If you’re craving a sweet treat that combines the irresistible crunch of Maltesers with the smoothness of chocolate, Mary Berry’s Malteser Tray Bake Recipe is a must-try. This simple, no-bake dessert is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to tea parties. It takes just 20 minutes to prepare, making it an ideal option for busy schedules or last-minute desserts.
Let’s walk through how you can easily make this delicious tray bake at home.
What is Mary Berry Malteser Tray Bake?
Mary Berry’s Malteser Tray Bake is a delightful no-bake dessert that features a buttery biscuit base, a rich chocolate layer, and a topping of crunchy Maltesers. The combination of textures—crispy, chewy, and creamy—makes this tray bake a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to prepare, requires minimal equipment, and can be made in advance.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Simple to make: No baking skills required, making it perfect for beginners.
- Minimal ingredients: You probably have most of these in your pantry.
- Time-efficient: The recipe comes together in just 20 minutes.
- Crowd favorite: Perfect for sharing at parties, potlucks, or as an afternoon treat.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak it by adding nuts or dried fruits for variety.
- Make-ahead dessert: Prepare it in advance, store it in the fridge, and serve when needed.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Malteser Tray Bake
- Digestive biscuits (200g): Crushed to form the base of the tray bake, adding a crunchy texture.
- Unsalted butter (100g): Melted to bind the biscuit base and provide richness.
- Golden syrup (2 tbsp): Adds sweetness and helps to hold the mixture together.
- Milk chocolate (200g): Melted to create a smooth, creamy topping.
- Maltesers (100g): Crushed for the base and whole for the topping, offering a delightful crunch.
- White chocolate (optional): Drizzled over the top for a decorative finish.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Saucepan
- 8-inch square tray or baking tin
- Spatula
- Spoon for mixing
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Malteser Tray Bake
- Crush the biscuits: In a large mixing bowl, crush the digestive biscuits until you have fine crumbs.
- Melt the butter and syrup: In a saucepan, gently melt the butter and golden syrup over low heat until fully combined.
- Mix the base: Pour the melted butter mixture over the crushed biscuits and mix well. Stir in half of the crushed Maltesers for extra crunch.
- Press the base: Spread the biscuit mixture evenly in the tray, pressing it down firmly with the back of a spoon.
- Melt the chocolate: In a separate bowl, melt the milk chocolate either in the microwave or using a double boiler.
- Add the topping: Pour the melted chocolate over the biscuit base, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining whole Maltesers over the top.
- Chill the tray bake: Place the tray in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours until set.
- Slice and serve: Once set, cut the tray bake into squares, and enjoy!
What Goes Well With Mary Berry Malteser Tray Bake
- Afternoon tea: Pairs perfectly with a cup of English tea.
- Vanilla ice cream: The cold, creamy texture of ice cream complements the rich chocolate.
- Fresh berries: Add a pop of freshness and tartness with some raspberries or strawberries.
- Whipped cream: Light and airy, it balances the richness of the tray bake.
- Coffee: A strong black coffee cuts through the sweetness beautifully.
- Chocolate drizzle: Drizzle some dark chocolate sauce over the squares for extra indulgence.
- Salted caramel sauce: The contrast of sweet and salty makes for an irresistible combination.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Malteser Tray Bake
- Use good-quality chocolate: Opt for high-quality milk chocolate to ensure a smooth and creamy finish.
- Crush the Maltesers gently: For texture variation, lightly crush half of the Maltesers while keeping the other half whole.
- Press the base firmly: Ensure the biscuit base is tightly pressed down to hold together once set.
- Chill thoroughly: Let the tray bake and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours to ensure it sets properly.
- Add a white chocolate drizzle: Melt some white chocolate and drizzle it over the top for an eye-catching finish.
- Cut clean squares: Use a sharp knife heated with hot water to get clean, neat slices.
- Store correctly: Keep the tray bake in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain its freshness.
Easy Variations of Mary Berry Malteser Tray Bake
- Add nuts: Stir in chopped hazelnuts or almonds for added crunch.
- Use dark chocolate: Swap milk chocolate for dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Mix in dried fruits: Dried cranberries or raisins can add a chewy texture and slight tartness.
- Top with caramel: Add a layer of caramel between the biscuit base and the chocolate topping.
