Indulge in the irresistible decadence of our Chocolate Maria Cookie Casserole – a delightful twist on a classic dessert. This easy-to-make recipe transforms simple Maria cookies into a rich, chocolatey masterpiece, perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth. Imagine layers of crunchy cookies soaked in a luscious chocolate custard, topped with a generous dusting of cocoa powder and a final flourish of whipped cream. It's the perfect combination of textures and flavors, guaranteed to impress your family and friends. This recipe is surprisingly simple, yet delivers an incredibly decadent result.
Forget complicated baking – this casserole requires minimal effort and readily available ingredients. Ready to experience the magic of this simple yet elegant dessert? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create your own Chocolate Maria Cookie Casserole.
Tools Needed
- Saucepan
- Whisk (balloon whisk)
- Spatula
- Casserole dish
Ingredients
- Maria cookies
- Cocoa powder
- Semi-sweet chocolate (baking chocolate)
- Sugar
- Cornstarch
- Salt
- Whole milk
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Chocolate Pudding
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder, and salt. Whisk until well integrated.
- Gradually add milk while continuously whisking to dissolve all lumps.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The mixture should thicken.
- Once thickened (the back of a spoon should be coated when you draw it through), cook for a couple more minutes to ensure cornstarch is cooked. Remove from heat.
- Add butter, chopped chocolate, and vanilla extract to the hot mixture. Stir until fully incorporated.
Step 2. Layer the Dessert
- Add a few tablespoons of the chocolate pudding to the bottom of a casserole dish.
- Layer Maria cookies, then chocolate mixture, repeating layers until the dish is full.
Step 3. Chill
- Refrigerate.
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Tips
- Stir constantly to prevent burning.
- Use a whisk or spatula to reach all areas of the pan.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of cookies instead of Maria cookies?
While Maria cookies provide the ideal crumbly texture, you can experiment with other buttery cookies like digestive biscuits or even graham crackers. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious!
2. How far in advance can I make the Chocolate Maria Cookie Casserole?
It's best to assemble the casserole a few hours before serving to allow the cookies to soften fully and absorb the chocolate custard. You can make the custard ahead of time and store it separately in the fridge.
This Chocolate Maria Cookie Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight desserts to special celebrations. Its simple elegance belies its rich and satisfying flavor, making it a recipe you'll want to keep in your repertoire. Enjoy every delicious bite of this easy-to-make, yet undeniably impressive dessert!