Introduction
If you’re looking for an indulgent treat that combines the richness of chocolate, the crunch of nuts, and the sweetness of condensed milk, look no further! This delightful recipe is not only easy to make but also utilizes a variety of ingredients that come together to create a deliciously satisfying dessert. Perfect for gatherings, family events, or simply satisfying your sweet cravings, these bars are a crowd-pleaser.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
100g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter, cut into a few chunks
1 cup (100g) plain biscuits, crushed (eg. Marie, Arrowroot, digestives, Graham crackers)
1 cup desiccated coconut (unsweetened)
1 cup unsalted peanuts, or other nuts of choice
1 cup dark choc chips (US: semi-sweet chips)
395g (14 oz) (1 can) sweetened condensed milk
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 15 minutes (plus cooling time)
Yield
Approximately 16 servings
This scrumptious dessert combines various textures and flavors, making it an excellent choice for dessert lovers. Whether you enjoy it at room temperature or chilled, it promises to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F), or 160°C for fan-forced ovens.
Line the Pan
Lightly spray a 20cm (8-inch) square pan with oil. Then, press a sheet of baking paper into the base of the pan for easy removal later. It doesn’t need to be perfect—just make sure it’s in there.
Melt the Butter
Place the chunks of unsalted butter directly into the pan. Melt the butter in the oven for approximately 5 minutes, keeping an eye on it to prevent burning.
Create the Biscuit Base
Once the butter has melted, swirl the pan to evenly coat the bottom with the butter. Next, sprinkle the crushed plain biscuits over the melted butter. Spread them out and gently press down to create a firm base.
Add Layers
Evenly scatter the unsweetened desiccated coconut over the biscuit layer. Follow with about two-thirds of the unsalted peanuts and dark chocolate chips (reserve some for the topping).
Pour in the Condensed Milk
Pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk over the layers, ensuring it spreads evenly across the surface.
Top the Mixture
Finally, layer the remaining peanuts and chocolate chips over the top of the mixture.
Bake the Mixture
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn a golden brown color.
Cooling Process
Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool fully. You can let it sit on the counter for about 3 hours, or to speed up the process, cool it for 1 hour on the counter followed by 1 hour in the fridge.
Cut and Serve
Once cooled, use the overhanging parchment paper to lift the mixture out of the pan. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
Biscuits/Cookies
Choose any plain biscuits, avoiding soft or cakey options like wafers. Crushing can be done using a ziplock bag with a rolling pin or a food processor. For reference, 1 cup of crushed biscuits is approximately 100g, which is around 11 Graham Crackers or 11 Anne Marie Biscuits.
Add-ins
Feel free to customize the recipe with other ingredients such as different nuts, seeds, dried fruit, or oats. Use what you love!
Condensed Milk
Sweetened condensed milk is thick and syrupy, typically found in the long-life milk section of grocery stores. It’s a crucial ingredient that holds the mixture together, so avoid substituting it.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container, preferably in the fridge for longevity, where they will last up to 5 days. They are best enjoyed at room temperature!
Cook Techniques
Melt Butter
Place unsalted butter in the pan and melt it in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes. This helps to create a rich base for the dessert.
Prepare Biscuit Base
After melting the butter, swirl it around the pan to evenly coat the base. Add crushed plain biscuits and gently press them down to form a compact layer.
Add Layers
Sprinkle desiccated coconut over the biscuit base, followed by about two-thirds of the chopped unsalted peanuts and dark chocolate chips. This layering adds texture and flavor.
Pour Condensed Milk
Drizzle sweetened condensed milk over the layered ingredients, spreading it out for even coverage. This helps to bind the ingredients together.
Top with Nuts and Choc Chips
Finish by scattering the remaining peanuts and chocolate chips on top. This creates an appealing finish and enhances the taste.
Bake
Place the prepared pan in the oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown, indicating that it’s cooked through.
Cool Before Cutting
Allow the baked dessert to fully cool at room temperature for 3 hours or optionally 1 hour on the counter followed by 1 hour in the fridge. This helps in achieving clean cuts when slicing.
FAQ
Can I use different types of biscuits for the base?
Yes, any plain biscuits like Marie, Arrowroot, digestives, or Graham crackers work well, but avoid soft or cakey biscuits.
What other nuts can I use?
Feel free to substitute with your choice of nuts, just make sure to chop large ones roughly before adding.
Why is sweetened condensed milk important in this recipe?
Sweetened condensed milk acts as a binder for the ingredients, providing sweetness and a creamy texture. Substituting it is not recommended.
How should I store the dessert?
Store the cut pieces in an airtight container, preferably in the fridge. They can last up to 5 days but are best enjoyed at room temperature.
Can I add other ingredients?
Absolutely! You can include seeds, dried fruits, or oats to suit your taste preferences.
Conclusion
This delightful treat combines the richness of butter, the sweetness of condensed milk, and the crunch of nuts, resulting in a delicious dessert that satisfies any sweet tooth. It’s easy to make and perfect for sharing, yet indulgent enough to enjoy on your own. The versatility of this recipe allows for endless variations, making it a wonderful addition to your dessert repertoire.
Nut and Seed Variations
Experiment with different nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts. You can also incorporate seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for an added crunch and nutrition boost.
Dried Fruit Add-Ins
Incorporate chopped dried fruits such as cranberries, apricots, or raisins for a chewy texture and a burst of flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Chocolate Variations
Swap out dark chocolate chips for milk chocolate or white chocolate chips for a different sweetness. You can also use chocolate chunks for a chunkier texture.
Flavored Biscuit Bases
Try using flavored biscuits, such as chocolate digestive biscuits or ginger snaps, to add an extra layer of flavor to the base.
Coconut Alternatives
If you prefer, substitute desiccated coconut with almond flour or ground oats for a different taste and texture while maintaining the recipe’s integrity.
Extra Flavor Enhancements
Incorporate ingredients like vanilla extract, almond extract, or a pinch of sea salt to elevate the flavor profile of your bars.
Healthy Swaps
To make a healthier version, consider using whole grain biscuits and natural nut butters instead of butter to maintain creaminess without the calories.
