Custard Biscuit Pudding Recipe | Chocolate Pudding | Easy No-Bake Dessert to Impress

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There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about layered puddings especially the kind made with humble pantry staples like biscuits, custard, and chocolate. The kind of dessert that doesn’t require turning on the oven, but still delivers rich flavor, velvety texture, and that perfect balance of sweet and creamy. This Custard Biscuit Pudding with a chocolate twist is one of those timeless desserts that’s incredibly easy to make but feels like a treat from your favorite bakery.

If you’re short on time but want a decadent dessert that looks beautiful when sliced, this is the one. The layers of creamy vanilla custard, crunchy tea biscuits, and rich chocolate pudding come together into a chilled dessert that’s perfect for warm evenings, dinner parties, or even a weekday sweet tooth moment.

Whether you grew up eating pudding like this or are discovering it for the first time, this easy custard biscuit pudding is bound to win you over.

Why You’ll Love This Pudding

  • No baking required – It’s a fridge dessert!
  • Perfect make-ahead – Gets better as it chills overnight.
  • Simple ingredients – Everything is easily found in a regular grocery store.
  • Kid-friendly and adult-approved – Mildly sweet with creamy and crunchy textures.
  • Customizable – Add fruit, nuts, whipped cream, or coffee for an extra layer of flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe serves 8–10 people. You can make it in a square dish, trifle bowl, or even individual jars.

For the Custard Layer:

  • 3 cups milk
  • 3 tablespoons custard powder (vanilla flavored)
  • 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)

For the Chocolate Layer:

  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornflour or flour (for thickening)
  • 50g dark chocolate (optional, for richness)
  • Pinch of salt

For the Biscuit Layer:

  • 1 packet of Marie biscuits, digestive biscuits, or graham crackers
  • 1/2 cup warm milk mixed with 1 teaspoon instant coffee or cocoa powder (optional, for dipping)

Toppings (Optional but Recommended):

  • Whipped cream
  • Chocolate shavings
  • Crushed nuts (pistachios or almonds)
  • Grated coconut
  • Cherries or berries

Tools You’ll Need

  • Saucepan
  • Whisk or spoon
  • Square or rectangular glass dish (8×8 or 9×9 works well)
  • Spatula
  • Mixing bowl

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vanilla Custard

  1. In a small bowl, mix the custard powder with 1/2 cup of the cold milk to form a smooth slurry — no lumps.
  2. Heat the remaining 2.5 cups of milk in a saucepan over medium heat.
  3. Once it begins to warm, stir in the sugar and bring it to a low simmer.
  4. Add the custard slurry slowly while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
  5. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency. This may take 5–7 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat, add vanilla extract if using, and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Pudding Layer

  1. In a clean saucepan, mix the cocoa powder, sugar, cornflour, and salt.
  2. Add 1 cup milk gradually and whisk to combine everything smoothly.
  3. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it starts to thicken.
  4. Add the chopped dark chocolate (if using) and continue stirring until fully melted and smooth.
  5. Once it’s thick and glossy, remove from heat and let it cool for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Dip the Biscuits

  • Quickly dip each biscuit in the warm milk + coffee (or cocoa) mixture for 2 seconds.
  • Do not soak too long — they’ll fall apart!
  • Layer them flat on the bottom of your serving dish to cover the entire base.

Step 4: Start the Assembly

  1. Layer 1: Add a smooth layer of custard over the biscuits. Use a spatula to spread evenly.
  2. Layer 2: Add another layer of dipped biscuits on top.
  3. Layer 3: Pour the chocolate pudding evenly over the second biscuit layer.
  4. Layer 4 (Optional): Add one more biscuit layer if you have room, followed by remaining custard or chocolate (alternate as preferred).
  5. Tap the dish gently to remove air pockets and smooth the top.

Step 5: Chill and Set

  • Cover the dish with cling wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  • This gives the biscuits time to soften and the flavors to blend perfectly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

  • Just before serving, top with whipped cream, chocolate curls, nuts, or fruit.
  • Slice into neat squares or spoon into bowls.

Pro Tips for Success

  • Don’t skip the chilling time: The pudding needs time to set. Overnight gives the best texture.
  • Layer wisely: Keep layers thin and even for a more elegant slice.
  • Customize your dip: Add coffee for mocha flavor, or use fruit juice for a kid-friendly twist.
  • Make in jars: For parties, layer into small mason jars or glasses for single-serve treats.
  • Don’t overheat custard: Stir constantly and don’t walk away — custard burns fast!

Delicious Variations to Try

1. Fruit Custard Biscuit Pudding

Add a layer of chopped mangoes, strawberries, or bananas between the custard and biscuits for a fruity surprise.

2. Nutty Delight

Mix in chopped pistachios or walnuts into the custard and sprinkle some on top for a crunchy finish.

3. Tiramisu-Inspired

Use ladyfingers and espresso for a no-egg tiramisu twist, layering with mascarpone instead of custard.

4. Tropical Version

Add crushed pineapple and coconut to the custard for a summer-friendly dessert.

5. Choco-Mocha Overload

Add a coffee shot to the chocolate layer and top with crushed Oreos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely — this dessert is best when made ahead. It needs at least 4 hours in the fridge to set but improves overnight.

Q: What kind of biscuits should I use?
Any plain, slightly crisp biscuit works well — Marie, digestive, graham crackers, or even Biscoff for a deeper flavor.

Q: Can I use store-bought custard or pudding?
Yes, you can use ready-made custard or instant pudding mix in a pinch. But homemade gives better texture and flavor.

Q: How long will it last in the fridge?
It keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days. Cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out or absorbing fridge odors.

Q: Can I freeze it?
It’s not recommended. The texture of the custard and biscuits changes when frozen and thawed.

What to Serve With Biscuit Pudding

This dessert is great on its own, but here are some pairing ideas:

  • After a spicy meal – Cools the palate perfectly.
  • With coffee or chai – A mid-afternoon indulgence.
  • As a birthday treat – Decorate with candles and serve chilled.
  • Alongside vanilla ice cream – For extra decadence.

Final Thoughts: Creamy, Dreamy, and Effortless

This custard biscuit pudding with chocolate layers is the kind of dessert that checks every box — creamy, rich, nostalgic, and incredibly simple to make. It’s a no-bake treat that doesn’t compromise on flavor or presentation. Whether you’re serving it for guests, family, or yourself, it’s guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and earn rave reviews.

Best of all? You can easily customize it with what you have on hand, making it a perfect recipe to keep in your back pocket for when dessert cravings strike