Layered Dessert Cake (Brazilian Pavé)

Pavé is a popular Brazilian layered dessert cake that is similar to tiramisu and does not need baking. This layer cake consists of a combination of ladyfinger biscuits, cream, eggs, condensed milk, and chocolate. It is a traditional dessert in Brazil, where every household has its own variation, so there are recipes for strawberry, pineapple, white chocolate, coconut, and peanut pavé, amongst others. The only important thing is to serve the cake cold to best enjoy its unique flavours, textures, and varieties.

Creamy Layers:
2 (14 oz) cans sweetened condensed milk
4 cups whole milk
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
4 egg yolks
¼ tsp. pure vanilla extract

Top Layer (whipped cream topping):
2 cups heavy cream
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

To Serve:
Marias cookies or lady fingers
chocolate bar (optional)
sliced bananas (optional)
strawberries (optional)
chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

In large pot whisk together condensed milk, 3 cups milk, egg yolks, and vanilla.

In measuring flask or small bowl whisk together last cup of milk with corn starch until dissolved.

Heat the mixture in sauce pan over medium/low heat stirring continuously (this will burn if you do not watch it closely and keep stirring).

Once the mixture is bubbling slowly mix in the final cup of milk with cornstarch while continuing to stir.

Remove from heat once it has thickened to a pudding like consistency.

Pour into 15x10" baking dish and use rubber spatula to spread evenly over the bottom of the dish.

Place 1 layer of Maria cookies (or lady fingers) over cream until completely covered.

If you want to add fruit to the Pave (I like sliced strawberries and bananas in mine) then add a layer of sliced fruit on top of the cookies before adding more cream.

Then add another layer of cream over that and repeat with another layer of Marias cookies, and another layer of fruit (if desired).

For the Whipped Cream Topping:
In bowl mix together heavy cream, powdered sugar and vanilla till it turns into a heavy whipping cream.

Spread across the top of the Pave with a rubber spatula.

Cover with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (if you do not have overnight I'd recommend letting it sit in the fridge for at least 3-4 hours, it tastes much better after it has been refrigerated for several hours).

When ready to serve you can serve as is, or sprinkle on nuts or grated chocolate over the top.

To make grated chocolate you can just buy a Hershey's chocolate bar or chocolate bar of choice. Place the chocolate bar in the freezer for a couple hours and then use a cheese grater to grate the chocolate over the top of your Pave.