Sometimes preparing an elaborate dessert for guests seems like too much work. This Chocolate No Bake Cake Recipe is perfect for when you are short on time or during those hot summer months when you don't want to turn on the oven and are looking for easy desserts.
This Swiss Roll pudding dessert is very convenient thanks to the shortcut of using Little Debbie Swiss Rolls. If you thought they were just for snacks, think again. These little cakes can be used to create a delicious and easy confection!
If you love no-bake desserts, you must try our Dessert Lasagna with Cinnamon Pebbles and this No Bake Twinkies Cake for Spring. As an added bonus, the Twinkies cake uses favorite childhood baked goods in a whole new way.
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No Bake Chocolate Cake
People love chocolate no bake desserts, and I get requests for this easy dessert recipe all the time. You'll love how it tastes indulgent without being hard to assemble. In the heat of summer you don't want to spend lots of time baking and warming up the house with an oven.
This no-bake recipe allows you to serve up a treat on a whim since you can make it quickly when the mood for something sweet strikes. This makes it the perfect dessert for when unexpected guests drop by. This no-fuss cake will be your new go-to dessert.
Recipes That Use Pudding
Pudding is a versatile ingredient that adds a creamy texture to a wide range of recipes. By changing up the type of pudding you use, you can change the flavor of a dish.
Ingredients for Chocolate Ice Box Cake
- Little Debbie® Swiss Rolls - These form the bottom layer of the cake and add a rich chocolatey flavor.
- Prepared Instant Chocolate Pudding - You can use a pudding mix, but you need to make the pudding ahead of time or use packaged pre-made chocolate pudding.
- Whipped topping - You will be using an 8 ounce tub of whipped topping. Thaw it beforehand.
- Chocolate Chips - Add more flavor and texture.
- Chopped Walnuts - For some crunch and a nutty flavor. Feel free to also use chopped pecans if you prefer. If you want to make this a nut free dessert, skip the nuts entirely.
How To Make Chocolate No Bake Cake Recipe
Begin by arranging 10 Little Debbie® Swiss Rolls at the bottom of a glass baking dish. I used this 8x8 Pyrex dish. You'll want to place these as close to each other as possible, as they will form the base of your cake. Using Swiss Rolls is not only easy, but it gives the cake its flavor.
Next, you will add a layer of chocolate pudding. I simply bought a box of instant pudding and whipped it up with some milk in a few minutes. Spread the pudding evenly over the Little Debbie® Swiss Rolls.
Top the pudding with some thawed whipped topping. Be gentle with this step so the pudding doesn't get in the whipped topping layer. Using a silicone spatula will make this easier, as it allows you to spread the topping without disturbing the pudding layer beneath.
This layer of whipped topping adds a light and airy contrast to the dense chocolate rolls. I love using Cool Whip to make some yummy concoctions like this Chocolate Chip Cool Whip Cookies Recipe and these Lemon Cool Whip Cookies.
Add chopped walnuts and chocolate chips over the whipped topping as a finishing touch. The hardest part of this chocolate lover's dream is waiting 30 minutes for it to set in the refrigerator. This chilling time helps the flavors to meld together.
You can eat this as soon as the 30-minute chill time is up or anytime within the next 3 days. To serve it, slice it with a knife and remove it from the pan using a spatula.
Tips For Making Swiss Roll Cake
Tip 1: To make the pudding easier to spread, I recommend chilling it in the refrigerator before using it in the dessert. This process not only firms up the pudding but also allows it to set, which makes it more spreadable when you're ready to use it.
Tip 2: For a little extra pizazz, drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the cake or add some chocolate sprinkles.
Tip 3: Don't skip the chilling time. Letting the dessert rest in the refrigerator is important because it helps the layers meld together and firm up the dessert. This makes slicing easier when you are ready to serve it.
FAQs For No Bake Chocolate Cake
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), just cover the dish with plastic wrap, foil, or a lid and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days which makes it perfect for sneaking another slice later!
