If you’re in search of a quick and satisfying dessert that’s easy to prepare, this 3-ingredient frozen dessert is your answer. Using just dulce de leche, heavy cream, and Maria cookies, this recipe delivers a rich and creamy treat with minimal effort. Perfect for family gatherings, unexpected guests, or a sweet indulgence for yourself, this dessert promises to be a hit with everyone. Its simple preparation and budget-friendly ingredients make it accessible for any occasion, leaving you with more time to enjoy its deliciousness.
Ingredients
- 1 can of dulce de leche (approximately 14 oz)
- 2 cups heavy cream, well-chilled
- 1 package Maria cookies (or any plain tea biscuits)
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Freezing Time: 6 hours (or overnight)
- Total Time: Approximately 6 hours 15 minutes
Step 1: Whipping the Cream
- Start by ensuring your heavy cream is chilled; this helps it whip up quickly.
- In a large mixing bowl, pour the 2 cups of heavy cream.
- Using an electric mixer, whip the cream on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. This process usually takes about 4-5 minutes.
- Be careful not to over-whip the cream, as it can separate and turn into butter.
Step 2: Folding in the Dulce de Leche
- Gently add the can of dulce de leche to the whipped cream.
- Using a spatula, fold the dulce de leche into the cream. Ensure the mixture is smooth and evenly combined, maintaining the airy texture of the whipped cream.
- Taste the mixture to ensure it’s sweet and creamy enough to your liking.
Step 3: Layering the Dessert
- Take a square or rectangular dish (preferably 8×8 inches) and start by spreading a thin layer of the whipped cream and dulce de leche mixture at the bottom.
- Place a single layer of Maria cookies on top of the mixture, ensuring the cookies are close together but not overlapping.
- Spread another layer of the cream mixture over the cookies, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Repeat the layering process, alternating between the cream mixture and Maria cookies, until the dish is full or you run out of ingredients. The final layer should be the cream mixture.
Step 4: Freezing
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place it in the freezer and let it chill for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the dessert to set completely.
Step 5: Serving
- Once the dessert is frozen, remove it from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to soften slightly.
- Slice the dessert into squares using a sharp knife for clean edges.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, caramelized flavors with the delightful crunch of the cookies.
Tips for Success
- Make it your own: Feel free to customize by adding a sprinkle of cinnamon, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, or chopped nuts between the layers for added texture and flavor.
- Swap the cookies: If Maria cookies aren’t available, substitute with graham crackers or any other plain tea biscuits.
- Double the recipe: For larger gatherings, double the ingredients and use a bigger dish.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the freezer for up to 5 days, ensuring the dish is well-covered to prevent freezer burn.
This 3-ingredient frozen dessert is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. The smooth, rich creaminess of the whipped mixture, paired with the sweet caramel undertones of dulce de leche and the satisfying crunch of Maria cookies, makes every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re short on time or looking to impress guests with minimal effort, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. Give it a try and watch it transform into a family favorite!