Ready for a brand new dessert recipe that whips up fast? This Serbian no-bake sand cake aka pesak (pijesak) torta is a perfect solution for busy days.
Not only is it absolutely delicious, but it also requires just six easy ingredients. It is super quick to make and best of all, tastes like a vacation.
You're probably thinking, what in the world is a sand cake? Well, I can tell you one thing: it is DELICIOUS! It has three layers made by mixing vanilla pudding with shredded (desiccated) coconut, graham cracker crumbs, and ground walnuts.
That's the secret of its texture: creamy and gritty, which is how this dessert got its name, The Sand Cake.
Why this sand cake works:
The sand cake can be classified in the category of cakes that are relatively quick and easy to prepare. Precisely because of that, this cake is a favorite of both young and not overly experienced housewives, as well as experienced housewives who, on a given occasion, do not have too much time to set aside for the preparation of the cake.
- No baking required, which is perfect for summer (and year-round) so the oven can stay off.
- You only need six simple ingredients.
- It's favorite with kids and adults alike (what kid doesn't like to eat sand, lol). 🏖
- It feeds a crowd.
- It's quick and easy to make!
- It tastes like a tropical vacation.
What's in this Serbian sand cake?
Originally, this cake uses "cook and serve" pudding. If you wish, you can use it too, but we like to simplify recipes and find shortcuts that don't compromise the traditional flavor.
You will need:
- Instant pudding & pie filling - Vanilla pudding is used traditionally, but you white chocolate pudding would work great too.
- Milk - full-fat for the best flavor. You can substitute with plant-based milk if you must.
- Butter - we used unsalted (not mandatory). Substitute with margarine or vegan butter that doesn't stay soft when refrigerated.
- Ground biscuits - Graham cracker crumbs, Plazma, Maria cookies, digestive cookies, or Nilla wafers...
- Shredded unsweetened coconut - Desiccated coconut is the best, which is finely shredded coconut that is dry to touch (NOT coconut flour or flakes). Sorry, no substitutions here.
- Ground walnuts - you can use ground almonds, hazelnuts, or nuts of your choice.
How do I make this sandy treat?
This really can't be any easier, but do scroll down for the detailed and printable recipe on the bottom of this post or click the "Skip to Recipe" box at the top of the page.
- Make the first layer - In a bowl, whisk one pudding package with 1 cup of milk. In another bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Combine it with the pudding. Mix in graham cracker crumbs. Spread the mixture onto the bottom of a springform pan.
- For the second layer - Mix another pudding powder with 1 cup milk. Add creamed butter and mix in the coconut. Spread over the first layer.
- The third layer - Mix the third pudding package with milk, and then with butter. Fold in the ground nuts. Spread over the second layer and refrigerate.
Recipe Notes:
- Add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder or ½ cup melted chocolate to the walnut layer.
- Use white chocolate pudding instead of vanilla.
- Top the cake with whipped cream.
- Warm the knife in hot water before slicing the cake.
- Use plant-based milk and butter for a vegan option.
- Substitute walnuts with nuts of choice.
- Keep the leftover cake refrigerated for up to 5 days.
What other easy no-bake cakes should I try?
- THE BEST NO-BAKE TIRAMISU CHEESECAKE
- SOUTH AFRICAN NO-BAKE MELKTERT
- MEXICAN NO-BAKE CARLOTA CAKE
- NO-BAKE KEFIR BLUEBERRY CHEESECAKE
6 Ingredient No Bake Sand Cake
Equipment
- Electric Mixer
- whisk
- 8" springform pan
Ingredients
- 3 3.4 oz each packages vanilla instant pudding & pie filling
- 3 cups cold milk
- 3 sticks unsalted butter at room temperature
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 ¼ cups shredded unsweetened coconut
- 2 ¼ cups ground walnuts
Instructions
- Grease an 8-inch springform and set aside.
Graham Cracker Layer
- Pour 1 cup milk into a small mixing bowl. Add one package pudding mix and beat with a wire whisk until well blended.
- In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer, beat one stick butter until smooth and creamy. Add the pudding and mix until well combined. Fold in the graham cracker crumbs.
- Spread the mixture into a prepared springform.
Coconut Layer
- Pour 1 cup milk into a small bowl. Add one package pudding mix and beat with a wire whisk until well blended.
