Description
This No-Bake Black Forest Slice is a delightful dessert combining a crunchy cocoa-infused biscuit base with a creamy cherry filling. Topped with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and fresh cherries, this chilled treat offers the classic flavors of Black Forest cake without the need for baking. Perfect for warm days or when you want an impressive dessert with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Biscuit Base
- 250g digestive biscuits (or any plain biscuits), crushed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
Creamy Cherry Filling
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 1/2 cups canned or fresh cherries, pitted (reserve some for topping)
- 1 tbsp cherry juice (or juice from canned cherries)
Toppings
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (for topping)
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Chocolate shavings or grated chocolate (for topping)
- Reserved cherries (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Biscuit Base: In a large bowl, crush the digestive biscuits into small pieces, ensuring they are not reduced to crumbs. In another bowl, combine the melted butter with cocoa powder until smooth, then pour this mixture over the crushed biscuits. Stir thoroughly until all biscuit pieces are evenly coated with the cocoa butter mixture.
- Press the Base into the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper. Firmly press the biscuit mixture into the bottom of the pan to create an even, compact base layer. Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill while preparing the filling.
- Make the Creamy Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Add the Cherries: Gently fold in the pitted cherries and cherry juice into the creamy filling. This addition distributes bursts of juicy cherry flavor throughout the filling.
- Assemble the Slice: Pour the creamy cherry filling over the chilled biscuit base in the pan. Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly across the surface.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled slice for at least 3 hours or until the filling has set and become firm to the touch.
- Top with Chocolate and Whipped Cream: Once the slice is set, decorate the top with whipped cream, sprinkle with chocolate shavings or grated chocolate, and arrange the reserved cherries for an attractive garnish.
- Serve: Cut the slice into squares using a sharp knife and serve chilled to enjoy the luscious combination of chocolate and cherry flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute the digestive biscuits with graham crackers or plain tea biscuits if preferred.
- For a tangier taste, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in the filling.
- Ensure the biscuit base is pressed firmly to maintain a solid foundation and prevent it from crumbling when serving.
- Chilling time is important to allow the filling to set properly; do not rush this step.
- Optional powdered sugar in the filling adds extra sweetness but can be omitted if you prefer a less sweet dessert.
- Use fresh cherries in season for the best flavor, or canned cherries with juice can be used year-round.
- Chocolate chips on top can be melted before sprinkling if you prefer a slightly gooey texture.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
