A classic no-bake chocolate Hedgehog Slice made with crushed biscuits and pantry staples, then topped with a simple chocolate butter frosting. This melt-and-mix slice takes just 15 minutes to make and simply requires a rolling pin, a saucepan and your favourite slice tin!
When it comes to treasured family recipes, they don't get much more nostalgic than this no-bake Hedgehog Slice straight from my Nanna's recipe tin! It's definitely a family favourite, along with our other no-bake slice recipes: Mars Bar Slice, Lemon Slice, and Peppermint Slice, which are all Annie favourites! The combination of crunchy biscuits, nutty walnuts and rich chocolate frosting creates that perfect texture we all love. There's something truly special about recreating these simple treats that transports you back to your childhood. The first bite will always remind me of when my Nanna used to make it. I hope you enjoy them too!
❤️ Why You'll Love This Hedgehog Slice
No Oven Needed: Perfect for when you want a quick treat, without turning on the oven!
Quick & Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, plus chilling time.
Pantry Staples: Uses common ingredients you likely have on hand.
Kid-Friendly: Fun to make with the kids and it's a great introduction to cooking.
Versatile: Easily adaptable with various mix-ins and toppings.
📝 Key Ingredients
Plain Sweet Biscuits: Marie biscuits are standard, but Digestive biscuits work well.
Cocoa Powder: Regular or Dutch-processed for a richer flavour.
Butter: Unsalted is preferred.
Caster Sugar: For sweetness and structure.
Egg: Binds the mixture.
Desiccated Coconut: Adds texture and flavour.
Walnuts: Optional, but adds a delicious crunch.
Icing Sugar: For the frosting.
Boiling Water: Helps achieve the right frosting consistency in this simple chocolate icing
🍯 Variations & Substitutions
Biscuits: Substitute with Graham Crackers, Oreos, or shortbread.
Nuts: Replace walnuts with almonds, hazelnuts, or omit entirely.
Add-Ins: Use dried fruits, M&Ms, or rice bubbles for variety.
Toppings: Use melted chocolate instead of frosting, or add sprinkles for a fun or festive touch.
👩🏼🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Tin: Lightly grease a 20cm square tin and line with baking paper.
Crush Biscuits: Place biscuits in a ziplock bag and crush with a rolling pin, leaving some chunks.
Melt Base Ingredients: In a saucepan, melt butter and sugar until bubbling. Remove from heat, add cocoa, and mix well.
Combine Mixture: Stir in the beaten egg quickly, then add coconut, crushed biscuits, and walnuts. Mix thoroughly.
Set the Base: Press the mixture firmly into the prepared tin. Use baking paper and the back of a spoon to smooth the surface. Refrigerate while preparing the frosting.
Prepare Frosting: Cream butter and icing sugar. Mix cocoa with boiling water in a small bowl, to form a paste, then combine with the butter mixture until smooth.
Apply Frosting: Spread the frosting over the chilled base, creating swirls if desired. Refrigerate until set, then slice into squares.
💡 Expert Baking Tips
Texture Matters: Leave some biscuit chunks for a delicious crunch.
Smooth Finish: Place baking paper over the uniced hedgehog and use the back of a spoon to evenly press the mixture into the tin.
Frosting Consistency: Add a little bit of boiling water at a time, to achieve desired frosting texture.
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🫙 Storage Tips
Room Temperature: Keeps well for 1-2 days in an airtight container, as long as it's not too warm.
Refrigerator: Store for up to 5 days; brings out a chewier texture.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, or at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
❓ FAQs
Can I freeze Hedgehog Slice?
Yes, it freezes well. Store in an airtight container and thaw as needed.
Can I use different mix-ins?
Absolutely! Customize with your favourite nuts, dried fruits, chocolate chips, M&Ms or Smarties.
Can I make the topping with chocolate?
Yes, melt 250g of your preferred chocolate with 2 teaspoons of oil and pour over the base. Using oil will make cutting the slice easier.
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Hedgehog Slice
Equipment
Ingredients
- 125 grams Butter
- 150 grams Caster sugar
- 2 tablespoon Cocoa powder
- 1 Egg lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoon Desiccated coconut
- 250 grams Plain sweet biscuits I use Marie biscuits
- 90 grams Walnuts chopped
Chocolate Frosting
- 135 grams Pure icing sugar
- 40 grams Unsalted butter room temperature
- 2 teaspoon Cocoa
- 1 tablespoon Boiling water
Instructions
- Spray a 20cm square cake tin with cooking spray, then line with baking paper and set aside.
- Place biscuits onto a sheet of baking paper or a silicone mat and crush them with a rolling pin, keeping some small chunks amongst the crumbs. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter and caster sugar, mixing until sugar has melted and beginning to bubble.
- Add cocoa and mix well, then remove from the heat to cool slightly for a 2 minutes.
- Stir in the beaten egg, coconut, crushed biscuits and walnuts.
- Press mixture firmly into your prepared tin. Placing a sheet of baking paper over the hedgehog mixture and running the back of a spoon firmly along the surface will smooth out the mixture and prevent your spoon from sticking. Pop the slice into the fridge while you make the frosting.
Chocolate Frosting
- In a medium bowl, cream the butter and icing sugar. This can be done with either a rotary whisk or a handheld electric mixer. It will remain crumbly.
- Add boiling water to the cocoa and mix into a paste. Add the cocoa mixture to the butter and icing sugar, them mix again. The frosting will come together into a smooth, stiff mixture -feel free to add a tiny bit more boiling water if you need to.
- Spread the frosting over the hedgehog slice and make little swirly patterns. Pop in the fridge for the frosting to firm up a little, then slice into squares.
Notes
Tips
- When you're crushing your biscuits, remember to keep some small pieces in your biscuit crumbs. It not only looks nice, but adds to the great texture!
- Using a sheet of baking paper and the back of a metal spoon really helps to compact the mixture and make a nice, sturdy slice.
Storage Tips
Room Temperature: The good about this slice is it won't melt at room temperature. As long as it's not too hot, it will keep in an airtight container for a day or two. Fridge: No-bake Hedgehog Slice will keep well either covered in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for 5 days. Freezer: It will keep for up to 3 months.Nutrition
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Helen Atkins says
Hard to beat! Classic 🙌
Sandra says
Thanks Helen! Super nostalgic ❤️