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Heaven In a Bowl recipe

Heaven In a Bowl recipe

This Heaven In a Bowl recipe creates a stunning layered dessert featuring rich chocolate pudding, fluffy whipped cream, crushed cookies, and fresh berries. Perfect for entertaining, this make-ahead dessert serves 8-10 people and can be customized with various flavor combinations to suit any preference.
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Equipment

  • Large mixing bowls (3-4 medium to large bowls)
  • Electric mixer (hand or stand mixer)
  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Clear glass bowls or individual serving glasses
  • Fine-mesh strainer
  • Plastic wrap
  • Refrigerator space for chilling

Ingredients
  

  • For the Chocolate Pudding Layer:
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the Whipped Cream Layer:
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For Assembly:
  • 2 cups chocolate sandwich cookies crushed
  • 2 cups fresh mixed berries strawberries, blueberries, raspberries
  • 1/4 cup chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips
  • Fresh mint leaves for garnish optional

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Chocolate Pudding: In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk, sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt until smooth. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until mixture begins to thicken and bubble, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Temper the Egg Yolks: In a small bowl, whisk egg yolks. Gradually add 1/2 cup of the hot chocolate mixture to the yolks, whisking constantly to prevent scrambling. Pour this mixture back into the saucepan.
  • Finish the Pudding: Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, whisking constantly, until pudding coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla. Press plastic wrap directly onto surface and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  • Make Whipped Cream: In a large bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Do not overbeat.
  • Prepare Assembly Components: Crush cookies into coarse crumbs. Wash and prepare fresh berries, hulling strawberries and cutting larger berries as needed.
  • Assemble the Dessert: In clear glass bowls or individual glasses, layer ingredients in this order: chocolate pudding, whipped cream, cookie crumbs, fresh berries. Repeat layers as desired.
  • Final Touches: Top with chocolate shavings and fresh mint leaves if using. Refrigerate assembled desserts for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Pudding can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator
Use room temperature eggs for easier incorporation into the pudding
Strain pudding through fine-mesh strainer if lumps form during cooking
Assembly works best when pudding is completely chilled but not set too firm