The world of baking may seem complicated, but the truth is that there are a wide variety of desserts that do not require an oven. These desserts, perfect for any time of year, are ideal for those who do not have much time or want to avoid the heat of the oven.
1. Classic Tiramisu
Tiramisu is probably one of the most well-known desserts that doesn't require an oven. This Italian dessert is perfect for those looking for something elegant but easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
300 grams of mascarpone cheese
200 ml of cream
100 grams of sugar
200 ml strong coffee (can be decaffeinated)
2 tablespoons coffee liqueur or amaretto (optional)
24 ladyfingers
Cocoa powder for sprinkling
Preparation:
Prepare the coffee and let it cool. If you decide to use liqueur, mix it with the coffee.
In a large bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese and sugar until smooth. In another bowl, beat the heavy cream until well-mixed, then fold into the mascarpone.
Dip the ladyfingers briefly into the coffee, one by one, and place them in the bottom of a rectangular pan.
Cover the sponge cake layer with a layer of the mascarpone mixture.
Repeat this process until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a layer of mascarpone.
Sprinkle the cocoa powder on top and refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 4 hours before serving.
2. Cold Lemon Cheesecake
No-bake cheesecake is another classic that never fails. Its crunchy base and creamy filling make it irresistible, and the best thing is that you can customize the flavor with fruit or chocolate.
Ingredients:
200 grams of Maria or Digestive biscuits
100 grams of melted butter
400 grams of cream cheese
200 ml of cream
150 grams of sugar
3 lemons (juice and zest)
10 grams of unflavored gelatin
Preparation:
Crush the biscuits into fine crumbs. Mix them with the melted butter and place this mixture in the bottom of a springform pan. Press down well and refrigerate.
In a bowl, beat the cream cheese with the sugar until creamy. Add the zest and juice of the lemons.
Beat the cream until semi-whipped and mix it with the cream cheese.
Hydrate the gelatin with a little water, heat it slightly and add it to the previous mixture.
Pour the mixture over the cookie base and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or until completely set.
Garnish with lemon slices or extra zest before serving.
3. Chocolate Mousse
Chocolate mousse is an airy, soft dessert that melts in your mouth. Perfect for chocolate lovers, it is quick to prepare and requires only a few ingredients.
Ingredients:
200 grams of dark chocolate
3 eggs
100 grams of sugar
200 ml of cream
Preparation:
Melt the chocolate in a bain-marie or in the microwave, allowing it to cool slightly.
Separate the yolks from the whites. Beat the yolks with the sugar until the mixture is pale and frothy. Add the melted chocolate to the mixture.
In another bowl, whip the cream and add it to the chocolate mixture.
Beat the egg whites until stiff and add them to the mixture, using folding movements.
Divide the mousse into individual glasses or cups and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
4. Three Milk Dessert
Tres leches is a typical Latin American dessert consisting of a sponge cake soaked in a mixture of three types of milk. Although the original recipe calls for a baked sponge cake, this no-bake version is just as delicious.
Ingredients:
200 grams of Maria cookies
400 ml of condensed milk
400 ml of evaporated milk
200 ml of cream
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
Chantilly cream to decorate
Preparation:
Crush the cookies and place them in the bottom of a mold.
Mix the condensed milk, evaporated milk and cream with the vanilla. Pour this mixture over the crushed cookies.
Let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight so that the cookies absorb the milk.
Decorate with whipped cream before serving.
5. Fruit Jelly
Fruit gelatin is a refreshing dessert that is very easy to prepare. You can use the fruit of your choice and adapt the recipe to your tastes.
Ingredients:
1 package of gelatin of the flavor you prefer
200 grams of fruit (mango, strawberries, pineapple, grapes, etc.)
500 ml of water
100 ml fruit juice (optional)
Preparation:
Prepare the gelatin according to the package instructions, using water and, if you prefer, fruit juice for extra flavor.
Cut the fruits into small cubes.
Pour half of the gelatin into a mold and refrigerate until it begins to set.
Add the fruit and the rest of the gelatin. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until completely firm.
Unmold and serve.
6. Chocolate and Coconut Truffles
Truffles are a small but intensely flavorful dessert. These chocolate and coconut truffles are perfect to accompany a coffee or as a sweet snack at any time of the day.
Ingredients:
200 grams of dark chocolate
100 ml of cream
50 grams of grated coconut
Cocoa powder for covering
Preparation:
Melt the chocolate together with the cream in the microwave or in a bain-marie.
Add the grated coconut to the mixture and let it cool to room temperature.
Once the mixture is cold and has thickened, form small balls with your hands.
Coat the truffles in cocoa powder and place them on a tray.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
7. Yogurt and Fruit Parfait
Parfait is a versatile and light dessert that can be customized based on the ingredients you have on hand. Plus, it's a healthy option when made with yogurt and fresh fruit.
Ingredients:
500 ml of natural or Greek yogurt
200 grams of granola
200 grams of fresh fruit (strawberries, blueberries, banana)
Honey or maple syrup to sweeten
Preparation:
In a glass or cup, place a layer of granola.
Add a layer of yogurt and a layer of fruit.
Repeat the process until the glass is full.
Sweeten with honey or maple syrup to taste.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for 1 hour for a cooler dessert.
Tips for No-Bake Desserts
1. Use quality ingredients
Although baking is not required, it is essential to use fresh, quality ingredients to ensure great flavor. Cream cheese, fruit, and chocolate are key in many recipes.
2. Be patient with cooling
Many no-bake desserts require several hours in the refrigerator to set or acquire the right texture. Don't rush this process, as it could affect the final result.
3. Customize the recipes
One of the advantages of no-bake desserts is that they are very easy to customize. You can add or substitute ingredients according to your preferences or what you have available.
4. Attractive presentation
Since many no-bake desserts are easy to prepare, presentation takes on special importance. Use crystal glasses, garnish with fresh fruit, or sprinkle with cocoa to make your desserts look as good as they taste.
Making no-bake desserts is a fun and easy way to enjoy delicious sweet treats without the hassle. Whether you're looking for something fresh for the summer or just want to avoid the heat of the oven, these recipes are the perfect solution. Plus, since they don't require complicated techniques or special equipment, they're ideal for beginners and experts alike.