Are you craving a ridiculously easy yet incredibly delicious dessert? Look no further! This Chocolate Lush recipe is the perfect answer for those busy weeknights or spontaneous dessert emergencies. It’s a no-bake wonder, requiring minimal effort but delivering maximum flavour. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple, homemade dessert that tastes like it came from a fancy bakery. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for easy recipes, healthy-ish (relatively speaking!) meals, or quick dinner ideas that end on a sweet note.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs (about 12 crackers)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk chocolate chips (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
Get started:
- Prepare your 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Make the crust:
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and melted butter. Mix until evenly moistened.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your hands to ensure it's evenly distributed and compacted.
Prepare the chocolate layer:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
Whip up the cream layer:
- In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
Assemble the lush:
- Gently pour the melted chocolate over the graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly.
- Carefully spoon the whipped cream mixture over the chocolate layer. Try to spread it evenly but don't worry about perfection – it adds to the rustic charm.
- If using, sprinkle the milk chocolate chips over the top.
Chill and serve:
- Refrigerate the Chocolate Lush for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld.
Tips for Success:
- For a richer chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
- If you don't have graham crackers, you can use digestive biscuits instead.
- Make sure your heavy cream is very cold for optimal whipping.
- Don't over-beat the whipped cream, or it may become grainy.
Delicious Variations:
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Lush: Add ½ cup of peanut butter to the melted chocolate layer for a delightful twist.
- Raspberry Chocolate Lush: Fold in ½ cup of fresh or frozen raspberries to the whipped cream layer for a fruity burst.
- Mint Chocolate Lush: Add 1-2 teaspoons of peppermint extract to the whipped cream for a refreshing minty flavor.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
This will vary based on the specific ingredients used. This is an estimation for a recipe serving 12.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Protein: 4-5g
This is a guideline only. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator and input your specific ingredients.
This Chocolate Lush recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. It's a simple, delicious dessert that's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!