If you’ve been hunting for a delightfully refreshing yet indulgent treat, the No-Bake Minted Earl Grey Slice Recipe is an absolute gem you’ll want to make again and again. This dessert blends the aromatic charm of Earl Grey tea with a cool peppermint twist, all nestled in a rich chocolatey, biscuit base that requires no oven at all. It’s a wonderfully easy dessert that feels sophisticated and indulgent, perfect for afternoon teas, casual get-togethers, or whenever you crave a little slice of heaven without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
As simple and approachable as it sounds, the ingredients for this recipe work harmoniously to create incredible flavor and texture. Each component is essential, providing balance between creamy, crunchy, minty, and chocolaty notes that bring the No-Bake Minted Earl Grey Slice Recipe to life.
- Plain tea biscuits or digestive biscuits (200g): Crushed, they provide the perfect sturdy yet crumbly base that holds everything together.
- Unsalted butter (100g): Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients while keeping the texture smooth and silky.
- Sweetened condensed milk (1/3 cup): Offers a luscious sweetness and creamy consistency without any additional sugar needed.
- Cocoa powder (2 tablespoons): Infuses a deep chocolate flavor that beautifully contrasts the mint and tea notes.
- Earl Grey tea bags (2, leaves removed): The star ingredient, delivering that signature bergamot-infused aroma and flavor that makes this slice uniquely special.
- Peppermint extract (1/2 teaspoon): Provides the crisp, refreshing minty lift that complements the tea’s citrusy undertones.
- Vanilla extract (1/4 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors with subtle warmth and a hint of sweetness.
- Salt (a pinch): Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness and brightening the chocolate and tea.
- Dark chocolate (180g) for topping: Melted and smooth, it forms a glossy, decadent layer on top.
- Butter or cream (1 tablespoon) for chocolate topping: Ensures the chocolate topping is silky and easy to spread.
- Crushed peppermint candies or extra tea leaves (optional): These garnishes add a festive crunch or a delicate visual and flavor touch.
How to Make No-Bake Minted Earl Grey Slice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Begin by lining an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang on the sides. This little trick makes it so much easier to lift out your slice when it has set, keeping the edges clean and giving you perfect bars without any mess or stickiness.
Step 2: Infuse Flavors in the Saucepan
On low heat, melt the butter with the sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, peppermint extract, vanilla, salt, and the Earl Grey tea leaves in a saucepan. Stir constantly to combine everything smoothly but be careful not to let it boil. This gentle warming step blends the flavors beautifully, allowing the bergamot notes to truly shine alongside the mint while the cocoa adds richness.
Step 3: Combine with the Crushed Biscuits
Once the mixture is smooth and fragrant, take it off the heat and stir in your crushed tea biscuits until they’re fully coated. The biscuits soak up the buttery, chocolatey tea mixture and firm up pleasantly, creating that satisfying no-bake base with plenty of texture.
Step 4: Press and Chill the Base
Transfer the biscuit mixture into your prepared pan and press it down firmly and evenly using the back of a spoon or spatula. A compact base will help your slice hold together nicely. Pop it into the fridge to chill while you prepare the topping – about 2 hours is ideal to get that firm, slice-worthy consistency.
Step 5: Prepare the Chocolate Topping
In a heatproof bowl, gently melt the dark chocolate with butter or cream using either a quick microwave session or a double boiler. The addition of butter or cream adds shine and smoothness to your chocolate topping, making it easier to spread and giving a luscious finish.
Step 6: Spread the Topping and Add Garnishes
Once melted and silky, pour the chocolate topping evenly over the chilled biscuit base and smooth it out to the edges. For a little extra flair, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies or a delicate dusting of Earl Grey tea leaves on top. Not only do they look beautiful, but they bring a burst of flavor and texture that’s just wonderful to bite into.
Step 7: Final Chill and Slice
Return the slice to the fridge for at least another 2 hours, or until the chocolate topping is fully set. When ready, lift the whole block out using the parchment paper overhang and slice into neat bars. Enjoy chilled or let them come to room temperature for a slightly softer texture.