- Vegan version: Use vegan butter and chocolate alternatives to create a dairy-free version.
Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Malteser Tray Bake
- Refrigerate in an airtight container: Keep the tray fresh for up to 5 days.
- Freeze for longer storage: Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Avoid room temperature storage: The chocolate can melt, so always store it in the fridge.
- Use vacuum-sealed bags: For optimal freshness, store the squares in vacuum-sealed bags.
- Layer with parchment paper: If stacking squares, place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.
- Label and date: Mark the storage date to keep track of freshness.
Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry Malteser Tray Bake
- Room temperature thawing: If frozen, allow it to thaw at room temperature for about an hour.
- Avoid microwaving: Microwaving can melt the chocolate unevenly, so it’s best to enjoy it cold.
- Use the fridge: For a softer texture, you can transfer it from the freezer to the fridge overnight.
- Serve chilled: This dessert is best enjoyed straight from the fridge for a firmer bite.
How Can I Make Mary Berry Malteser Tray Bake Healthier?
- Reduce sugar: Opt for dark chocolate with a lower sugar content.
- Use whole-grain biscuits: Swap regular digestive biscuits for whole-grain or oat-based alternatives.
- Add nuts: Including nuts can increase the fiber and protein content of the dessert.
- Use sugar-free syrups: A sugar-free golden syrup can help cut down on the overall sugar levels.
- Choose healthier fats: Replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free and healthier option.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
FAQs
Can I make Mary Berry Malteser Tray Bake without golden syrup?
Yes, you can substitute golden syrup with alternatives like honey or corn syrup. However, keep in mind that these substitutions may slightly alter the taste and texture. Golden syrup has a unique caramel-like flavor that enhances the richness of the tray bake, but the alternatives still work well for binding the ingredients together.
How long does Mary Berry Malteser Tray Bake take to set?
Typically, the tray bake takes about 1-2 hours to fully set in the fridge. It’s important to let it chill for at least this long to ensure the chocolate layer hardens properly and the base becomes firm. For best results, leave it to set overnight.
Can I freeze Mary Berry Malteser’s Tray Bake?
Yes, you can freeze the tray bake. Simply cut it into squares, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and place them in an airtight container. This allows you to store it for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw the squares in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate in this tray bake?
Absolutely! Using dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate is a great way to reduce sweetness and add a richer flavor to the tray bake. Just keep in mind that dark chocolate has a slightly more bitter taste, which may affect the overall flavor balance.
Final Words
Mary Berry’s Malteser Tray Bake is a delightful, indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Its no-bake convenience makes it a great choice for busy days, while its rich flavors ensure it’s always a hit.
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Mary Berry Malteser Tray Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: British
Description
Mary Berry’s Malteser Tray Bake is a delightful no-bake dessert that features a buttery biscuit base, a rich chocolate layer, and a topping of crunchy Maltesers. The combination of textures—crispy, chewy, and creamy—makes this tray bake a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to prepare, requires minimal equipment, and can be made in advance.
Ingredients
- Digestive biscuits (200g): Crushed to form the base of the tray bake, adding a crunchy texture.
- Unsalted butter (100g): Melted to bind the biscuit base and provide richness.
- Golden syrup (2 tbsp): Adds sweetness and helps to hold the mixture together.
- Milk chocolate (200g): Melted to create a smooth, creamy topping.
- Maltesers (100g): Crushed for the base and whole for the topping, offering a delightful crunch.
- White chocolate (optional): Drizzled over the top for a decorative finish.
Instructions
- Crush the biscuits: In a large mixing bowl, crush the digestive biscuits until you have fine crumbs.
- Melt the butter and syrup: In a saucepan, gently melt the butter and golden syrup over low heat until fully combined.
- Mix the base: Pour the melted butter mixture over the crushed biscuits and mix well. Stir in half of the crushed Maltesers for extra crunch.
- Press the base: Spread the biscuit mixture evenly in the tray, pressing it down firmly with the back of a spoon.
- Melt the chocolate: In a separate bowl, melt the milk chocolate either in the microwave or using a double boiler.
- Add the topping: Pour the melted chocolate over the biscuit base, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining whole Maltesers over the top.
- Chill the tray bake: Place the tray in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours until set.
- Slice and serve: Once set, cut the tray bake into squares and enjoy!
