Some links may earn us a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

30 min total

👨‍👩‍👧 Family-friendly

🧺 Pantry staples

🍽 Dinner

This quick no-bake double chocolate cake is perfect for when you need an indulgent dessert in a hurry, combining a crisp biscuit base with a rich chocolate mousse. It’s surprisingly easy and utterly satisfying.

Quick No-Bake Double Chocolate Cake

This quick no-bake double chocolate cake recipe has been thoughtfully designed to eliminate unnecessary waiting times, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable baking experience. Each step flows effortlessly into the next, allowing you to assemble a delightful dessert without interruption. Our aim is to bring a rich and satisfying cake to your table from start to finish in approximately 30 minutes, harmoniously combining a crisp base with a soft, indulgent cream. It’s a simple approach for a truly impressive result that perfectly fits into a busy lifestyle, offering a moment of pure bliss.

Quick Overview

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Chilling Time: 15 minutes (in freezer for quicker setting)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Serves: 8

Ingredients

  • 7.1 oz (200g) chocolate digestive biscuits
  • 2.8 oz (80g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 7.1 oz (200g) good quality dark chocolate (min. 70% cocoa solids)
  • 14 fl oz (400ml) double cream (at least 35% fat)
  • 1.8 oz (50g) icing sugar
  • 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

Method

  1. Finely crush the chocolate biscuits using a food processor or by placing them in a food bag and crushing with a rolling pin. Combine with the melted butter and mix well.
  2. Press the biscuit mixture firmly into the base of an 8-inch (20cm) springform cake tin, creating an even layer. Set aside.
  3. Melt the dark chocolate using a bain-marie or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Allow it to cool slightly.
  4. In a separate bowl, whip the double cream with the icing sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder until a soft, firm mousse forms.
  5. Gently fold the slightly cooled melted chocolate into the cream mousse, using a spatula and an upward motion to maintain the airiness.
  6. Pour the chocolate mousse over the prepared biscuit base and level the surface with a spatula.
  7. Place the cake in the freezer for at least 15 minutes for rapid setting, or in the fridge for a minimum of 2 hours before serving.

Serving & Leftovers

Serve the cake chilled, optionally decorated with chocolate shavings, a dusting of cocoa powder, or some fresh berries. Store the cake, covered, in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and portions.

One Last Thing

Developing a repertoire of quick, reliable recipes transforms the daily culinary experience. This double chocolate cake exemplifies how something truly special can be created even with limited time. SmartKitchen30 aims to provide tools and techniques that make cooking a constant, accessible pleasure, even on the busiest of days.

The SmartKitchen30 Method

Prepare everything first.

Cook over steady heat, without rushing.

Finish with balance — not complexity.

Get your shopping list

Enter your email to unlock the Tesco and Ocado links for this recipe.



Keep cooking

Stay in the flow.

→ Another 30-minute dinner  

→ Browse all recipes  

→ See what’s cooking this week

Your week. Already sorted.

7 dinners. 1 grocery list. No duplicates.
Everything you need. Nothing extra.

Already a Member Login