How to Serve No-Bake Minted Earl Grey Slice Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches can elevate your No-Bake Minted Earl Grey Slice Recipe into a stunning dessert centerpiece. Consider sprinkling crushed peppermint candies or a scattering of dried Earl Grey tea leaves to intensify both aroma and texture. Fresh mint leaves also work beautifully for a pop of green and a fresh herbal note.
Side Dishes
This slice pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of your favorite tea, especially a classic Earl Grey or a soothing chamomile. For a more indulgent spread, serve alongside dollops of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream — the creamy contrast is sublime with the minty, chocolaty base.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the slices on a rustic wooden board dusted lightly with cocoa powder or powdered sugar for a cozy afternoon tea vibe. Layer them in pretty glass jars or gift boxes for sharing with friends. You could even serve smaller bite-sized cubes on cocktail picks for an elegant party platter dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your No-Bake Minted Earl Grey Slice Recipe keeps well refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one week. The flavors actually meld and deepen over a day or two, so leftovers taste just as delightful, if not better, than freshly made.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze slices in a single layer on a baking sheet then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Wrapped properly, they’ll last up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Since this is a no-bake slice best served chilled or at room temperature, simply bring sealed slices to room temperature if preferred. Avoid heating as it can soften the slice too much and affect the chocolate topping’s texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of tea for this slice?
Absolutely! While Earl Grey adds a unique citrus and floral note, you can experiment with other teas like chamomile, chai, or even green tea. Just adjust the quantity to taste as some teas have stronger flavors.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute butter with a plant-based margarine and use a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk alternative. For the chocolate topping, select dairy-free dark chocolate and use coconut cream instead of butter or cream.
How do I get a stronger mint flavor without it being overpowering?
Start with the recommended 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract and taste as you mix. You can add a tiny bit more if needed, but remember that a little goes a long way, especially paired with the delicate tea flavors.
What is the best way to crush the biscuits?
You can place the biscuits in a sealed plastic bag and use a rolling pin to crush them fairly finely but not to dust. This texture helps the base bind without becoming too dense or powdery.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for the topping?
You can, but dark chocolate complements the mint and Earl Grey better with its slightly bitter notes. Milk chocolate will make the slice sweeter and less complex, which some might prefer, so it’s up to your taste buds!
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about a dessert that’s effortless to make, yet full of elegant flavors and textures, and that’s exactly why you need to try this No-Bake Minted Earl Grey Slice Recipe. It’s a conversation starter and a crowd-pleaser, perfect for sharing or savoring solo. Your kitchen will smell heavenly, and your taste buds will thank you. Give it a go—you might just discover your new favorite slice.
Print
No-Bake Minted Earl Grey Slice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: British-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in this no-bake minted Earl Grey slice, a luscious dessert combining the aromatic flavors of Earl Grey tea and refreshing peppermint with a crunchy biscuit base and a smooth dark chocolate topping. Perfectly chilled and easy to prepare, this British-inspired treat makes for an elegant and delicious snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Base
- 200g (about 7 oz) plain tea biscuits or digestive biscuits, crushed
- 100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 Earl Grey tea bags (leaves removed)
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Topping
- 180g (about 6 oz) dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter or cream
- Crushed peppermint candies or extra tea leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to enable easy removal of the slice later.
- Make the base mixture: In a saucepan over low heat, combine the unsalted butter, sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, salt, and Earl Grey tea leaves. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and well combined, but do not allow it to boil.
- Add crushed biscuits: Remove the saucepan from the heat and thoroughly mix in the crushed tea biscuits until all pieces are evenly coated with the chocolate tea mixture.
- Form the base layer: Press the biscuit mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing out the surface for an even layer.
- Prepare the topping: In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate together with the butter or cream, using either a microwave in short bursts or a double boiler method until smooth and glossy.
- Assemble the slice: Pour the melted dark chocolate topping over the biscuit base and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Garnish and chill: Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies or dust a few extra tea leaves on top if desired. Place the slice in the fridge and chill for at least 2 hours or until firmly set.
- Serve: Once set, lift the slice out of the pan using the parchment overhang, cut into bars (about 16 slices), and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use high-quality Earl Grey tea for a richer and more pronounced tea flavor in the slice.
- For a softer base texture, graham crackers can be substituted for the tea biscuits.
- This slice keeps well in the refrigerator for up to one week and can also be frozen for longer storage.
