Chocolate concrete is the no-bake chocolate biscuit tray bake that disappears first from any picnic, bake sale or shoot day flask-and-sandwich spread. Crushed biscuits, sultanas and a rich cocoa and golden syrup mixture are pressed into a tin and topped with melted chocolate. No oven, no fuss, and it travels well. Makes 16 squares.
Ingredients
- 200g digestive or rich tea biscuits
- 125g butter, plus extra for greasing
- 3 tbsp golden syrup
- 3 tbsp cocoa powder
- 50g caster sugar
- 75g sultanas or raisins
- 200g dark or milk chocolate, broken into pieces
Method
- Line a 20cm square tin with baking parchment.
- Put the biscuits in a freezer bag and crush with a rolling pin into chunky pieces, with some small crumbs and some larger bits.
- Melt the butter, golden syrup, cocoa and sugar together in a saucepan over a low heat, stirring until smooth. Do not let it boil.
- Stir in the biscuits and sultanas until completely coated.
- Tip into the tin and press down firmly and evenly with the back of a spoon.
- Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of barely simmering water, or in short bursts in the microwave, and spread over the top.
- Chill for at least 2 hours until firm, then cut into 16 squares.
What to serve with chocolate concrete
A mug of hot tea or coffee, or a flask of hot chocolate on a cold day outdoors.
Tips
- Press the mixture down firmly so the squares hold together when cut.
- Use a hot, dry knife to cut clean squares through the chocolate.
- Swap the sultanas for chopped dried cherries, ginger or chopped nuts.
- Keeps in an airtight tin in a cool place for up to a week, or in the fridge for ten days.
FAQs
What is chocolate concrete?
It is a traditional British no-bake chocolate biscuit tray bake, similar to chocolate biscuit cake or fridge cake, with a firm, chewy texture.
Can I freeze chocolate concrete?
Yes. Freeze the cut squares in a lidded box for up to three months and defrost in the fridge.
Can I make it gluten free?
Yes. Use gluten-free biscuits and check the labels on your cocoa and chocolate.
More recipes
Try our traditional parkin for Bonfire Night, our bara brith tea loaf, or browse all game and country recipes.
Packing a flask and a tin for a day outdoors? Find warm, weatherproof country clothing at 4 Elements Clothing.
