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Easy No-Bake Chocolate Pudding Cake Recipe

Easy No-Bake Chocolate Pudding Cake

A classic icebox-style dessert layered with softened chocolate wafers and airy chocolate pudding filling. Assemble it in about 15 to 20 minutes, then refrigerate overnight for the best sliceable texture.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 package (9 ounces) Chocolate wafer cookies, such as Nabisco Famous Chocolate Wafers
  • 2 packages (3.9 ounces each) Instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 3 cups Cold milk, preferably 2% or whole
  • 1 container (8 ounces) Frozen whipped topping, thawed
Optional Topping
  • 1/2 cup Miniature semisweet chocolate chips

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Arrange about one-third of the chocolate wafers in a single layer in the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Break a few cookies as needed so the base is covered.
  2. Whisk the two pudding mixes with the cold milk for about 2 minutes, until thickened. Let the mixture stand briefly according to the pudding package directions.
  3. Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the thickened pudding. Fold only until combined so the filling stays light and airy.
  4. Spread one-third of the pudding mixture over the first cookie layer. Smooth it carefully into the corners without disturbing the cookies.
  5. Repeat the cookie layer and pudding layer twice more, creating three cookie layers and three pudding layers. Finish with the final portion of pudding on top.
  6. Crush or arrange a few remaining wafers over the pudding. Sprinkle the miniature semisweet chocolate chips over the top if you are using them.
  7. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight. Briefly warm a knife under hot water, dry it, and use it to cut cleaner slices.

Notes

Do not serve this dessert immediately after assembling it; the long chill softens the wafer cookies and creates the cake-like texture. Use cold milk, fold gently, and keep the covered cake refrigerated until serving.