The No-Bake Minted Earl Grey Slice Recipe is a delightful treat that brings together the comforting aroma of Earl Grey tea with the refreshing zing of mint, all wrapped up in a luscious white chocolate topping. This slice is irresistibly simple to make, requiring no oven time, just a bit of patience while it chills into perfection. Each bite is a harmonious blend of crunchy biscuit base, fragrant tea essence, and creamy, mint-kissed white chocolate that’s bound to become a favorite anytime snack or impressive dessert when friends come over.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step towards creating this charming No-Bake Minted Earl Grey Slice Recipe. Each component plays an essential role—from the crunch of digestive biscuits to the fragrant depth of Earl Grey tea and the smooth, mint-infused topping that ties it all together.
- Digestive biscuits (200g): These provide the perfect crunchy base, holding everything together while adding a gentle sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Melted to bind the biscuit crumbs and give a rich, buttery flavor.
- Honey or maple syrup (1/4 cup): Adds natural sweetness and a subtle hint of complexity to the base.
- Earl Grey tea bags (2): The star flavor, delivering a fragrant bergamot aroma that perfumes the slice beautifully.
- Boiling water (1/2 cup): For steeping the tea bags, extracting all the lovely Earl Grey notes.
- Fresh mint extract (1/2 tsp) or fresh mint leaves (1 tbsp): Introduces a crisp, refreshing quality to balance the rich flavors.
- White chocolate (200g), chopped: Melts into a creamy, sweet topping with a slight ivory glow, enhancing the dessert’s elegance.
- Double cream (1/4 cup): Creates a silky texture when combined with the white chocolate for the topping.
- Vanilla extract (1/4 tsp): Adds warmth and depth, elevating the overall taste.
- A pinch of salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
How to Make No-Bake Minted Earl Grey Slice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Tea Mixture
Start by brewing your Earl Grey tea. Steep the two tea bags in 1/2 cup of boiling water for about 5 to 7 minutes until beautifully fragrant and strong, then remove the tea bags carefully. Let this tea cool slightly, as it will soon mingle with your biscuit base and add that distinctive bergamot charm.
Step 2: Prepare the Biscuit Base
In a large mixing bowl, crush the digestive biscuits into small, even pieces—this texture is essential for a satisfying slice. In another bowl, combine the melted butter with honey or maple syrup, then pour this luscious mixture over the crushed biscuits. Stir everything together until every crumb is perfectly coated in buttery-sweet goodness.
Step 3: Add Mint Flavor
Now, stir in the fresh mint extract or the finely chopped mint leaves directly into the cooled Earl Grey tea. Pour this minty tea over the biscuit mixture, blending it thoroughly so that every bite carries the refreshing hint of mint paired with the floral tea notes.
Step 4: Press the Base into the Pan
Line an 8 by 8-inch square pan with parchment paper for easy removal later. Transfer the biscuit mixture into the pan and press it down firmly with the back of a spoon or your fingers to create an even, compact layer. Pop the pan into the refrigerator while you prepare the delectable topping.
Step 5: Make the White Chocolate Mint Topping
Gently heat the double cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just starts to simmer—don’t let it boil! Remove it from the heat and stir in the chopped white chocolate until it melts smoothly. Stir through the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, which bring out the best in this creamy topping and complement the flavors below.
Step 6: Assemble the Slice
Pour the warm white chocolate mint topping evenly over the chilled biscuit base, smoothing it out with a spatula for a flawless finish. This layer will set into a velvety, rich crown on your slice.
Step 7: Chill
Refrigerate the assembled slice for at least 2 hours, or until the topping has fully firmed up. This chilling step is key to achieving that perfect slice-able texture and ensures the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 8: Serve
Once the slice is chilled and firm, lift it from the pan using the parchment paper and cut into 16 to 20 squares. Each piece bursts with cool, minty freshness and the sophisticated flavor of Earl Grey—a treat that’s as elegant as it is easy.
How to Serve No-Bake Minted Earl Grey Slice Recipe
Garnishes
To make your No-Bake Minted Earl Grey Slice Recipe sparkle even more, top each square with a sprig of fresh mint or a light dusting of finely grated white chocolate. A tiny zest of lemon peel can add an unexpected citrus twist that pairs beautifully with the bergamot notes.