- In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer, beat one stick butter until smooth and creamy. Add the pudding and mix until well combined. Fold in the shredded coconut.
- Gently spread the mixture over the first layer.
Walnut Layer
- Pour 1 cup milk into a small bowl.Add one package pudding mix and beat with a wire whisk until well blended.
- In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer, beat one stick butter until smooth and creamy. Add the pudding and mix until well combined. Fold in the ground walnuts.
- Gently spread the mixture on top of the coconut layer.
- Decorate the cake as desired. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve
Expert Tips
- Add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder or ½ cup melted chocolate to the walnut layer.
- Use white chocolate pudding instead of vanilla.
- Top the cake with whipped cream.
- Warm the knife in hot water before slicing the cake.
- Use plant-based milk and butter for a vegan option.
- Substitute walnuts with nuts of choice.
- Keep the leftover cake refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Nutrition information is approximate and meant as a guideline only.
Grammy Dee says
Congrats Jas! Your post is Featured at the #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty. See here: http://grammysgrid.com/blogging-grandmothers-link-party-20/
Jas says
Thank you, Dee! You made my day 😀
Lori Hill-Smith says
That's beautiful and looks delicious too! Thank you for sharing at #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty
Jas says
Thank you so much!
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
Mmm - I think I might eat too much of this!! Looks delicious! Thanks for sharing at the What's for Dinner link up!
Jas says
It is addictive, lol.
Teresa - Aging Like a Fine Wine says
This sounds like it would be lots of fun to make with my grandchildren! Needless to say delicious! Thanks for sharing with us at the #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty.
Jas says
Kids love helping with this recipe! I'm sure they'd have fun 🙂
carrie says
Looks delicious and looks easy. I 'm not big on lots of ingredients so this is perfect. Pinned
Jas says
Hi, Carrie! It really is super easy to make it (and yummy too, lol)
Miz Helen says
Congratulations!
Your post is featured on Full Plate Thursday this week and we have pinned it to our Features Board. Thanks so much for sharing with us and have a safe weekend!
Come Back Soon,
Miz Helen
Jas says
Thank you, Miz Helen! I am thrilled 😀
Christina Makri says
You are an artist in the kitchen! Really your cake looks like a piece of art but also looks so delicious 🙂
Jas says
Aw, thank you, Christina! Means a lot! 🙂
Sue from Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond says
Wow that looks impressive Jas and I haven't seen a Sand cake before. I've pinned this for future reference to try. Thanks for sharing at #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty and have a great week!
Jas says
Thanks, Sue! It's easy to make and tasty! 🙂
Joyce says
This looks great! I always scan recipes for probability of sharing with grandkids. This one scores! They line up at the counter waiting for their turn to add, mix, or stir. I would cut them each a slice and plunk on a teddy graham sunning beneath a paper cocktail umbrella!
Jas says
Oh, that's an adorable idea! A perfect setting for a graham teddy and cocktail umbrella! 😀 I wanted to add chocolate sea shells on top, but couldn't find them at the store (they're available any other time, of course).
Carlee says
That does look absolutely gorgeous and delicious too. Please apologize to the cake for me after calling it a cheesecake. Clearly it is not, but these flavors would make a fun layered no-bake cheesecake as well. I'm just sayin' 😉 Think about it.... xo
Jas says
Ha ha, the cake is not offended at all it says thank you for the idea to get it upgraded 😉
Miz Helen says
Your No Bake Sand Cake looks awesome, can't wait to try it! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday. Have a great weekend and come back to see us real soon!
Miz Helen
Jas says
Thank you, Miz Helen!
Grammy Dee | Grammy's Grid says
You had me at no bake 🙂 Thank you Jas for linking up at the #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty. I shared your post on Facebook, Google+, Pinterest, and Twitter.
Jas says
Thank you for hosting a wonderful party for grandmothers!
Mrs Shoes says
'scuse me, I have to run into town for some walnuts!
Jas says
Haha, OK 😉
Kat (The Baking Explorer) says
Wow, this cake looks gorgeous!
Jas says
Thank you, Kat! 😀
Katrin says
Delicious!! I love no bake, because here where I live its still going to be hot for at least another month as well, so if I don't need to use the oven that is great!! It looks fantastic!!!
Jas says
Thanks, Katrin! After it cools down we usually get "an Indian summer", about a week of hot weather before the cold takes over. 🙂