Chocolate Mint Slice Bars
Highlighted under: Favorite Baking Collection
I've always been a fan of the combination of chocolate and mint, and these Chocolate Mint Slice Bars bring that delightful pairing to life in a delicious treat. The layers of rich chocolate, refreshing mint, and a crunchy base make every bite a celebration of flavor. Whether I'm serving them at a gathering or simply enjoying one with my afternoon tea, these bars never fail to impress. They’re surprisingly easy to make, and the luscious mint filling is really the star of the show!
It's fascinating how a few key ingredients can transform into something so delightful. I remember the first time I made these Chocolate Mint Slice Bars; I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly they came together and how flavorful they turned out. The secret is using good quality ingredients, especially for the chocolate, which really amplifies the overall taste.
When preparing the mint filling, I recommend letting it chill thoroughly to set properly; this ensures it holds its shape when you slice the bars. The result is a perfect harmony of textures, from the crisp base to the velvety chocolate topping, making each bite a joy!
Why You'll Love These Bars
- A perfect balance of rich chocolate and refreshing mint
- Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients
- Great for sharing or enjoying as a personal treat
Perfecting the Mint Filling
The mint filling is truly the star of these bars, and getting the texture just right can elevate your dessert. Using softened cream cheese is essential; it should be at room temperature for easy blending. This ensures a smooth and creamy filling without any lumps, which is key to a pleasant mouthfeel. I find that mixing the cream cheese for about 2-3 minutes until it is fluffy creates a wonderful baseline for texture.
When adding the powdered sugar, do so gradually. This not only sweetens the filling but also helps to achieve a smooth consistency. If the mixture feels too thick, you can incorporate a splash of milk to loosen it up. Just be careful not to add too much; you want it to hold its shape when spread over the base.
Choosing the Right Chocolate
The choice of chocolate makes a significant difference in flavor and texture. For these bars, dark chocolate provides a rich contrast to the sweet mint filling. I recommend using chocolate with a cocoa content of around 70% for a balance of richness without overwhelming sweetness. This also contributes to that glossy finish you want when pouring it over the mint layer.
If you prefer a sweeter topping, you can substitute half of the dark chocolate with semi-sweet chocolate. This will give you a more mellow flavor while still retaining the chocolatey essence. Just keep in mind to melt the chocolate slowly and avoid direct heat, as burning can lead to a gritty texture.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 200g digestive biscuits, crushed
- 100g unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
For the Mint Filling
- 250g cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3-4 drops peppermint extract
- Green food coloring (optional)
For the Chocolate Topping
- 200g dark chocolate, chopped
- 75g unsalted butter
Instructions
Prepare the Base
In a medium bowl, combine the crushed digestive biscuits, melted butter, and cocoa powder. Mix until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x9 inch baking pan to form an even layer. Refrigerate for 10 minutes.
Make the Mint Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to mix. Add the peppermint extract and a few drops of green food coloring, if desired. Mix until the filling is smooth and evenly colored.
Assemble the Bars
Spread the mint filling evenly over the chilled base, smoothing it out with a spatula. Return to the refrigerator to set for about 15 minutes.
Prepare the Chocolate Topping
Melt the dark chocolate and unsalted butter in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water, stirring until smooth. Allow to cool slightly before pouring over the set mint filling, spreading it evenly.
Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour until the chocolate is firm. Once set, slice into bars and enjoy!
Pro Tips
- For an extra touch, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top of the chocolate before it sets for added crunch and a festive look.
Storage Tips
These Chocolate Mint Slice Bars store wonderfully in the refrigerator, where they can remain fresh for up to a week. Make sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out or absorbing other odors from the fridge. The bars are deliciously firm straight out of the refrigerator, but I enjoy letting them sit at room temperature for a few minutes for an even softer texture.
If you're looking to make them ahead of time, you can prepare the base and filling separately. Just ensure that the base is fully cooled before adding the mint filling, and refrigerate both layers until you're ready to assemble them. This way, you can save time on the day of serving.
Serving Suggestions
These bars make a stunning presentation at gatherings. Try garnishing them with a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies or a drizzle of melted chocolate for added flair. You can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to bring an extra creaminess that pairs beautifully with the minty flavor.
For variety, consider swapping the mint flavor with other extracts, like orange or almond, creating different layers of flavor. This substitution keeps the recipe adaptable and exciting, allowing you to create variations that suit your parties or personal taste preferences.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of biscuit for the base?
Yes, you can use any similar type of crumbly biscuit, such as graham crackers or Oreos.
→ How long can these bars be stored?
They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week in an airtight container.
→ Can I make these bars without cream cheese?
You can substitute with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if you're looking for a vegan option.
→ What can I use instead of dark chocolate?
You can use semi-sweet or milk chocolate, though it will alter the flavor profile slightly.
Chocolate Mint Slice Bars
I've always been a fan of the combination of chocolate and mint, and these Chocolate Mint Slice Bars bring that delightful pairing to life in a delicious treat. The layers of rich chocolate, refreshing mint, and a crunchy base make every bite a celebration of flavor. Whether I'm serving them at a gathering or simply enjoying one with my afternoon tea, these bars never fail to impress. They’re surprisingly easy to make, and the luscious mint filling is really the star of the show!
Created by: Juliet Ashford
Recipe Type: Favorite Baking Collection
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 bars
What You'll Need
For the Base
- 200g digestive biscuits, crushed
- 100g unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
For the Mint Filling
- 250g cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3-4 drops peppermint extract
- Green food coloring (optional)
For the Chocolate Topping
- 200g dark chocolate, chopped
- 75g unsalted butter
How-To Steps
In a medium bowl, combine the crushed digestive biscuits, melted butter, and cocoa powder. Mix until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x9 inch baking pan to form an even layer. Refrigerate for 10 minutes.
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to mix. Add the peppermint extract and a few drops of green food coloring, if desired. Mix until the filling is smooth and evenly colored.
Spread the mint filling evenly over the chilled base, smoothing it out with a spatula. Return to the refrigerator to set for about 15 minutes.
Melt the dark chocolate and unsalted butter in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water, stirring until smooth. Allow to cool slightly before pouring over the set mint filling, spreading it evenly.
Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour until the chocolate is firm. Once set, slice into bars and enjoy!
Extra Tips
- For an extra touch, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top of the chocolate before it sets for added crunch and a festive look.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 80mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 22g
- Protein: 3g