Chocolate Mint Slice Bars
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
I absolutely love making Chocolate Mint Slice Bars, especially when I'm craving something sweet yet refreshing. The combination of rich chocolate and cool mint is simply irresistible and always brings a smile to my face. These bars are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for unexpected guests or to satisfy my own sweet tooth. I appreciate how the crunchy base complements the smooth chocolate topping, and every bite feels like a delightful treat. Trust me, once you try these, you'll understand why they're a favorite in my household!
When I first made these Chocolate Mint Slice Bars, I was looking for a quick dessert that would impress my family. The result was better than I could have imagined—the layers came together beautifully, from the biscuit base to the chocolate ganache on top.
One important tip I learned is to let the bars set in the fridge for at least an hour before cutting. This helps to keep the chocolate firm and prevents the layers from mixing, ensuring each slice is clean and beautiful. Trust me, it makes all the difference!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with refreshing mint
- Easy to make with just a few ingredients
- Perfect for sharing at parties or gatherings
The Essential Role of Ingredients
The choice of digestive biscuits in this recipe isn't just for their flavor; they provide the perfect crunch and structure for the base. They absorb moisture and hold the filling together without becoming soggy, ensuring each bite maintains that satisfying crunch. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, almond flour or gluten-free cookies can be substituted, but keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.
Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the bars. If you find yourself out of butter, coconut oil works as an excellent alternative, adding a subtle coconut flavor that complements the mint. Additionally, the combination of powdered sugar and cocoa powder gives the filling its sweet, chocolaty flavor while maintaining a creamy texture, so don’t swap these out for granulated sugar or cocoa unless necessary.
Perfecting the Technique
When mixing the biscuit base, be sure to press down firmly using the back of a measuring cup or your fingers. This creates a dense, even layer that won’t crumble when cutting the bars. Don't rush this step; a well-packed base is key to sturdy slices. If your mixture feels too crumbly, a splash more melted butter can help bind it further.
Melting the dark chocolate requires attention to avoid overheating. Whether you use a microwave or double boiler, melt it in short intervals, stirring frequently. Aim for glossy and smooth chocolate; if it seizes up, you can rescue it by adding a tiny amount of vegetable oil to restore its fluidity. This silky chocolate topping is crucial for both taste and presentation, making your bars look professional.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make these delicious Chocolate Mint Slice Bars:
Base and Topping
- 200g digestive biscuits, crushed
- 100g unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 50g cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 200g dark chocolate, chopped
Make sure to have everything ready and measured before you start. It makes the process much smoother!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your Chocolate Mint Slice Bars:
Prepare the Base
In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed digestive biscuits and melted butter. Mix until fully combined, then press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a lined 8x8-inch baking dish to form the base.
Make the Filling
In a separate bowl, mix the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and peppermint extract. Add the filling onto the prepared biscuit base and smooth it out evenly.
Prepare the Chocolate Topping
Melt the dark chocolate in a microwave or over a double boiler until smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the filling layer and spread it evenly.
Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour to set. Once set, slice into squares and serve cold.
Enjoy your homemade Chocolate Mint Slice Bars with friends and family!
Pro Tips
- Keep the bars in the fridge to maintain their firmness, and feel free to add a sprinkle of crushed mint candies on top for extra flair!
Storage and Serving Suggestions
These Chocolate Mint Slice Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, making them ideal for meal prep or a sweet stash. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Individually wrap slices in plastic and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Simply thaw the bars in the fridge before serving.
For an added touch, consider garnishing the bars with crushed peppermint candies or a drizzle of extra melted chocolate before slicing. This not only enhances their flavor but also makes for an eye-catching presentation. If you're serving them at a party, cut them into smaller squares for bite-sized treats that are easy to share.
Variations to Try
While the classic chocolate-mint combination is beloved, feel free to experiment! Instead of peppermint extract, try using orange zest for a zesty citrus twist or espresso powder for a mocha flavor. You can also customize the chocolate by using milk chocolate for a sweeter, creamier topping or white chocolate for a totally different visual appeal and sweetness.
For an added layer of flavor, consider incorporating a layer of ganache between the filling and chocolate topping. Simply reduce the dark chocolate by a little and add cream to create a smooth ganache that adds richness. This way, each bite will feel even more indulgent, and trust me, it takes the bars to a whole new level of dessert satisfaction!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of biscuit for the base?
Yes, you can use graham crackers or even chocolate cookies for a different flavor.
→ How long do these bars last in the fridge?
They can last up to a week when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
→ Can I make these bars vegan?
Absolutely! Use vegan butter and a dairy-free chocolate to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
→ Is it necessary to refrigerate the bars?
Yes, refrigerating helps the layers to set properly and keeps the chocolate firm.
Chocolate Mint Slice Bars
I absolutely love making Chocolate Mint Slice Bars, especially when I'm craving something sweet yet refreshing. The combination of rich chocolate and cool mint is simply irresistible and always brings a smile to my face. These bars are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for unexpected guests or to satisfy my own sweet tooth. I appreciate how the crunchy base complements the smooth chocolate topping, and every bite feels like a delightful treat. Trust me, once you try these, you'll understand why they're a favorite in my household!
Created by: Isla Turner
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 16 bars
What You'll Need
Base and Topping
- 200g digestive biscuits, crushed
- 100g unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 50g cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 200g dark chocolate, chopped
How-To Steps
In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed digestive biscuits and melted butter. Mix until fully combined, then press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a lined 8x8-inch baking dish to form the base.
In a separate bowl, mix the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and peppermint extract. Add the filling onto the prepared biscuit base and smooth it out evenly.
Melt the dark chocolate in a microwave or over a double boiler until smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the filling layer and spread it evenly.
Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour to set. Once set, slice into squares and serve cold.
Extra Tips
- Keep the bars in the fridge to maintain their firmness, and feel free to add a sprinkle of crushed mint candies on top for extra flair!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 23g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 2g