Creamy Two-Layer No-Bake Dessert

This creamy two-layer no-bake dessert is the perfect treat when you want something sweet without turning on the oven. A buttery cookie crust is topped with a smooth cream cheese layer and finished with a fluffy pudding topping.

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 2½ cups crushed graham crackers
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Creamy Layer

• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup whipped topping

Pudding Layer

• 1 package (3.4 oz/96 g) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 cups cold milk
• 1½ cups whipped topping

For Topping

• ½ cup whipped topping
• 2 tablespoons crushed graham crackers
• White chocolate shavings, optional

Directions

1. Make the Crust

Combine the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl.

Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened.

Press firmly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish.

Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to firm up.

2. Make the Cream Cheese Layer

Beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.

Add the vanilla and mix again.

Gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping until light and fluffy.

Spread this mixture evenly over the chilled crust.

3. Prepare the Pudding Layer

Whisk the instant pudding mix with the cold milk for approximately 2 minutes, until it thickens.

Let it stand for another 3–5 minutes.

Fold in 1½ cups whipped topping until smooth and fluffy.

Spread the pudding mixture carefully over the cream cheese layer.

4. Chill

Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

This gives the layers time to set properly.

5. Add the Topping

Before serving, spread or pipe the remaining whipped topping over the dessert.

Sprinkle with crushed graham crackers and add white chocolate shavings if desired.

Cut into squares and serve chilled.

Easy Variations

Chocolate: Use chocolate pudding and chocolate cookie crumbs for the crust.

Strawberry: Add sliced strawberries between the layers or use strawberry pudding.

Lemon: Replace the vanilla pudding with lemon pudding and add a little lemon zest.

Banana: Use banana pudding and add thinly sliced bananas over the cream cheese layer.

Tips

• Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing.
• Use cold milk for the instant pudding.
• Spread each layer gently to keep the layers distinct.
• Chill overnight for the cleanest slices.
• For an extra-firm crust, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before adding the filling.

Cool, creamy, fluffy, and completely oven-free, this two-layer dessert is an easy make-ahead treat that’s perfect for family gatherings and warm days.