apples than dough.
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💗 Why This Recipe Works
- Great for sharing: Make 4 big cups or 8 small ones
- Perfect make-ahead dessert for parties: This elegant no-bake chocolate and caramel pudding can be made a day in advance, making your entertaining stress-free.
🥧 Ingredients
*See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
- Biscuits: I recommend using plain digestive or graham crackers for the base. Crush them finely for a smooth texture.
- Cocoa: Choose unsweetened cocoa powder to intensify the chocolate taste in the biscuit base.
- Milk (for the chocolate layer): Use whole milk for its creamy texture. I warm it gently before mixing it with cornstarch to avoid lumps.
- Cornstarch: Use cornstarch for thickening both the chocolate and caramel layers. Ensure it's fully dissolved to prevent lumps.
- Vanilla: Add pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste for a subtle essence in the chocolate custard.
- Sugar (for melting): I recommend using granulated sugar to caramelise the golden syrup in the caramel layer. Heat gently until it melts and turns golden.
♻️ Substitutions
- Biscuits: Substitute with any plain, dry cookies like shortbread or vanilla wafers.
- Cocoa: Use hot chocolate mix or chocolate drink powder for a sweeter alternative.
- Milk (for chocolate layer): Replace with almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
- Cornstarch: Arrowroot powder or tapioca starch can be used instead for thickening.
- Vanilla: Vanilla essence or almond extract can provide a similar subtle hint.
- Sugar (for melting): Brown sugar or coconut sugar can be caramelised instead of granulated sugar.
- Milk (for caramel layer): Non-dairy options like oat milk or soy milk work well for a vegan version.
- Cocoa (for caramel layer): Use chocolate syrup or melted chocolate chips for a richer caramel layer.
- Vanilla sugar: Mix granulated sugar with a drop of vanilla extract as an alternative.
📋 Variations
- Nutty Crunch: I love adding chopped nuts like almonds or hazelnuts to the biscuit base-it gives the pudding a nice, crunchy texture.
- Fruit Layer: For a fresh touch, layer sliced bananas or berries on top of the caramel layer. It's a sweet, fruity surprise!
- Coffee Flavour: If you're a coffee fan, mix a little instant coffee or espresso powder into the chocolate layer for a mocha vibe. It's a great combo!
- Coconut: Adding shredded coconut to the biscuit base or sprinkling some on top gives it a tropical twist that's hard to resist.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: If you're into peanut butter, swirl some into the chocolate layer. It adds a rich, nutty hint that makes everything even better.
- Mint Chocolate: For something refreshing, stir in a bit of peppermint extract into the chocolate layer. It's a perfect minty finish!
👩🍳 How to Make This Easy Layered Chocolate Caramel Pudding
Ready to make a delicious, easy layered chocolate caramel pudding? This is a simple dessert that is the perfect treat with its rich layers of caramel and chocolate-no baking required! Just like these one-bowl cherry muffins (no oven)
Step 1: I start by crushing the biscuits into fine crumbs and mixing them with cocoa powder. Then, I divide the mixture between the serving glasses and press it down to form a firm base.
Step 2: Warm the milk in a saucepan. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and vanilla, then stir into the milk until it thickens and becomes smooth.
Step 3:Melt the sugar in a separate pan over low heat until it turns a deep golden brown. Be careful, as sugar can burn quickly!
Step 4: Gradually mix milk into sugar, stirring nonstop until smooth. Pour over biscuits and let them set.
Step 5: For the chocolate layer, heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the sugar, vanilla extract, cornstarch, and cocoa powder. Stir until the mixture thickens into a creamy pudding.
Step 6: Once the chocolate pudding is ready, carefully pour it over the caramel layer, creating a beautiful layered effect. Dust with extra cocoa powder, then chill before serving.
*See the recipe card for detailed instructions.
💭 Tips for the Perfect Smooth Pudding
The secret to a smooth pudding caramel is constant stirring and patience. When melting the sugar, avoid stirring until it begins to liquefy to prevent crystallisation. When adding the milk, pour it in slowly while whisking nonstop. This is the key to a lump-free caramel pudding.
❓Easy Layered Chocolate Caramel Pudding FAQs
To thicken a no-bake pudding that is too runny, ensure you are using the correct cornstarch-to-milk ratio. If it's still runny after chilling, you can create an extra cornstarch slurry with a tablespoon of cold milk, whisk it into the pudding, and let it set again. This will help thicken your no-bake caramel dessert perfectly.
The key difference is the thickener. Caramel custard uses eggs and is baked, giving a firmer, richer texture. Caramel pudding often uses cornstarch, is stirred on the stovetop, and results in a softer, spoonable dessert. Both are delicious caramel desserts.
