Description
This No-Bake Hot Cross Bun Slice is a delightful and festive treat that captures the warm, spiced flavors of traditional hot cross buns without the need for baking. Featuring a crunchy digestive biscuit base combined with dried currants and aromatic spices, this slice is creamy, sweet, and perfectly chilled. It’s easy to prepare, making it an ideal dessert or snack for holiday celebrations or any time you crave a comforting, no-bake sweet.
Ingredients
Scale
Biscuit Base
- 250g digestive biscuits (or any plain biscuits), crushed
- 1/2 cup dried currants or raisins
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves (optional)
- A pinch of salt
Wet Mixture
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping
- 1/4 cup icing sugar (for cross topping)
- Few teaspoons water (to make icing glaze)
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Biscuit Base: In a large bowl, crush the digestive biscuits into small pieces, avoiding turning them into fine crumbs. Add the dried currants, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves (if using), and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure all dry ingredients are well combined.
- Make the Wet Mixture: In a separate bowl, melt the unsalted butter and then stir in the heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Combine and Press: Pour the wet mixture over the biscuit mixture and stir well to coat all the dry ingredients evenly. Transfer this mixture into an 8×8-inch square or similar-sized pan lined with parchment paper. Press the mixture down firmly with the back of a spoon or your hands to form an even, compact base. Refrigerate this base while preparing the topping.
- Make the Cross Topping: In a small bowl, whisk the icing sugar with a few teaspoons of water until it forms a thick but pourable glaze. Pour the glaze into a piping bag or a small plastic sandwich bag with a tip cut off, and pipe icing in the shape of crosses across the surface of the chilled slice.
- Chill: Place the slice in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, allowing it to firm and set completely.
- Optional White Chocolate Drizzle: If using, melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals until smooth. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the top of the set slice for an extra touch of sweetness and decoration.
- Serve: Once fully chilled and set, cut the slice into 16 squares and serve. Enjoy the festive spiced flavor of this easy no-bake treat.
Notes
- Make sure not to crush the biscuits into powder; some texture adds to the bite of the slice.
- The cloves are optional and can be omitted if you prefer a milder spice flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter, cream, and condensed milk with suitable plant-based alternatives.
- This slice is best kept refrigerated and consumed within 3-4 days to maintain freshness.
- You can swap currants for raisins or sultanas depending on preference.
- The white chocolate drizzle is optional but adds a nice decorative and flavor contrast.
