Chocolate Biscuit Cake Recipe
Introduction: Chocolate Biscuit Cake is a no-bake, easy-to-make dessert that combines crunchy biscuits with a rich, velvety chocolate coating. It’s a popular treat in many countries, particularly in the UK and Ireland, and has been a classic favorite for celebrations and family gatherings. The combination of simple ingredients—biscuits, chocolate, and butter—makes it a timeless dessert that’s both indulgent and comforting. Whether you’re hosting a party, need a quick dessert, or simply want something sweet to enjoy with tea, Chocolate Biscuit Cake will surely please everyone at the table.
History: The origins of Chocolate Biscuit Cake can be traced back to the UK and Ireland, where it has been a beloved dessert for generations. It became particularly popular in the mid-20th century when no-bake desserts gained traction for their convenience. While there are variations of this cake across different cultures, the core ingredients—chocolate, biscuits (or cookies), and butter—remain the same. This cake became even more famous when it was chosen as one of Prince William’s wedding cakes in 2011, highlighting its classic, yet regal appeal.
Ingredients:
- For the Biscuit Base:
- 300g (about 10 oz) digestive biscuits or rich tea biscuits (crushed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup milk (or cream for a richer taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- For the Chocolate Coating:
- 200g (7 oz) dark chocolate (or milk chocolate, depending on preference)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons golden syrup (or corn syrup as an alternative)
- For Decoration (optional):
- Chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts, almonds) or sprinkles
- Extra melted chocolate for drizzling
Instructions:
- Prepare the Biscuit Base:
- Start by breaking the biscuits into small pieces. You can do this by placing them in a ziplock bag and gently crushing them with a rolling pin, or by using your hands to break them into chunks. You don’t want to pulverize them into crumbs, just rough pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed biscuits, sugar, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt.
- In a separate small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or over low heat. Once melted, stir in the milk and vanilla extract (if using), then pour the mixture over the crushed biscuits. Mix well until the biscuits are evenly coated in the chocolate mixture.
- Form the Cake:
- Line a loaf tin or cake pan (approximately 8×8 inches) with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter.
- Pour the biscuit mixture into the prepared pan, pressing it down firmly to ensure it’s compact and even.
- Set aside to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or refrigerate for faster setting.
- Make the Chocolate Coating:
- While the biscuit base is setting, prepare the chocolate coating. In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate and butter together. You can do this in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, or by using a double boiler method on the stove.
- Once the chocolate and butter have melted and formed a smooth mixture, stir in the golden syrup until fully combined.
- Top the Biscuit Base:
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the chilled biscuit base. Use a spatula to spread the chocolate evenly over the top.
- For an extra touch, you can sprinkle chopped nuts or candy sprinkles on top for decoration.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate coating is firm and set.
- Serve:
- Once the chocolate has set, carefully lift the cake out of the pan using the parchment paper (if used). Slice into squares or rectangles.
- For added decadence, drizzle some extra melted chocolate over the top before serving.
Methods:
- Crushing the Biscuits: This gives the cake its crunchy texture, which contrasts beautifully with the smooth chocolate.
- Melting the Chocolate and Butter: The combination of these two ingredients creates a luscious coating that binds the biscuits together, while adding a rich, creamy finish.
- Chilling: Allowing the cake to chill in the refrigerator ensures that the chocolate firms up, giving the cake a more solid structure and enhancing the flavors.
Benefits:
- No-Bake Simplicity: One of the key benefits of this recipe is that it’s a no-bake dessert, making it perfect for hot weather or when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
- Rich in Antioxidants: The dark chocolate provides a good dose of antioxidants, which can help protect your body from oxidative stress and support heart health.
- Customizable: You can make it healthier by using dark chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage, adding dried fruits or seeds, or using whole grain biscuits.
- Quick to Make: With minimal prep time and a few simple ingredients, this cake can be whipped up in under an hour, with no complicated steps.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Its indulgent, chocolatey flavor appeals to both kids and adults alike, making it a perfect treat for gatherings.
