No-bake chocolate biscuit bars are the perfect treat when you want something rich, chocolatey, and crunchy without the hassle of baking. These bars combine buttery biscuits with luscious melted chocolate, creating a delightful texture and flavor. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for serving at parties, holiday gatherings, or as a quick snack.
Ingredients
For the Bars:
- 2 1/2 cups digestive biscuits (or graham crackers), crushed into small chunks
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips (or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup honey or golden syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as almonds or hazelnuts)
- 1/2 cup dried fruits (optional, such as raisins or cranberries)
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon butter (for extra shine)
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt flakes (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit Mixture
- Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) square baking dish with parchment paper. Leave some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter, sugar, and honey together, stirring continuously.
- Once the mixture is smooth, remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt.
- In a large bowl, combine the crushed biscuits with chopped nuts and dried fruits (if using).
- Pour the warm butter mixture over the biscuits and stir until everything is well coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and press it down firmly using the back of a spoon.
Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Topping
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips, heavy cream, and butter together in 20-second intervals, stirring each time until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the biscuit layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top if desired.
Step 3: Chill and Set
- Place the dish in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours or until the chocolate has fully set.
- Once firm, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan.
- Cut into squares or rectangles and enjoy!
Tips for the Best No-Bake Chocolate Biscuit Bars
- For extra crunch, add rice cereal or crushed pretzels.
- If you prefer a sweeter taste, use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate.
- Make it vegan by using dairy-free chocolate and replacing butter with coconut oil.
- To store: Keep bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
- For freezing: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of biscuit?
Yes! You can substitute digestive biscuits with graham crackers, shortbread, or even Oreo crumbs for a different twist.
2. How do I make these bars nut-free?
Simply omit the chopped nuts and ensure your chocolate is free from cross-contamination with nuts.
3. Can I add peanut butter to this recipe?
Absolutely! Add 1/4 cup of peanut butter to the melted butter mixture for a nutty, rich flavor.
4. Do I have to refrigerate them?
Yes, refrigerating helps the bars set properly. If left at room temperature too long, the chocolate may soften too much.
5. How can I make these bars gluten-free?
Use gluten-free biscuits, and ensure all ingredients (like chocolate and syrup) are certified gluten-free.