Decadent Malteser Tray Bake: A Chocolate Lover’s Dream

There’s something about a tray bake that screams comfort and nostalgia. My grandmother, a prolific baker, always had a tray of something sweet waiting for us after school. While her repertoire was vast, her chocolate tray bakes were legendary. The simple joy of a fudgy, chocolatey square, studded with familiar treats, brings me right back to her sun-drenched kitchen, the smell of vanilla and melting chocolate hanging in the air. This Malteser Tray Bake evokes that same feeling of cozy indulgence, and I’m excited to share the recipe with you.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes (for melting, no baking required)
• Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
• Servings: 16
• Dietary Type: Not suitable for Vegans or Vegetarians

Ingredients

• 100g unsalted butter
• 200g milk chocolate
• 3 tablespoons golden syrup
• 225g digestive biscuits, finely crushed
• 225g Maltesers

Equipment Needed

• 8×8 inch square tin
• Cling film, foil, or baking parchment
• Saucepan
• Mixing bowl
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Instructions

1. First, prepare your tin. Line an 8×8 inch square tin (or a slightly smaller one for a thicker tray bake) with cling film, foil, or baking parchment, ensuring there’s enough overhang to easily lift the finished bake out later.

2. Next, finely crush the digestive biscuits. The easiest way to do this is to place them in a zip-lock bag and bash them with a rolling pin until you have fine crumbs. You can also use a food processor, but be careful not to over-process them into a powder.

3. Now, it’s time to make the chocolate base. In a saucepan, combine the butter, golden syrup, and milk chocolate. Melt over a low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

4. It’s crucial to melt gently. You may want to remove the pan from the heat just before the chocolate is completely melted, allowing the residual heat to finish the job. This helps prevent the chocolate from overheating and seizing, which can affect the final texture.

5. Once the butter and chocolate are fully melted and smooth, remove the pan from the heat. Add the crushed digestive biscuits to the melted chocolate mixture and mix together thoroughly until everything is well combined.

6. Work quickly now, as the mixture will start to set as it cools. Pour the biscuit mixture into the prepared tin, smoothing it out with a spatula or the back of a spoon to create an even layer.

7. Immediately place the Maltesers all over the top of the biscuit base, gently pressing them into the mix to secure them. Don’t be afraid to pack them in – the more, the merrier!

8. Leave the tray bake to cool at room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator to chill and set completely. This will take at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight.

9. Once the tray bake is fully set, lift it out of the tin using the overhang of the lining. Place it on a cutting board and slice into squares or rectangles. A warm knife can help with clean cuts.

10. For an extra touch of elegance, you can drizzle melted white chocolate over the top before the final chill.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Chocolate Quality: Use good quality milk chocolate for the best flavor. The higher the cocoa content, the richer the taste.
• Biscuit Consistency: The finer the biscuit crumbs, the smoother the base will be.
• Melting Chocolate: Patience is key when melting chocolate. Low and slow is the way to go to prevent burning or seizing.
• Adding Maltesers: Don’t wait too long to add the Maltesers, as the base will start to set quickly.
• Cutting Cleanly: A warm, clean knife will help you cut neat squares or rectangles. Run the knife under hot water and dry it before each cut.
• Golden Syrup Substitute: If you can’t find golden syrup, you can use corn syrup or honey as a substitute, but the flavour will be slightly different.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Malteser Tray Bake chilled, cut into small squares or rectangles. It’s a rich and indulgent treat, so smaller portions are usually best.

Store the tray bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap the tray bake tightly in cling film and then in foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. It’s best served cold, but can be brought to room temperature for a softer texture.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	165.4 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	87 g	53%
Total Fat	9.7 g	14%
Saturated Fat	5.7 g	28%
Cholesterol	16.3 mg	5%
Sodium	120.2 mg	5%
Total Carbohydrate	18.2 g	6%
Dietary Fiber	0.4 g	1%
Sugars	7.5 g	30%
Protein	2 g	3%

Variations & Substitutions

• Dark Chocolate Version: Substitute the milk chocolate with dark chocolate for a richer, less sweet flavor.
• White Chocolate Drizzle: As mentioned in the original instructions, a drizzle of melted white chocolate adds a lovely visual contrast and sweetness.
• Different Biscuits: Experiment with different types of biscuits, such as gingernuts or shortbread, for a unique flavor profile.
• Other Toppings: Add other toppings, such as chopped nuts, mini marshmallows, or caramel pieces, for extra texture and flavor.
• Festive Version: For a festive twist, add some dried cranberries or chopped candied orange peel to the biscuit base.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different size tin?
A: Yes, you can use a different size tin, but the thickness of the tray bake will vary. A smaller tin will result in a thicker tray bake, while a larger tin will result in a thinner one.

Q: Can I make this without golden syrup?
A: You can substitute golden syrup with corn syrup or honey, but the flavor will be slightly different.

Q: How long does it take to set?
A: The tray bake needs at least 2-3 hours in the refrigerator to set completely, but it’s best to leave it overnight.

Q: Can I freeze this tray bake?
A: Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in cling film and then in foil before freezing.

Q: Why is my chocolate seizing when I melt it?
A: Chocolate seizes when it overheats or comes into contact with even a small amount of water. Melt the chocolate gently over low heat and avoid adding any water.

Final Thoughts

This Malteser Tray Bake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties, bake sales, or simply a sweet treat to enjoy at home. Its simplicity makes it a great recipe to make with children, and the delicious combination of chocolate, biscuits, and Maltesers is sure to be a hit with everyone. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven (just kidding!), and get ready to create a little bit of chocolatey magic. I encourage you to try it out and share your creations, and remember to always have fun in the kitchen!