Chocolate Mint Slice Bars
Highlighted under: Dessert Delights Co.
I absolutely love making Chocolate Mint Slice Bars, as their rich, creamy texture perfectly complements the invigorating taste of fresh mint. These bars are surprisingly easy to whip up, making them a great treat for gatherings or a special dessert for the family. The combination of chocolate and mint will definitely leave your taste buds dancing! I find that allowing the bars to chill in the fridge enhances the flavors even more, transforming them into a delightful, refreshing indulgence that’s hard to resist.
When I first tried making Chocolate Mint Slice Bars, I was pleasantly surprised by how quick and rewarding the process was. I started by melting the chocolate and mixing in crushed cookies, which created the perfect base for these decadent bars. Remember to use high-quality chocolate for a richer flavor; it truly makes a difference in the final taste!
Another delightful aspect is the mint layer. I experimented with different mint extracts and found that a little goes a long way! By starting with just a teaspoon, I was able to achieve a refreshing minty finish without it being overpowering. Chilling them until firm makes slicing effortless and enhances the overall taste experience.
Why You'll Love These Bars
- Decadent, rich chocolate base
- Refreshing mint layer adds a twist
- Easy to prepare and requires no baking
Creating the Perfect Base Layer
The base layer of these Chocolate Mint Slice Bars is crucial for providing structure and a delightful crunch. Using crushed digestive biscuits combines a subtle sweetness with a satisfying texture, which acts as a perfect contrast to the creamy mint layer above. It's vital to press the biscuit and butter mixture firmly into the baking tray to ensure it holds together once set. A good guideline is to use the back of a measuring cup to create an even surface, ensuring the layer is compact and level.
When melting the dark chocolate, be mindful of the heat—if using the microwave, heat it in intervals of 30 seconds, stirring in between, until it's shiny and fully melted. Overheating can cause the chocolate to seize, making it difficult to pour over the biscuit base. Additionally, if you prefer a sweeter base, consider adding a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the biscuit mixture to enhance the flavor.
Perfecting the Mint Layer
In the mint layer, the cream cheese plays a pivotal role by providing a creamy texture that balances the richness of the chocolate. It's important to beat the cream cheese until it's completely smooth before adding the other ingredients. This step ensures a velvety consistency and prevents lumps from forming, which can affect the final look and texture of the bars. Softened cream cheese will blend much easier, so consider leaving it out at room temperature for 30 minutes before starting.
The peppermint extract is essential for achieving that refreshing mint flavor. A full teaspoon typically suffices, but if you prefer a more pronounced mint profile, feel free to increase the amount slightly. Remember, too much can overwhelm the chocolate, so it's best to adjust to your taste. If you're using coloring, only a small amount is needed to create that beautiful green hue; start with a drop and adjust until you reach your desired shade.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Chocolate Mint Slice Bars
Base Layer
- 200g digestive biscuits, crushed
- 100g unsalted butter, melted
- 300g dark chocolate, chopped
Mint Layer
- 200g cream cheese, softened
- 100g powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Green food coloring (optional)
Topping
- 100g dark chocolate, for drizzling
- Chocolate shavings (for garnish)
Make sure to measure the ingredients accurately for best results!
Instructions
Instructions to Make Chocolate Mint Slice Bars
Prepare the Base Layer
In a large bowl, combine the crushed digestive biscuits and melted butter. Mix until well combined, then press this mixture into the bottom of a lined 9x9-inch baking tray to form an even layer. Melt the dark chocolate over a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the biscuit base, spreading evenly. Chill in the fridge for 20 minutes until set.
Make the Mint Layer
In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and a few drops of green food coloring, if using. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated. Spread this mint mixture over the chilled chocolate layer and smooth it out. Return to the fridge for another 20 minutes until firm.
Add the Topping
Melt the remaining dark chocolate and drizzle it over the mint layer. Top with chocolate shavings for decoration. Chill the entire bar for at least 20 minutes to set everything. Once set, remove from the tray and cut into squares or bars.
Serve and Enjoy
TheseChocolate Mint Slice Bars are best served cold. Enjoy them at gatherings, or keep them in an airtight container for up to a week.
Don't forget to share these delicious bars with friends!
Pro Tips
- For an extra minty flavor, consider adding crushed mint candies to the mint layer.
Storing and Serving
Once your Chocolate Mint Slice Bars are fully set, storing them properly is key to maintaining their texture and flavor. Keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they can last up to a week. For best results, place parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together. If you're looking to serve them after a longer period, these bars can also be frozen for up to three months. Just cut them into bars before freezing and separate with parchment paper.
When serving, these bars are best enjoyed cold, as the chilled texture enhances the refreshing mint flavor. For an extra touch, you can garnish each slice with a tiny mint leaf or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. This also adds a nice visual contrast against the rich dark chocolate and creamy mint layers, making them a delightful dessert option for gatherings.
Variations and Flavor Enhancements
If you're feeling adventurous, there are countless variations you can make to these Chocolate Mint Slice Bars. For a chocolate mint twist, you can incorporate crushed peppermint candies or dark chocolate chips into the mint layer, which adds an extra crunch and enhances the flavor. Alternatively, try substituting half of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a healthier take that still retains creaminess with a tangy kick.
For those who prefer a different flavor profile, consider using orange or raspberry extract instead of peppermint to create a citrus or berry version. Just adjust the quantities to your liking, and pair it with complementary chocolate—dark for orange and white for raspberry—for a delightful change. These small tweaks can transform your bars into a new and exciting treat!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate for a sweeter taste or white chocolate for a different flavor profile.
→ How long do these bars last in the fridge?
They can last up to a week in an airtight container in the fridge.
→ Can I make these bars without baking?
Absolutely! This recipe does not require baking, just chilling in the fridge.
→ Is there a substitute for cream cheese?
You can use mascarpone cheese as a substitute for cream cheese for a creamier texture.
Chocolate Mint Slice Bars
I absolutely love making Chocolate Mint Slice Bars, as their rich, creamy texture perfectly complements the invigorating taste of fresh mint. These bars are surprisingly easy to whip up, making them a great treat for gatherings or a special dessert for the family. The combination of chocolate and mint will definitely leave your taste buds dancing! I find that allowing the bars to chill in the fridge enhances the flavors even more, transforming them into a delightful, refreshing indulgence that’s hard to resist.
Created by: Arabella Scott
Recipe Type: Dessert Delights Co.
Skill Level: easy
Final Quantity: 12 bars
What You'll Need
Base Layer
- 200g digestive biscuits, crushed
- 100g unsalted butter, melted
- 300g dark chocolate, chopped
Mint Layer
- 200g cream cheese, softened
- 100g powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Green food coloring (optional)
Topping
- 100g dark chocolate, for drizzling
- Chocolate shavings (for garnish)
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine the crushed digestive biscuits and melted butter. Mix until well combined, then press this mixture into the bottom of a lined 9x9-inch baking tray to form an even layer. Melt the dark chocolate over a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the biscuit base, spreading evenly. Chill in the fridge for 20 minutes until set.
In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and a few drops of green food coloring, if using. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated. Spread this mint mixture over the chilled chocolate layer and smooth it out. Return to the fridge for another 20 minutes until firm.
Melt the remaining dark chocolate and drizzle it over the mint layer. Top with chocolate shavings for decoration. Chill the entire bar for at least 20 minutes to set everything. Once set, remove from the tray and cut into squares or bars.
TheseChocolate Mint Slice Bars are best served cold. Enjoy them at gatherings, or keep them in an airtight container for up to a week.
Extra Tips
- For an extra minty flavor, consider adding crushed mint candies to the mint layer.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 4g