New Zealand Jaffa Slice: A Taste of Childhood

I can still remember the crinkle of the cellophane wrapper, the distinctive thunk of a handful of Jaffas hitting the bottom of my school bag, a little treasure trove for sharing (or not!) during morning tea. The hard, vibrant orange shell giving way to the smooth, rich chocolate within – it was a taste explosion, a little piece of pure Kiwi joy. This Jaffa Slice is my attempt to capture that simple pleasure, a nostalgic bake that’s both incredibly easy and utterly irresistible.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 12
• Yield: 1 slice
• Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

• 200g Jaffas
• 250g baking chocolate
• 2 eggs
• 125g butter
• ½ cup caster sugar
• 1 ¼ cups plain flour, sifted

Equipment Needed

• 20 cm square cake tin
• Baking paper
• Saucepan or double boiler
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Instructions

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures the slice bakes evenly and achieves that perfect fudgy texture.

2. Prepare your baking tin. Grease a 20 cm square cake tin thoroughly with butter or cooking spray. Then, line the base with baking paper. This will prevent the slice from sticking and make it easy to remove once baked. Leave some overhang of the baking paper to use as handles for lifting the slice out.

3. Next, combine the butter and baking chocolate in a saucepan. If you have one, use a double boiler to melt the chocolate more gently, preventing it from burning. Alternatively, you can use a regular saucepan over very low heat. Stir constantly until the butter and chocolate are completely melted and smooth. Take the pan off the heat and let it cool slightly.

4. Once the chocolate mixture has cooled a little (you don’t want it to cook the eggs!), stir in the caster sugar and eggs. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth and glossy.

5. Now, gently fold in the sifted plain flour. Sifting the flour helps to prevent lumps and ensures a lighter texture. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough slice.

6. It’s time for the star of the show! Fold in the Jaffas into the chocolate mixture. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

7. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared cake tin. Use a spatula to smooth the surface.

8. Bake for about 35 minutes, or until the slice is firm to the touch. A skewer inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on it and adjust the baking time accordingly. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil.

9. Once baked, let the slice stand in the tin for 15 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent it from breaking apart.

10. After the slice has completely cooled, cut it into squares. A warm knife will help to make clean cuts.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For an extra intense chocolate flavor, use a high-quality dark baking chocolate with at least 70% cocoa solids.
• If you don’t have Jaffas readily available, you can substitute them with other similar chocolate-covered orange candies, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.
• To prevent the Jaffas from sinking to the bottom of the slice, you can lightly dust them with flour before folding them into the batter.
• This slice is best served at room temperature, but it can also be enjoyed slightly chilled.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Jaffa Slice is perfect served as an afternoon treat, a sweet ending to a meal, or a delightful addition to a picnic basket. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent experience.

To store, keep the Jaffa Slice in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	352 kcal	18%
Total Fat	18g	28%
Saturated Fat	11g	55%
Cholesterol	58mg	19%
Sodium	79mg	3%
Total Carbohydrate	44g	15%
Dietary Fiber	5g	20%
Sugars	36g	N/A
Protein	6g	12%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• For a gluten-free version, substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that the blend contains xanthan gum or add a teaspoon of xanthan gum to the mixture to help bind the ingredients.
• Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a nutty crunch.
• Drizzle the cooled slice with melted white chocolate for a decorative touch.
• For a more intense orange flavor, add a teaspoon of orange zest to the batter.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use milk chocolate instead of baking chocolate?
A: While you can, the flavor will be much sweeter and less intense. Baking chocolate (dark or semi-sweet) provides a richer, more balanced flavor that complements the orange of the Jaffas.

Q: My slice is too crumbly. What did I do wrong?
A: Overbaking can cause the slice to become dry and crumbly. Be sure to check for doneness at the 30-minute mark and adjust the baking time accordingly. Also, avoid overmixing the batter.

Q: Can I make this slice ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This Jaffa Slice can be made a day or two in advance. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Q: The Jaffas sunk to the bottom of the slice. How can I prevent this?
A: Toss the Jaffas in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This will help them stay suspended throughout the slice.

Q: Can I add a frosting to this slice?
A: While this slice is delicious on its own, a simple chocolate ganache or orange buttercream frosting would be a lovely addition.

Final Thoughts

This Jaffa Slice is more than just a recipe; it’s a journey back to simpler times, a nostalgic treat that evokes memories of childhood and carefree days. Whether you’re a Kiwi looking for a taste of home or simply a lover of chocolate and orange, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. Share it with your friends and family, and watch as their faces light up with the same joy that I feel every time I take a bite of this delightful slice. Don’t forget to share your feedback and photos – I’d love to see your creations!