This Hedgehog Slice is a classic no-bake chocolate treat that’s quick to prepare and simple to adapt for gluten-free diets. Crushed biscuits, desiccated coconut and rich chocolate combine to make an easy, delicious slice that’s perfect for parties, picnics or afternoon tea.
Why we love this recipe:
This Hedgehog Slice is ideal when you want something effortless but impressive. Our family recipe is a crowd-pleaser and works well for gatherings or a simple sweet treat at home.
- Uses common pantry ingredients.
- Very beginner-friendly — simple steps and no baking required.
- Easily made gluten-free by substituting a plain, crisp gluten-free biscuit.
Ingredients in this recipe:
See the recipe card below for exact quantities and the full method.
Milk and dark chocolate – choose chocolate you enjoy eating for best flavour.
Butter – unsalted works well; lightly salted is fine too.
Sweetened condensed milk – use full-fat for correct setting.
Vanilla extract – use real vanilla extract rather than synthetic essence.
Desiccated coconut – finely grated, dried coconut adds texture.
Digestive biscuits – or substitute Graham crackers or a plain crisp biscuit; avoid overly sweet or soft varieties.
Step by step instructions:
Prepare a square 20cm x 20cm (8″ x 8″) baking dish by lining it with non-stick baking paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Place the biscuits in a sealable bag and gently crush with a rolling pin, leaving some chunky pieces for texture. Combine the crushed biscuits with the desiccated coconut in a large bowl.
- In a heatproof bowl, combine the dark chocolate, butter, vanilla and sweetened condensed milk.
- Melt the mixture using a double boiler: set the bowl over a saucepan of barely simmering water, ensuring the bowl does not touch the water. Stir occasionally and remove when almost fully melted; residual heat will finish the melting. Stir until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the crushed biscuit and coconut, then stir to coat evenly.
- Transfer into the prepared tin and press down firmly with a spoon or spatula to make an even base.
- Melt the milk chocolate in a clean heatproof bowl over simmering water, keeping steam and water out of the bowl. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
- Pour the melted milk chocolate over the base and spread to an even layer with a spatula.
- Refrigerate for about three hours or until set. For cleaner slices, remove from the fridge about 10 minutes before cutting. A knife briefly warmed under hot water will glide through the chocolate more easily.
Tips for success and FAQs:
Use a good-quality chocolate you enjoy eating — it makes a noticeable difference. Full-fat sweetened condensed milk is important for the slice to set properly.
A double boiler offers the best control. Cut chocolate into even pieces so it melts uniformly. Keep water and steam out of the bowl and ensure utensils and bowls are dry to avoid the chocolate seizing or becoming grainy.
Yes. Microwave chopped chocolate in 30-second bursts, stirring between each interval, and stop once the chocolate is almost fully melted; residual stirring will finish the job.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. A sheet of paper towel in the container base can help absorb excess moisture and reduce chocolate bloom (a harmless whitish coating).
Yes. Wrap individual pieces in cling film and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months.
More delicious recipes for you to try:
If you love chocolate treats, try other favourites such as Chocolate Tiffin, Chilli Chocolate Clusters, Candy Cane Chocolate Bark, Chocolate Coated Strawberries, Cranberry Pistachio Bark, Decadent Chocolate Brownies, Chocolate and Raspberry Brownies or Easy Rocky Road.
This easy Hedgehog Slice is likely to become a family favourite — great for morning or afternoon tea, a sweet finish to a meal, or a thoughtful homemade gift. Enjoy, and let the recipe become part of your routine!
Alex xx
Hedgehog Slice
Please note:
For best accuracy, weigh ingredients when possible. All oven temperatures listed are for fan-forced ovens.
Ingredients
For the Hedgehog Slice:
- 125 g (½ cup) butter
- 395 g (14 oz) can of condensed milk
- 200 g (7 oz) dark chocolate
- 70 g (¾ cup) desiccated coconut
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 300 g (10.5 oz) digestive biscuits or other plain crisp biscuit
For the Topping:
- 200 g (7 oz) milk chocolate
Instructions
- Line a 20cm x 20cm (8″ x 8″) square tin with non-stick baking paper, leaving some overhang.
- Place biscuits in a zip-lock bag and crush, leaving some larger pieces. Combine with coconut in a large bowl.
- In a heatproof bowl, add dark chocolate, butter, vanilla and condensed milk.
- Melt chocolate mixture over barely simmering water, stirring occasionally. Remove when nearly melted and stir until smooth.
- Pour over biscuit and coconut mixture, combine well, then press into the prepared tin to form an even layer.
- Melt milk chocolate in a clean bowl over simmering water or in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring frequently.
- Spread the melted milk chocolate over the biscuit base and refrigerate for about three hours or until set.
- Remove from the fridge about 10 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Notes
- Choose good-quality chocolate for the best flavour.
- Substitute a plain vanilla or firm crisp biscuit if preferred. For gluten-free, use an appropriate gluten-free biscuit.
- Nutritional information is an estimate based on cutting the slice into 20 pieces.
Nutrition Estimate:
Carbohydrates: 34 g |
Protein: 4 g |
Fat: 18 g |
Saturated Fat: 11 g
Nutritional Disclaimer:
The nutritional information is an estimate only, derived from online calculators. For precise values, calculate based on the specific brands and ingredients you use.