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Strawberry & Vanilla Layered Dessert 🍓🍮

Introduction

This Strawberry & Vanilla Layered Dessert is a smooth, creamy, and dreamy no-bake treat that combines the delicate sweetness of vanilla with the fruity charm of strawberry. Topped with a layer of cocoa powder, this dessert not only looks beautiful with its pastel layers but also melts in your mouth with every spoonful. Perfect for summer parties, family dinners, or when you crave something elegant yet simple.

History

Layered desserts like this one originated from European custard-based puddings, where multiple flavors were stacked to create visual beauty and taste contrast. Over time, versions like this — with strawberry and vanilla — became a global favorite, especially in no-bake and chilled dessert recipes. The combination is timeless, representing harmony between fruitiness and creaminess.

Ingredients

• 2 cups milk (divided)
• 4 tablespoons sugar (2 tbsp for each layer)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (1 tbsp for each layer)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons strawberry syrup or puree
• 1 cup whipped cream (divided into two portions)
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (for topping)
• Optional: biscuits or crushed cookies for base (if desired)

Methods

This dessert is made by preparing two creamy custard layers — one flavored with strawberry and one with vanilla. After layering, it’s chilled to perfection and topped with cocoa for a velvety finish. The result is a soft, colorful dessert that’s both visually stunning and deliciously refreshing.

Instructions

1. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup milk, 2 tbsp sugar, and 1 tbsp cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring until it thickens.
2. Remove from heat, add strawberry syrup or puree, and mix well. Let it cool slightly, then fold in half of the whipped cream.
3. Pour this strawberry layer into a glass dish and refrigerate for 15 minutes to set slightly.
4. Repeat the same process with the remaining milk, sugar, and cornstarch. After thickening, remove from heat and add vanilla extract.
5. Let it cool a bit, then fold in the remaining whipped cream. Pour the vanilla layer gently over the strawberry layer.
6. Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
7. Before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder using a fine sieve for an elegant finish.