No-Bake Chocolate Cream Dessert

Ingredients

Cream Layer

• 2 cups heavy cream, well chilled
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Layer

• 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ¾ cup heavy cream

Optional Cookie Crust

• Crushed biscuits or graham crackers, enough to cover the bottom of your serving dish
• A little melted butter, if desired, to help bind the crumbs together

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

1. Place the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the cream cheese on medium speed until it becomes completely smooth and creamy. Take a moment to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed so there are no large lumps remaining. Get Fresh Dairy
2. Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Continue mixing until everything is thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth, creamy, and slightly thickened.
3. Tip: Using softened cream cheese is important. Cold cream cheese can leave small lumps in the finished mixture.

Step 2: Whip the Heavy Cream

1. Pour the chilled heavy cream into a separate clean mixing bowl. Using clean beaters, whip the cream on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. When you lift the beaters, the cream should hold a soft peak that gently bends over.
2. Be careful not to overwhip the cream. You want it fluffy and airy rather than thick and grainy.

Step 3: Combine the Cream Mixtures

1. Add the whipped cream to the cream cheese mixture. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
2. Work slowly and carefully, lifting the mixture from the bottom and folding it over the top. Avoid vigorous stirring, as this can knock the air out of the whipped cream and make the dessert heavier.
3. Continue folding until the mixture is evenly combined and has a light, fluffy consistency.

Step 4: Create the Cream Layer

1. Transfer the cream mixture to a glass serving dish. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it into an even layer. Smooth the surface as much as possible because this will become the base for the chocolate topping.
2. Place the dish in the refrigerator and chill for approximately 30 minutes. This short chilling period helps the cream layer firm up before you add the chocolate mixture.
3. Now comes the delicious chocolate topping that gives this dessert its irresistible finish.

Step 5: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

1. While the cream layer is chilling, prepare the chocolate topping.
2. Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Pour the ¾ cup heavy cream into a small saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat until it is hot and steaming. Do not allow the cream to come to a full boil.
3. Once the cream is hot, carefully pour it over the chocolate chips. Leave the mixture undisturbed for about 2 minutes. This gives the hot cream time to soften and melt the chocolate.
4. After 2 minutes, slowly stir the mixture with a spatula or whisk. Continue stirring until the chocolate has completely melted and the mixture becomes smooth, glossy, and creamy.

Step 6: Add the Chocolate Layer

1. Remove the chilled cream layer from the refrigerator. Allow the chocolate mixture to cool slightly if it is very hot. You don't want to pour extremely hot chocolate directly onto the delicate cream layer.
2. Slowly pour the chocolate mixture over the top. Use a spatula to gently spread the chocolate into an even layer, covering the cream completely.
3. Work gently so that you don't disturb or mix the two layers together.

Step 7: Chill Until Set

1. Cover the serving dish and return it to the refrigerator. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until the dessert is thoroughly chilled and the chocolate layer has set.
2. The longer chilling time allows the cream layer to firm up and makes the dessert much easier to slice.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

1. Once completely chilled and set, remove the dessert from the refrigerator. Using a sharp knife, cut it into squares or rectangles.
2. For cleaner slices, wipe the knife with a warm, slightly damp cloth between cuts.
3. Serve the squares chilled and enjoy the contrast between the soft, creamy filling and the rich chocolate topping.

Notes

Keep the dessert covered and refrigerated. It will stay fresh for approximately 4 days when properly stored in the refrigerator. Because this dessert contains heavy cream and cream cheese, it should remain chilled and should not be left at room temperature for extended periods.