Definitely! Sliced strawberries, bananas, or raspberries make a great addition. Just layer the fruit between the pudding and whipped topping - and be sure to pat the friut dry to avoid extra moisture.
Are Fridge Cakes Good To Make With Kids?
Desserts that don't require baking are a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen! These recipes are simple, safe, and easy to prepare. They make a perfect introduction to cooking for little chefs since you don't have to worry about hot ovens or complicated kitchen equipment.
Children can often take part in every step of making these dishes, from mixing to layering the ingredients. Plus, while you are cooking together, you will be making wonderful memories. This is such a great way for children to learn basic cooking skills!
Refrigerator Cakes
Little Debbie dessert recipes aren't the only kind of icebox cakes that you can make without baking. There are lots more quick-and-easy sweet treats that you can prepare in no time at all. These chilled treats are perfect if you don't consider yourself a baker or cook.
Amazon Items For This Recipe
Ready to make this delicious, smooth pudding cake? You'll need a couple of basic but helpful kitchen gadgets. A sturdy mixing bowl will come in handy when whipping up the pudding. This recipe can be made in an 8x8 pan, and if you can get one with a lid, even better.
If you don't already have everything you need, these gadgets are just a click away on Amazon. If you’re on the hunt for specific tools for your no-baking adventure, you can have them delivered to your doorstep.
Pyrex 8 Inch Baking Dish, Red, 8-inches Square
Wisenvoy Baking Dish 8x8 Baking Pan Brownie Pan Casserole Dish Hand-Painted Casserole Dishes For Oven Lasagna PanTable Concept Mixing Bowls with Airtight Lids, Stainless Steel Nesting Bowl Set for Space Saving Storage, Ideal for Cooking, Baking, Prepping & Food StorageSilicone Spatula Turner Set, Premium Spatulas Silicone Heat Resistant Pack of 2 Kitchen Spatula for Nonstick Cookware, Solid & Slotted Rubber Spatula for Fish, Eggs, Pancakes, Wok, Cooking SpatulasChefAide 4 Pieces Silicone Spatula Set, Food Grade Rubber Spatula, Upgrade Strong Handle with Ergonomic Grip, Heat Resistant Up to 600°F for Nonstick Cookware, Cooking40 PCS Food Storage Containers with Lids Airtight (20 Containers & 20 Lids), Plastic Storage Meal Prep Container-Stackable 100% Leakproof & BPA-Free Organization and Storage Sets, Lunch Containers
📖 Recipe
Chocolate No Bake Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 box of Little Debbie® Swiss Rolls
- 1 cup of prepared instant chocolate pudding prepared using milk
- 8 oz tub of whipped topping thawed
- 2 tablespoons chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Place 10 Little Debbie® Swiss Rolls in the bottom of a glass baking dish.
- Spread a cup of prepared instant chocolate pudding evenly over the Little Debbie® Swiss Rolls.
- Gently, top the pudding with 8 oz of thawed whipped topping. It is easiest to do this with a silicone spatula.
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chopped walnuts and 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips on the top of the whipped topping.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving. Store any leftovers in refrigerators.
Video
Notes
- To dress up this treat even more drizzle melted chocolate over the top after you add the chocolate chips and nuts. You can even throw on some sprinkles!
- Rememeber to chill this dessert for 30 minutes before serving to make it easier to slice.
Vicki says
Can this recipe be doubled and assembled in a 9 x 12 dish?
Vicky says
Yes, you can double the recipe and assemble it in a 9 x 12 dish. Just make sure to adjust the ingredients accordingly, and you should have no problem fitting everything into the larger dish. Enjoy making your delicious no-bake cake!
Lynn says
I've made this over n over everybody loves it! And it's quick and easy. I put caramel sauce on top of pudding layer, so delicious!!
Vicky says
Thank you so much Lynn! I'm thrilled you loved the chocolate no bake cake and caramel sauce sounds like an amazing addition. I'll have to try it!
Judy says
can this be made the day before and fridgerate
Vicky says
Yes, you can make it a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it.