For optimal freshness, store your caramel dessert in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. Always serve this caramel pudding chilled straight from the fridge for the best taste and texture.
This is an excellent make-ahead dessert. You can assemble these no-bake pudding parfaits completely up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. The flavours actually meld together beautifully overnight, making them even more delicious. For the best texture and to prevent the biscuit base from getting soggy, it's ideal to enjoy them within 1-2 days.
This easy no-bake dessert is the answer for when you need an impressive chocolate caramel dessert in glasses without spending hours in the kitchen. The secret to smooth pudding caramel is easier than you think!
🍫 More Chocolatey Desserts
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📖 Recipe
No-Bake Chocolate & Caramel Pudding Cups
Equipment
- Crushing tool
- Saucepan(s)
- Serving glasses or bowls
Ingredients
- 130 g biscuits about 4.5 ounces
- 3 tablespoon cocoa
- 1 litre milk about 4 cups, used in different steps
- 4 tablespoon cornstarch 2 for the chocolate layer, 2 for the caramel layer
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 150 g granulated sugar about ¾ cup total: 100 g for caramelizing, 50 g for the chocolate layer
- Extra cocoa for dusting
Instructions
Base Layer
- Start by crushing the biscuits into fine crumbs and mixing them with 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder. This will give the base a nice hint of chocolate flavor.130 g biscuits
- Divide the crumb mixture evenly among your serving glasses or bowls, pressing it down to form a firm layer at the bottom.
Caramel Layer
- In a saucepan, warm 500 ml of milk over medium heat. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, then stir this mixture into the warmed milk until it thickens and is smooth, with no lumps.
- In a separate pan, melt 100 grams of sugar over low heat, letting it caramelize until it turns a deep golden brown. Watch carefully, as sugar can burn quickly!
- Slowly pour the milk mixture into the caramelized sugar, stirring continuously to avoid clumping. Keep stirring until you have a silky caramel custard.
- Pour this caramel layer over the biscuit base in each glass, giving it a chance to settle before moving on.
Chocolate Layer
- For the chocolate layer, pour another 500 ml of milk into a saucepan over medium heat. Add 50 grams of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder.
- Stir everything together, keeping a close eye to prevent sticking. Stir until the mixture thickens into a creamy chocolate pudding.
- Once it's ready, carefully pour the chocolate pudding over the caramel layer, creating a beautiful layered effect.
Chill and Serve
- For a finishing touch, dust a bit of extra cocoa powder over the top.
- Refrigerate the glasses for at least an hour before serving, letting all the flavors meld together.
- Enjoy this rich, layered dessert with its mix of creamy caramel, chocolate, and crunchy biscuit base!
Video
Notes
- Ensure the caramelized sugar doesn't burn when making the caramel layer.
- Stir continuously when thickening the custard to avoid lumps.
- Chill the desserts adequately in the refrigerator before serving for the best texture.
Tisha says
These are perfect for a summertime treat! Love that they are no-bake!
Ashley says
What a delicious, easy dessert! Everyone loved it when I served this for Sunday dinner.
Lora says
A luscious pudding and I loved the caramel!! The whole family enjoyed!
Lathiya says
My family loved this! With just few ingredients, a showstopper dessert is all I love and this one fits the bill everyway.
Claudia Ciorteanu says
My family loved this!
Sabine says
How good is this chocolate and caramel pudding. Loved it, especially since there is not baking involved. And they were not difficult at all to make.
Nicole says
This pudding was the perfect, easy recipe to satisfy my sweet tooth. So delicious and love that it is no bake!
Juyali says
I love easy and indulgent recipes like this. I'm always looking for recipes that I can quickly make for movie night. And this is just perfect for that. So delicious! Thanks!
Stephanie says
Love chocolate and caramel together so I had to try this recipe. Turned out delish with great textures - an added bonus is not turning on my oven!
Jacqueline Debono says
This pudding is two of my favourite flavours in one easy dessert. I'm sure I'll be making this recipe time and again. Could you just clarify that 2 tablespoons of cocoa go in the chocolate layer? I assumed that but it isn't included in the instructions. Thank you!
Nicole says
This is an amazing mix of my two favorite things! It’s my new go to dessert!
Gloria says
Well isn't this a fancy little dessert? Perfect for dinner parties. I love the presentation too.
Liz says
These turned out so beautiful and tasted amazing!!! Definitely a 5 star recipe!!!
Sonja says
This pudding took me back to happy childhood times, when my mom made me chocolate or caramel pudding, but never both and I had such a hard time deciding which one I wanted. So this one felt like the ultimate indulgence.