This easy-to-make chocolate treat, called Marquesa de Chocolate in Venezuela, is rich, creamy, and doesn't need to be baked. It will become a favorite real quick. This dessert comes from Latin America and has chocolate cream on top of cookies that are crispy on the outside. The best part? You don’t even need to turn on your oven.
This cake is great for people who like to make simple desserts at home. Also, since it doesn't involve baking or hard steps, it's a fun recipe to make with kids.
A Little About Marquesa de Chocolate
Marquesa de Chocolate is one of Venezuela’s most loved desserts. It seems like each family has their own story that has been passed down through the years. People make it with different kinds of cookies, and some add nuts, fruit, or liquor to make it taste better. But no matter the variation, the main idea stays the same layers of sweet chocolate cream and cookies chilled until perfectly set.
It’s often served during celebrations or family gatherings, but honestly, you don’t need a special occasion to enjoy it. It is easy to make whenever you want something sweet and chocolatey.
Things you will need
For this tasty no-bake dessert, you'll need the following:
- 400 grams of soft butter
- 1 can of condensed milk with added sugar (about 410 g)
- 4 eggs (use Safest Choice Pasteurized Eggs and separate the yolks and whites)
- 4 teaspoons of sugar powder
- 3 pieces of cocoa powder
- 200 grams of dark chocolate (pick a good brand for the best taste)
- 500 g Maria cookies (or any plain chocolate chip cookies, like graham crackers)
- 1/4 cup milk (to dip the cookies in)
Optional add-ins:
- Chopped nuts for a bit of crunch
- Shaved chocolate or powdered sugar for topping
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Make the Chocolate Cream
Start by beating the softened butter and condensed milk together in a large bowl until the texture becomes smooth and creamy. Then, add the egg whites one at a time while the mixture is still being beat.
After that, add the powdered sugar and chocolate powder and mix well. It's going to start turning a lovely brown color.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Melt
It's time to melt the best dark chocolate. This can be done in the microwave or with a double boiler, which is a heat-safe bowl set over boiling water. It's best to heat the chocolate in 20–30 second bursts and stir it after each one until it's smooth and melted.
Slowly add the chocolate while you stir or beat the mixture on low speed.
Step 3: Whip the egg whites
In a different, clean bowl, beat the egg whites until they form soft peaks. Add them to the chocolate mixture slowly. This step helps the filling feel light and airy.
Step 4: Layer the Cake
Now comes the fun part layering!
Lightly butter or line a glass or ceramic dish (around 13x9 inches). Spread a thin layer of the chocolate cream on the bottom. Next, dip the Maria cookies quickly into the milk just enough to soften them a little, not too long or they’ll fall apart.
Lay a layer of cookies over the chocolate base, followed by another layer of chocolate cream. Repeat this process chocolate, cookies, chocolate, cookies until you’ve used up all your ingredients. Make sure the final layer is chocolate cream.
Step 5: Put on the Toppings
Decorate the top with chocolate bits, chopped nuts, or powdered sugar after the layers are done. There are some extra cookie bits that you can put on top for looks.
Step 6: Put the Cake in the Fridge
Put the cake in the fridge for at least 4 hours to let the flavors mix. This is what the layers need to set. Let it sit overnight for the best taste. When you’re ready to serve, take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cutting so it softens just a bit.
How to Make the Perfect Marquesa de Chocolate
- Make sure the chocolate is good. To make the chocolate taste better, pick one that is rich and melts quickly.
- Don’t soak the cookies for too long. A quick dip in milk is enough to soften them without turning mushy.
- Make it your own. Add crushed nuts, caramel drizzle, or even a few coffee drops for a deeper flavor.
- Want it firmer? Add one extra layer of cookies for a more cake-like texture.
Why You’ll Love This Cake?
Simple and classy, this chocolate cake doesn't need to be baked. Each bite has just the right amount of crunchy and creamy, and the chocolate taste is strong without being too strong. You can serve it at a party, a family dinner, or just by yourself with a cup of coffee or tea.
It also stores well just cover it tightly and keep it in the fridge for up to 4–5 days. The flavor actually gets better the longer it sits, as the cookies absorb more of the chocolate cream.
A Sweet Note
Marquesa de Chocolate isn’t just a dessert it’s a reminder of how something simple can bring people together. Whether you’re introducing this treat to your kids or making it for friends, it’s sure to leave everyone smiling.
So grab your mixing bowl, melt that chocolate, and layer your way to one of the easiest and most delightful chocolate cakes you’ll ever make.
