Cookie pudding cake

Cookie Pudding Cake – A Quick and Delicious Treat

If you're looking for a simple yet spectacular dessert, perfect for delighting both kids and adults, you've come to the right place! The cookie pudding cake is a classic of quick sweets, easy to prepare, combining the rich flavors of chocolate with the smooth texture of puddings. So, get ready to surprise your guests with a dessert that not only looks good but also tastes divine!

Preparation Time:
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Baking time: 0 minutes (it's a no-bake dessert)
- Total time: 1 hour (including cooling time)
- Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients:
For the base:
- 400 g cookies (preferably plain or cocoa cookies)
- 170 ml milk
- 100 g Rama Maestro margarine
- 130 g sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- 1 essence of rum

For the pudding:
- 1 packet of chocolate-flavored pudding powder
- 450 ml milk
- 3 tablespoons sugar

For decoration:
- 100 g dark chocolate
- 100 g white chocolate
- Fresh fruits (optional, for serving)

Step-by-Step Preparation:

1. Preparing the Base:
Start by crushing the cookies. You can do this manually by placing the cookies in a bag and using a rolling pin, or by using a food processor. The cookies should be crushed finely, but not so much that they turn into powder. Add the 2 tablespoons of cocoa over the crushed cookies and mix well to evenly distribute the chocolate flavor.

2. Preparing the Mixture:
In a saucepan, pour the milk and sugar, then put the mixture over medium heat. Let it boil for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once the milk starts boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat and add the cubed margarine. Mix well until the margarine is completely melted. Add the rum essence and mix again to achieve a homogeneous mixture.

3. Combining the Ingredients:
Pour the milk and margarine mixture over the crushed cookies with cocoa. Use a spatula or a large spoon to mix everything very well until the cookies are completely covered with the mixture.

4. Forming the Cake:
Prepare a cake pan with a diameter of 24 or 26 cm, lining it with aluminum foil. This will help in removing the cake more easily once it has set. Pour the cookie mixture into the pan and press it down well with a spatula to achieve an even layer.

5. Cooling the Base:
Place the pan in the refrigerator for 1 hour or, if you're pressed for time, you can opt for the freezer for 10 minutes. During this time, the mixture will set, preparing it to receive the pudding.

6. Preparing the Pudding:
In a saucepan, combine 450 ml of milk with 3 tablespoons of sugar. Add the pudding powder and mix well to avoid lumps. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring continuously. Once the pudding starts boiling and thickening, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.

7. Assembling the Cake:
Remove the pan from the refrigerator and pour the warm, but not hot, pudding over the cookie layer. Use a spatula to level the pudding, ensuring it reaches evenly across the surface. Place the cake back in the refrigerator for another 15-30 minutes until the pudding sets completely.

8. Decorating the Cake:
While the cake cools, melt the dark and white chocolate separately, using a microwave or a double boiler. Once the chocolate is melted, you can generously drizzle chocolate over the cake or create an artistic pattern using a spoon. You can also add fresh fruits on top, such as strawberries, raspberries, or bananas, for an extra touch of freshness and color.

9. Serving:
After the cake has cooled well, gently remove it from the pan, taking off the aluminum foil. Cut it into slices and serve it with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an even more delicious experience.

Practical Tips:
- Choosing Cookies: You can experiment with different types of cookies to achieve various flavors. Vanilla cookies offer a sweeter note, while cocoa cookies enhance the dessert's taste.
- Vegan Option: Replace margarine with a plant-based product and milk with almond or soy milk for a vegan version.
- Customizing the Pudding: Instead of chocolate pudding, you can use vanilla or caramel pudding for a different taste.

Nutritional Benefits:
This cookie cake is a good source of carbohydrates from the cookies, but it's important to note that due to the sugar and margarine, it is a more caloric dessert. A serving of cake contains approximately 300-350 calories, so it's best to enjoy it in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use gluten-free cookies? Absolutely! There are many gluten-free cookie options that can be used.
- How long can the cake be kept? The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Can this cake be frozen? Yes, but it is recommended to consume it fresh for the best texture.

Conclusion:
The cookie pudding cake is a dessert that brings joy and nostalgia, turning simple moments into unforgettable memories. It not only satisfies the sweet tooth but also provides a wonderful opportunity to connect with loved ones around the table. Enjoy every bite and don't hesitate to share this recipe with friends!