- Rich in Antioxidants:
- Dark chocolate, which is a key ingredient in this cake, is packed with antioxidants such as flavonoids. These compounds help protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease and improving overall health.
- No-Bake Convenience:
- This dessert is a no-bake treat, making it incredibly easy to prepare without the need for baking skills or an oven. It’s an ideal option for hot weather, holidays, or when you need a quick dessert that doesn’t require much effort.
- Quick and Easy:
- Chocolate Biscuit Cake requires minimal preparation time, typically less than 30 minutes. You don’t need to wait long before the cake is ready to enjoy—just let it chill in the fridge for a few hours.
- Customizable:
- This cake can be easily tailored to suit dietary preferences. You can use different types of biscuits, choose dark chocolate for a healthier option, or add nuts, dried fruits, or seeds for extra texture and nutritional value.
- Energy-Boosting:
- The combination of biscuits and chocolate provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and sugars that can give you an energy boost. It’s a great pick-me-up treat for when you need something quick and satisfying.
- Mood-Lifting:
- Chocolate has been shown to trigger the release of endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones in the brain. Eating this dessert can give you a small, enjoyable mood boost, making it perfect for uplifting your spirits.
- Source of Healthy Fats:
- The butter in the recipe contributes healthy fats, which are important for energy and essential body functions. While it’s best enjoyed in moderation, this indulgent treat can provide a satisfying and nourishing fat source.
- Simple Ingredients:
- This cake uses just a handful of basic ingredients—biscuits, chocolate, butter, and milk—making it a relatively simple, affordable, and accessible dessert that doesn’t require fancy ingredients or special preparation.
- Portion Control:
- Because it’s a rich dessert, a small slice can go a long way in satisfying sweet cravings, which makes it easier to practice portion control compared to more sugary or processed treats.
- Perfect for Social Gatherings:
- Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or family gathering, Chocolate Biscuit Cake is a crowd-pleaser. Its easy-to-slice and share nature makes it perfect for serving at parties or get-togethers, making it a go-to choice for social occasions.
In Summary:
Chocolate Biscuit Cake is not only delicious and satisfying but also offers a variety of benefits such as antioxidants, energy-boosting properties, and ease of preparation. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a celebration, or simply because you want a quick treat, this cake delivers both convenience and indulgence. It’s the perfect balance of taste and simplicity that everyone will love.
Formation:
Chocolate Biscuit Cake is formed by layering crunchy, biscuit-filled layers with a smooth chocolate coating. This structure gives the cake a satisfying texture contrast, with the hard chocolate topping and soft, crunchy biscuit base. The contrast between the two textures is what makes the cake so enjoyable to eat.
Nutrition (per serving, based on 12 servings):
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 20g
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Calcium: 20mg
- Iron: 2mg
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 20g
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Calcium: 20mg
- Iron: 2mg
- Potassium: 150mg
This dessert is relatively high in calories and fat due to the chocolate and butter, making it more of an indulgent treat. However, the dark chocolate provides beneficial antioxidants, and the simple ingredients offer a satisfying balance of sweetness and richness. For a healthier version, you could opt for lower-sugar chocolate or reduce the amount of butter, depending on your dietary needs.
Conclusion:
Chocolate Biscuit Cake is an irresistible, indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich chocolate flavor and crunchy biscuit texture, it’s no wonder this treat has stood the test of time. The no-bake nature of the recipe makes it both quick and convenient, while its versatility allows for endless variations. Whether you’re looking to make a simple dessert for a family dinner or a show-stopping treat for a celebration, this cake will never disappoint.
Lovers of Chocolate and Easy Desserts will adore the simplicity and rich flavors of this cake. It’s a dessert that can be enjoyed by anyone, from children to adults, and is bound to become a favorite in any household.
So, grab some biscuits, chocolate, and butter, and create this delectable dessert that will satisfy your sweet cravings with minimal effort.