Side Dishes
This slice enjoys great company! Serve it alongside a cup of freshly brewed Earl Grey tea to echo the flavor profile, or pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to add a creamy contrast. Fresh berries also make a lovely, colorful side that brightens up the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Present this minty earl grey delight on a charming wooden board or decorative platter lined with doilies for a vintage touch. For parties, arrange the slices in a circular pattern around a small bowl of fresh mint leaves or edible flowers to impress your guests visually before they even taste a bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover slices fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay delicious and firm for up to 5 days, making them a great make-ahead treat for busy weeks.
Freezing
This slice also freezes well. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a sealed freezer bag. Frozen slices maintain their flavor and texture for up to one month—just thaw in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
No reheating needed for this chilled slice—it’s best enjoyed cold. If you prefer it slightly softer, leave it at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to allow the topping to soften just a bit.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Absolutely! While white chocolate highlights the mint and tea elegantly, you can experiment with milk or dark chocolate for a richer, deeper flavor, though it will change the overall sweetness and creaminess of the topping.
What if I don’t have fresh mint or mint extract?
If fresh mint or extract isn’t available, you can omit it, but it’s truly a key flavor in this recipe. Alternatively, a few drops of peppermint oil can be used sparingly to maintain that refreshing quality.
Can I substitute the digestive biscuits?
Yes, plain tea biscuits or graham crackers make good substitutes. Just ensure they are not overly sweetened so the balance of flavors stays just right.
Is it necessary to chill the slice for 2 hours?
The chilling step is crucial to set the topping firmly and allow flavors to meld. If rushed, the slice might not hold its shape or deliver the intended texture.
Can I make this slice gluten-free?
Definitely! Use gluten-free biscuits instead of digestive biscuits, and check all other ingredients for gluten-free certification to make this recipe suitable for gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
Now you have the perfect recipe to wow anyone with a slice that’s both sophisticated and simple. The No-Bake Minted Earl Grey Slice Recipe is a fantastic go-to for those moments when you want something elegant without the fuss of baking. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience how beautifully the mint and Earl Grey tea come together in every bite!
Print
No-Bake Minted Earl Grey Slice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 16-20 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: British
Description
This No-Bake Minted Earl Grey Slice is a delightful blend of fragrant Earl Grey tea and refreshing mint, layered over a buttery biscuit base and topped with smooth white chocolate. Perfect for a light, elegant dessert without the need for baking, these bars offer a harmonious balance of flavors and a creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
Biscuit Base
- 200g digestive biscuits (or plain biscuits), crushed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
Tea Mixture
- 2 Earl Grey tea bags
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 1/2 tsp fresh mint extract (or 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh mint leaves)
White Chocolate Mint Topping
- 200g white chocolate, chopped
- 1/4 cup double cream (heavy cream)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Tea Mixture: Brew the Earl Grey tea by steeping the two tea bags in 1/2 cup of boiling water for 5-7 minutes, then discard the tea bags. Set the tea aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Biscuit Base: In a large bowl, crush the digestive biscuits into small pieces. In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter and honey (or maple syrup). Pour this mixture over the crushed biscuits and stir until all the biscuits are well coated.
- Add Mint Flavor: Stir the fresh mint extract (or chopped fresh mint) into the cooled Earl Grey tea, then pour this into the biscuit mixture. Stir well to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Press the Base into the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch (or similar-sized) square pan with parchment paper. Press the biscuit mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan, creating an even layer. Refrigerate while you prepare the topping.
- Make the White Chocolate Mint Topping: In a small saucepan, heat the double cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the chopped white chocolate, stirring until smooth and completely melted. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for extra flavor.
- Assemble the Slice: Pour the white chocolate mixture over the chilled biscuit base, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Chill: Place the pan in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or until the slice is firm and fully set.
- Serve: Once chilled, cut the slice into squares and serve. Enjoy the refreshing mint and Earl Grey flavor combination!
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with coconut oil, use vegan white chocolate, and replace cream with coconut cream.
- If fresh mint extract is unavailable, finely chopped fresh mint leaves work well to impart a natural mint flavor.
- Make sure to press the biscuit base firmly to ensure it holds together when cut.
- This slice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of honey or maple syrup used to coat the biscuits.
