Easy Mille Feuille (No Bake)

This easy no-bake Mille Feuille is a delicious twist on the classic French pastry, made with layers of milk-soaked tea biscuits, creamy custard, and a luscious mascarpone whipped cream. Topped with smooth white and dark chocolate ganache, this elegant dessert comes together without turning on the oven—perfect for gatherings, special occasions, or when you want something sweet but simple.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No baking required—great for hot days or busy kitchens

• Classic mille feuille flavor with none of the fuss

• Light, creamy textures with a satisfying cookie crunch

• Gorgeous layered presentation

• Uses pantry-friendly, easy-to-find ingredients

• Versatile—customize with fruits or flavored cream

• Stays fresh and delicious when made ahead

• Kid-friendly and adult-approved

• Great for Ramadan, holidays, or celebrations

• Effortless but impressive

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Custard Cream

• 3 egg yolks

• 85 g granulated sugar

• 16 g vanilla sugar

• 50 g cornstarch

• 75 ml milk

• 500 ml milk

Cream Layer

• 250 g mascarpone

• 8 g stabilizer for whipped cream

• 40 g granulated sugar

• 8 g vanilla sugar

• 250 ml heavy cream

Cookie Layers

• Tea biscuits

• 150 ml milk

Topping

• 125 g white chocolate

• 60 ml heavy cream

• 15 g dark chocolate

• 15 ml heavy cream

Directions

1. Make the custard cream:
In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, granulated sugar, and vanilla sugar for 1 minute.
Add cornstarch and 75 ml milk, mixing until smooth.
In a saucepan, bring 500 ml milk to a boil. Remove from heat and gradually whisk in the egg mixture.
Return the mixture to the heat and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened. Set aside to cool.

2. Prepare the mascarpone cream:
In a deep bowl, beat mascarpone, stabilizer, sugar, and vanilla sugar for 1 minute until combined.
Gradually add the heavy cream while beating, until the mixture is thick and stiff.

3. Layer the biscuits:
Dip each tea biscuit briefly into milk and arrange in a single layer in a springform pan or rectangular dish.
Spread the custard cream evenly over the biscuits.

4. Repeat the layers:
Add another layer of milk-dipped tea biscuits.
Spread the mascarpone cream over the second biscuit layer and smooth the top.

5. Prepare the white chocolate ganache:
Heat 60 ml heavy cream until it just begins to boil. Remove from heat and add white chocolate pieces.
Let sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.

6. Prepare the dark chocolate ganache:
Repeat the same process using 15 ml heavy cream and dark chocolate.
Once melted and smooth, transfer to a piping bag or small plastic bag with the tip cut.

7. Decorate the top:
Pour the white chocolate ganache evenly over the top cream layer.
Pipe horizontal lines of dark chocolate across the top.
Drag a toothpick vertically through the lines to create a feathered design.

8. Chill and set:
Cover and refrigerate the dessert overnight or for at least 4 hours to fully set.

9. Serve:
Cut into neat rectangular slices. Bismillah—enjoy!

Servings and timing

Servings: 12
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: None (only stovetop for creams)
Chill time: At least 4 hours, ideally overnight
Total time: 30 minutes + chilling

Variations

• Fruit Layer: Add sliced strawberries or raspberries between the custard and biscuit layers.

• Coffee-Soaked: Dip biscuits in coffee instead of milk for a tiramisu-style twist.

• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pistachios or almonds between layers or on top.

• Coconut Cream: Use coconut milk-based custard and top with toasted coconut flakes.

• Chocolate Lovers’ Version: Replace the white chocolate ganache with milk chocolate for a richer topping.

• Flavored Ganache: Infuse your ganache with orange or rose water for extra flair.

• Biscoff Base: Use Biscoff cookies for a spiced alternative to tea biscuits.

• Round Cake Mold: Assemble in a round springform for a layered cake presentation.

• Crushed Biscuit Layers: Use crushed biscuits for a more compact texture, like an icebox cake.

• Savoiardi Swap: Swap tea biscuits with ladyfingers for a lighter, sponge-like bite.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze slices in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

• Do Not Reheat: This is a chilled dessert and should not be warmed. Serve directly from the fridge or at cool room temperature.

FAQs

What kind of tea biscuits should I use?

Plain rectangular or oval tea biscuits work best—like Petit Beurre or Maria biscuits.

Can I substitute the mascarpone?

Yes, you can use cream cheese or whipped ricotta, though the texture and flavor will vary slightly.

Is this a traditional mille feuille?

It’s a simplified, no-bake alternative that mimics the look and flavor without using puff pastry.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based milk, dairy-free whipped topping, and dairy-free chocolate for an alternative version.

How long does this dessert need to chill?

At least 4 hours, but overnight chilling yields the best texture and flavor.

Can I use store-bought custard?

Yes, but homemade custard gives a richer, more authentic taste and better consistency.

Can I make this in advance?

Absolutely—it’s actually better when made ahead as the layers soften beautifully over time.

How do I cut it neatly?

Use a sharp knife cleaned between each cut. You can also freeze it slightly before slicing for perfect edges.

Is whipped cream stabilizer necessary?

It helps the cream hold its shape, especially for make-ahead desserts. If unavailable, powdered milk or cornstarch can be used in a pinch.

Can I skip the chocolate topping?

Yes, you can dust the top with cocoa, cinnamon, or powdered sugar instead for a lighter finish.

Conclusion

This easy no-bake Mille Feuille dessert is proof that you don’t need fancy pastry skills to create something truly delicious and impressive. With layers of creamy custard, soft biscuits, and a luscious chocolate ganache finish, it’s a treat that satisfies with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving it at a celebration or simply treating your family to something special, this recipe is guaranteed to become a go-to favorite.

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