{"id":457,"date":"2025-07-23T08:40:02","date_gmt":"2025-07-23T06:40:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.idiliafoods.com\/blog\/?p=457"},"modified":"2025-07-23T10:16:53","modified_gmt":"2025-07-23T08:16:53","slug":"spanish-grandmas-no-bake-colacao-cake","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.idiliafoods.com\/blog\/index.php\/spanish-grandmas-no-bake-colacao-cake\/","title":{"rendered":"Spanish Grandma\u2019s No-Bake ColaCao Cake"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

An easy, nostalgic dessert straight from Grandma\u2019s kitchen.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s certain magic in the way Spanish grandmothers care for their families \u2014 especially when it comes to desserts. This \u201cTarta de la Abuela\u201d, or Grandma\u2019s Cake, is a beloved no-bake treat that has been passed down through generations. Made with layers of simple tea biscuits and rich ColaCao cream, it\u2019s the kind of dessert that instantly brings back memories of childhood afternoons, warm kitchens, and that unmistakable feeling of being lovingly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our ColaCao cocoa powder<\/a> is the heart of this recipe. It brings a unique, malty chocolate flavor that sets this cake apart from other chocolate desserts. And the best part? You only need a few basic ingredients \u2014 no oven required!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s go through this comforting, easy recipe \u2014 with some tips and plant-based options for every kind of kitchen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ingredients<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For the ColaCao cream:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

100 ml whole milk<\/p>\n\n\n\n

100 g butter, at room temperature<\/p>\n\n\n\n

300 g ColaCao Original<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the cake layers:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

32 rectangular tea biscuits (about 8 per layer; you can use any plain tea biscuit or cookie \u2014 like graham crackers, rich tea, or digestive biscuits. “Mar\u00eda” biscuits are light, slightly sweet, and widely used in Spanish and Latin American desserts.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

300 ml milk, for soaking the biscuits<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking for a plant-based version?
<\/em>Swap the butter for any plant-based butter and your favorite dairy-free milk (like oat or almond) \u2014 ColaCao is already suitable for vegetarians!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step-by-step instructions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Make the ColaCao cream<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This rich chocolatey spread will hold your cake together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. In a microwave-safe bowl, mix 100 ml milk with 100 g softened butter.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Heat the mixture in the microwave for about 1 minute \u2014 just until the butter begins to melt.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Stir well until combined.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Add the ColaCao gradually, mixing until you have a smooth, thick cream. It should be easily spreadable \u2014 like frosting.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Tip: If your cream is too thick, add a splash more milk. Too runny? Add more ColaCao or let it chill for a few minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2. Assemble the cake<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is the fun (and slightly messy) part \u2014 perfect for making with kids!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    1. Lightly dip each biscuit in cold milk \u2014 just a quick dunk to soften it without making it soggy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Arrange a single layer of soaked biscuits in a rectangular dish (around 20×15 cm).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Spread a generous layer of ColaCao cream over the biscuits.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. Repeat the layering \u2014 biscuits, then cream \u2014 until you\u2019ve built 4 layers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    5. Finish with a final layer of ColaCao cream on top, smoothing it out with a spatula.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      No rectangular tea biscuits? Graham crackers or digestive biscuits are great substitutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      3. Chill and serve<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      1. Let the cake rest in the fridge for at least 3\u20134 hours, or overnight if possible. This helps the layers set and the flavors blend beautifully.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      2. When ready, slice into squares and serve cold \u2014 straight from the fridge.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        Tips from Grandma\u2019s Kitchen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n