When I’m lazy, I always make this dessert. “Napoleon in a glass”: finger-licking good. Eaten in 2 minutes

When I’m Lazy, I Always Make This Dessert: “Napoleon in a Glass” — Finger-Licking Good & Eaten in 2 Minutes!

Sometimes, we all crave something sweet but don’t have the energy or time to bake. That’s where the lazy-day dessert comes in — and nothing hits the spot quite like “Napoleon in a Glass.” Inspired by the famous French Napoleon cake (also known as mille-feuille), this dessert delivers the same creamy, flaky, and decadent experience — but in a no-bake, glass-layered version that takes just minutes to assemble and even less time to devour.

🍰 What Is “Napoleon in a Glass”?

Think of it as a deconstructed Napoleon cake. Instead of layering puff pastry and custard in a traditional square cake, we build it directly in a glass with crushed pastry, creamy filling, and optional fruits or toppings. It’s perfect for impressing guests, satisfying cravings, or using up leftover puff pastry. The result is rich, creamy, crispy, and completely addictive.

⭐ Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

For the Cream:

2 cups (480 ml) cold milk
1 package (3.4 oz or 96 g) instant vanilla pudding mix
1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Crunchy Layers:

1 sheet of store-bought puff pastry (or graham crackers / tea biscuits if needed)
Optional: 1 tablespoon of sugar (for sprinkling before baking)

Optional Add-Ins:

Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
Crushed nuts (almonds, hazelnuts)
Chocolate shavings or drizzle
Caramel sauce or honey

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cut the puff pastry sheet into small squares or strips using a knife or pizza cutter.
Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle a little sugar on top for extra crunch and caramelization.
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up. Let them cool, then crush gently into flakes or small pieces.

✅ Shortcut: Use ready-made puff pastry cookies or flaky tea biscuits if you’re too lazy to bake.

Step 2: Make the Cream

In a bowl, whisk together the cold milk and instant pudding mix until thick (about 2 minutes).
In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mix to create a light and airy custard cream.

🔄 You can also use pastry cream or custard if you prefer a richer flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the Dessert in Glasses

Use small glasses, jars, or even wine glasses for an elegant presentation.

Start with a layer of crushed puff pastry at the bottom.
Add a generous spoonful of the cream mixture.
Sprinkle in some berries or crushed nuts (optional).
Repeat layers: pastry → cream → toppings, until the glass is full.
Finish with a sprinkle of pastry flakes, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of caramel.