This Hedgehog Slice is the ideal no-bake chocolate dessert. It is quick to make and easily adapted to be gluten-free. Crushed biscuits, coconut and chocolate combine for one of the most simple yet delicious sweet treats!
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Why we love this recipe:
This Hedgehog Slice is perfect for when you are after a recipe that is easy to follow, quick to make and tastes absolutely delicious. We follow our family recipe, and it is always a favourite at parties, picnics or served for morning tea!
You’ll love this because:
- It is made from ingredients that you will likely have in your store cupboard.
- Even if you are a beginner in the kitchen, you can make this recipe – it really is that simple!
- It is easily adapted to gluten-free if need be – just choose a biscuit/cookie which will be suitable to use. Any plain, crisp, gluten-free biscuit is ideal.
Ingredients in this recipe:
Please see the recipe card further along in the post for exact quantities of ingredients and the full method.
Milk and dark chocolate –for the best result, don’t use cheap chocolate, use a variety that you like to eat.
Butter – I use unsalted butter but you could also use lightly salted.
Sweetened condensed milk – use the full-fat variety.
Vanilla – use good quality extract, not synthetically flavoured essence.
Desiccated coconut – the finely grated, unsweetened and dried flesh from the coconut.
Digestive biscuits – Graham Crackers are a good substitute, or use a plain, vanilla biscuit/cookie. Use a firm, crisp biscuit that is not too sweet.
Step by step instructions:
Line your baking dish with non-stick baking paper. For easy removal of the Hedgehog Slice, leave some paper hanging over the edges.
- Place the biscuits into a zip-lock plastic bag and gently crush with a rolling pin making sure to leave some chunky pieces. Place the crushed biscuits into a large bowl along with the coconut.
- In a heatproof bowl, add the dark chocolate, butter, vanilla and sweetened condensed milk.
- Place it over a saucepan of barely simmering water ensuring that the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Stir the mixture occasionally, and when almost melted, remove the bowl from the saucepan. The residual heat will melt the remaining chocolate and butter. Stir the chocolate mixture well.
- Pour the chocolate over the crushed biscuit mixture.
- Stir the mixture until it is well combined. Pour into the prepared baking tin and press down firmly with a spoon or a spatula to create an even layer.
- Melt the milk chocolate in a clean, heatproof bowl over a pan of barely simmering water, being careful that the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water and no water/steam is able to get into the bowl. If you prefer to use a microwave, add chopped chocolate to a microwave-safe bowl. Melt in 30-second increments, stirring frequently, being careful to not burn the chocolate.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the biscuit base and use a spatula to spread it evenly.
- Place in the fridge for about three hours or until it is set. To cut the Hedgehog Slice, remove it from the fridge in advance – about 10 minutes before cutting.
Tips for success and FAQs:
We recommend using good quality chocolate that you enjoy eating, for the best flavour.
It is essential that full-fat Sweetened Condensed Milk is used in this recipe, to ensure the slice sets correctly.
My preference is the stovetop method. A double boiler gives the best control over the heat. Cut or break the chocolate into pieces of a similar size so that it will melt evenly. When using a double boiler, ie, a bowl placed over a saucepan of water that has just begun to simmer, care must be taken to ensure that not a drop of water gets into the bowl or the chocolate will seize. This means that the chocolate becomes thick and grainy making it unsuitable for this recipe. As well, the bowl and the spoon/spatula that you use must be thoroughly dry. Avoid wooden spoons, they can retain moisture. Also, ensure that the bowl does not touch the water in the saucepan or the chocolate may burn.
Yes, you can also use a microwave. Melt the chocolate in 30-second increments, stirring occasionally. Keep an eye on it to ensure that it does not overcook.
It can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Put a few sheets of paper towel in the bottom of the container to help absorb moisture which may form in the fridge and cause the chocolate to “bloom” and develop a whitish coating. It is not dangerous to eat but is unsightly.
It is easier to cut if you remove it from the fridge about 10 minutes before you want it. (Depending on the weather – obviously, if your house is hot, it will take less time.) Heat a large, sharp knife under hot water before slicing. This will help the knife to move more easily through the chocolate.
More delicious recipes for you to try:
If you’re like us, and cannot resist a delicious chocolate treat, you’ll love some of these other favourite recipes:
- Chocolate Tiffin
- Chilli Chocolate Clusters
- Candy Cane Chocolate Bark
- Chocolate Coated Strawberries
- Cranberry Pistachio Bark
- Decadent Chocolate Brownies
- Chocolate and Raspberry Brownies
- Easy Rocky Road
- Or check out our complete collection of chocolate recipes here.
I am certain that this easy and delicious Hedgehog Slice will become a family favourite recipe, as it is in our household.
It is the ideal sweet treat for morning or afternoon tea, the perfect end to a meal or makes a fantastic gift.
I would love to hear from you when you have tried it!
Alex xx
Hedgehog Slice
Ingredients
For the Hedgehog Slice:
- 125 g (1/2 cup) butter
- 395 g (14 oz) can of condensed milk
- 200 g (7 oz) dark chocolate See Note 1
- 70 g (3/4 cup) desiccated coconut
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 300 g (10.5 oz) digestive biscuits – or other plain sweet biscuit of your choice See Note 2
For the Topping:
- 200 g (7 oz) milk chocolate See Note 1
Instructions
- Line a square 20cm x 20cm / 8 inch x 8 inch baking or Pyrex dish with non-stick baking paper. For easy removal of the Hedgehog Slice, leave some paper hanging over the edges.
- Place the biscuits into a zip-lock plastic bag and gently crush with a rolling pin making sure to leave some chunky pieces. Place the crushed biscuits into a large bowl along with the coconut.
- In a heatproof bowl, add the dark chocolate, butter, vanilla and sweetened condensed milk.
- Place it over a saucepan of barely simmering water ensuring that the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Stir the mixture occasionally, and when almost melted, remove the bowl from the saucepan. The residual heat will melt the remaining chocolate and butter. Stir the chocolate mixture well.
- Pour the chocolate over the crushed biscuit mixture.
- Stir the mixture until it is well combined. Pour into the prepared baking tin and press down firmly with a spoon or a spatula to create an even layer.
- Melt the milk chocolate in a clean, heatproof bowl over a pan of barely simmering water being careful that the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water and no water/steam is able to get into the bowl. If you prefer to use a microwave, add chopped chocolate to a microwave-safe bowl. Melt in 30-second increments, stirring frequently, being careful to not burn the chocolate.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the biscuit base and use a spatula to spread it evenly.
- Place in the fridge for about three hours or until it is set. To cut the Hedgehog Slice, remove it from the fridge in advance – about 10 minutes before cutting.
Notes
- For the best flavour, choose good quality chocolate that you enjoy eating.
- You could also substitute a plain, vanilla biscuit/cookie. Use a firm, crisp biscuit that is not too sweet. If you would like a gluten-free Hedgehog Slice, look for a suitable biscuit/cookie.
- Please note, the nutritional information is based on the slice being cut into 20 even pieces. The nutritional information is an estimate only.
Made this recently and was a big hit with the kids! So simple. Thank you.
Hi Rae, I am so happy to hear that the Hedgehog slice was a hit with your family. Thank you so much. 🙂
I love a no-bake dessert and this one is delicious.
Hi Brittany, a no-bake dessert is always a good idea. I am so pleased that you like this one, thank you. 🙂
this certainly brings back childhood memories. my sister and i used to make it together. delish! and easy.
Hi Sherry, I am so pleased that some childhood memories have been revived by our Hedgehog Slice. I am delighted to hear that you and your sister enjoyed it. 🙂