Choc-Coconut & Cranberry Slice: A Taste of Home

The scent of melting butter, cocoa, and sweet cranberries takes me right back to my childhood. My grandmother, a master baker, would always have a slice like this on hand, perfect for sharing with visiting friends and family. It wasn’t fancy, but it was always comforting and delicious – a simple treat that felt like a warm hug. Now, every time I make this slice, I feel a little closer to her and those cherished memories.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes (includes chilling time)
• Servings: 20
• Dietary Type: Not suitable for vegetarians

Ingredients

• 150g unsalted butter
• 2/3 cup caster sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa
• 1/3 cup desiccated coconut
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 125g Savoiardi cookies, chopped
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries
• Drinking chocolate, to dust

Equipment Needed

• 29cm x 19cm slice pan
• Saucepan
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Instructions

1. Begin by greasing a 29cm x 19cm slice pan. This will prevent the slice from sticking and make it easier to remove once it’s set.
2. In a saucepan, combine the butter, caster sugar, and cocoa. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring often, until the sugar dissolves completely and the butter is melted. This usually takes about 5 minutes. Stirring frequently is important to prevent the cocoa from burning and sticking to the bottom of the pan.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl. This helps to cool it down slightly before adding the egg, which could scramble if added to a hot mixture.
4. Stir in the desiccated coconut, egg, chopped Savoiardi cookies, and dried cranberries. Ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. The Savoiardi cookies add a lovely texture and structure to the slice.
5. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared slice pan, ensuring it is evenly spread and compacted. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to achieve a smooth surface.
6. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 3 hours, or preferably overnight, until the slice is firm. This allows the butter to solidify and the flavours to meld together, resulting in a more cohesive and delicious slice.
7. Once the slice is firm, remove it from the refrigerator. Dust the top generously with drinking chocolate. This adds a final touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
8. Cut the slice into squares of your desired size and serve. Use a sharp knife to ensure clean cuts.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For an extra rich flavour, use dark cocoa instead of regular cocoa.
• If you prefer a chewier texture, lightly toast the desiccated coconut in a dry pan before adding it to the mixture.
• To prevent the Savoiardi cookies from becoming too soggy, add them to the mixture just before pressing it into the pan.
• If you don’t have Savoiardi cookies, you can substitute them with other dry cookies like digestive biscuits or graham crackers. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces.
• For a festive twist, add a sprinkle of chopped pistachios or almonds on top of the slice before chilling.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Choc-Coconut & Cranberry Slice is best served chilled, cut into squares and dusted with extra drinking chocolate. It’s perfect as an afternoon treat, a lunchbox addition, or a sweet ending to any meal.

Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The slice can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutritional Information

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value (approximate)
Calories	95 kcal	5%
Total Fat	6.8g	10%
Saturated Fat	4.3g	21%
Cholesterol	25.4mg	8%
Sodium	8.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	8.5g	2%
Dietary Fiber	0.5g	2%
Sugars	7.3g	29%
Protein	0.6g	1%

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with vegan butter and the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water). Ensure your Savoiardi cookies are also vegan-friendly.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free Savoiardi cookies or a similar gluten-free biscuit.
• Nutty Version: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the mixture for a crunchy texture.
• Citrus Zest: Add the zest of an orange or lemon to the butter and sugar mixture for a bright, aromatic flavour.
• Spice It Up: Incorporate a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, comforting spice.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries?
A: While you can use fresh cranberries, keep in mind that they have a higher moisture content. You may need to reduce the amount slightly and possibly increase the chilling time.

Q: My slice is too crumbly. What did I do wrong?
A: This could be due to not pressing the mixture firmly enough into the pan. Make sure to compact it well before chilling. Also, ensure you’ve used the correct amount of butter.

Q: Can I use a different type of sugar?
A: While caster sugar is recommended for its fine texture, you can use granulated sugar as a substitute. The texture of the final product might be slightly different.

Q: How do I prevent the drinking chocolate from clumping when dusting?
A: Use a fine-mesh sieve to dust the drinking chocolate evenly over the slice. This will help to prevent clumping.

Q: Can I add chocolate chips to the mixture?
A: Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips would be a delicious addition. Consider using dark, milk, or white chocolate chips depending on your preference.

Final Thoughts

This Choc-Coconut & Cranberry Slice is a wonderfully simple and satisfying treat that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a delightful combination of textures and flavours that will surely bring a smile to your face. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and substitutions to make it your own. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your creations with friends and family. And, of course, let me know how it turns out! This slice is lovely with a cup of tea or coffee. Happy baking!