Bourbon Biscuit Tray Bake Recipe: A Nostalgic Indulgence
Indulging in the delightful layers of a Bourbon Biscuit Tray Bake is like stepping back into childhood, where every crunchy bite is a sweet reminder of simpler times. This heavenly dessert marries the rich, chocolatey flavor of Bourbon biscuits with creamy condensed milk and silky milk chocolate, creating a luscious treat that is utterly irresistible.
Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or craving a late-night snack, this tray bake hits all the sweet notes. Its nostalgic essence and satisfying crunch ensure it is a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults alike. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to whip up, saving you precious time in the kitchen while still impressing your guests with its decadent charm.
Are You Ready for a Sweet Escape?
Have you ever found yourself wandering down the cookie aisle, childhood memories flooding back with every glance at those iconic, dark-chocolate-filled Bourbon biscuits? Or maybe you just want to indulge your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen? Imagine sinking your teeth into layers of gooey chocolate, crunchy biscuits, and a smooth creamy base—sounds divine, doesn’t it?
What if you could enjoy that moment often, surrounded by loved ones, all while relishing the simplicity of the baking process? Let’s dive deep into recreating this comforting treat that’s sure to spark sweet memories!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Bourbon Biscuit Tray Bake is a dream for a multitude of reasons:
Quick Prep Time: You can pull this dessert together in little time, letting you focus on enjoying it rather than slaving away in the kitchen.
Nostalgic and Familiar: The classic Bourbon biscuit brings back childhood memories, making it perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Gooey Goodness: A delightful mix of textures ensures every bite is a perfect balance between crunch and creaminess.
Minimal Ingredients: With just a handful of ingredients required, this recipe makes the most of pantry staples.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for a potluck, birthday celebration, or an evening treat, this tray bake is sure to win hearts and taste buds.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this decadent Bourbon Biscuit Tray Bake that will have your friends and family begging for the recipe:
450g Bourbon biscuits: These dark chocolate delights not only ground the dessert but bring an unbeatable flavor to the party.
150g Butter, melted: Rich and luscious, melted butter binds the biscuit crumbs together and adds moisture.
120ml Condensed milk: Sweet and creamy, this ingredient offers the perfect balance to the crunchiness of the biscuits.
250g Milk chocolate: Silky and sweet, melted milk chocolate creates a sumptuous layer that holds everything together.
Remaining condensed milk (approximately 277g): We reserve some to enrich the chocolate layer, adding more creaminess and depth of flavor.
8 Bourbon biscuits for decoration: These will sit proudly atop the tray bake, offering an elegant finish and an inviting touch.
Timing
This Bourbon Biscuit Tray Bake strikes the perfect balance between fast indulgence and luxurious satisfaction. It takes around 30 minutes to prepare, followed by a chill time of at least three hours in the fridge. This means you can have your cravings quelled in less than half a day, beautifully combining convenience and flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare Your Equipment: Begin by lining an 8×8-inch tin with baking paper to ensure easy removal once set.
Warm the Biscuits: Place 8 Bourbon biscuits on a baking tray, warming them in the oven at 180°C for just 3 minutes. Once warm, carefully separate the biscuits into halves. You’ll have 16 gorgeous halves set aside for decoration.
Crush the Biscuits: Take the remaining 450g of Bourbon biscuits and crush them into fine crumbs. Add these to a large bowl, followed by the melted butter and 120ml of condensed milk. Mix thoroughly until everything combines to form a moist, dough-like consistency.
Create the Base: Firmly press the biscuit mixture into the lined tin. You want an even layer that serves as the sturdy base for your delectable treat.
Melt the Chocolate: Break your milk chocolate into small pieces and place them in a saucepan with the remaining condensed milk. Heat gently over low heat while stirring continuously until the chocolate has melted and forms a thick, glossy mixture.
Combine the Layers: Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the biscuit base. Spread it evenly to the edges, ensuring every bite will be rich and chocolatey.
Decorate: Now, take those beautiful Bourbon biscuit halves and arrange them on top of the chocolate layer. Aim for three neat rows of five pieces each to create an eye-catching design.
Chill: Refrigerate the whole assembled tray for at least 3 hours until fully set. Once set, carefully remove from the tin and cut into slices to serve.
Each step is filled with indulgent potential, transforming simple ingredients into a decadent masterpiece that will satisfy every sweet craving.
Nutritional Information
A single slice of this Bourbon Biscuit Tray Bake is about 250 calories—an occasional indulgence that’s well worth it for the sheer delight it brings. Remember, it’s all about balance; treating yourself now and then can be just what you need to recharge your spirit!
Healthier Alternatives
Looking to make this treat a bit healthier without sacrificing flavor?
Low-sugar biscuits: Opt for sugar-reduced versions of Bourbon biscuits to lighten the calorie load.
Dairy-free chocolate: Use a dairy-free milk chocolate alternative to create a vegan-friendly dessert.
Nut butter: Swap out the butter for almond or cashew butter for a different flavor profile that’s both indulgent and nutritious.
Serving Suggestions
This Bourbon Biscuit Tray Bake is wonderful on its own, but consider pairing it with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperatures and textures. It’s also a fantastic dessert for holidays—serve it at parties, gatherings, or special occasions to make memories just as sweet as the bake itself!
Common Mistakes
Avoid these pitfalls to keep your tray bake perfect:
Overbaking: This is a no-bake recipe, so keep an eye on the chilling time. Preserving texture and consistency is key!
Texture Issues: Ensure the biscuit crumbs are finely crushed to create a cohesive base—coarse crumbs may lead to crumbling.
Messy Layers: If the chocolate mix is too hot when poured over the base, it may separate. Let it cool slightly before pouring!
Storing Tips
This tray bake keeps beautifully. Cut it into slices and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week—if it lasts that long! You can also freeze portions for later indulgence—simply thaw in the fridge before serving. For best results, consume slices within three months.
Tempting Conclusion
If this Bourbon Biscuit Tray Bake has your sweet tooth tingling and your craving for nostalgia peak, why not make it today? With its easy prep and decadent flavors, it promises to be a showstopper at any gathering. Dive in, and let the delightful experience of childhood return with each buttery, chocolatey bite.
FAQs
1. Can I use other biscuits instead of Bourbon?
Absolutely! While Bourbons are traditional, feel free to experiment with other chocolate biscuits for unique flavors.
2. How long does it take for the tray bake to set?
Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, but overnight is even better for that perfect set.
3. Can I add toppings?
Yes! Consider drizzling melted chocolate or sprinkling crushed nuts for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
4. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
You can easily adapt it using dairy-free butter, milk chocolate alternatives, and vegan cream.
5. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! This tray bake keeps well and can be made a few days in advance, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for parties.
Now it’s your turn! Grab those ingredients and let the indulgent baking adventure begin!
