Chocolate Biscuit Cake with Roasted Peanuts
Chocolate Biscuit Cake with Roasted Peanuts is a rich and indulgent no-bake dessert that combines the comforting texture of crushed biscuits with the smoothness of a velvety chocolate mixture, topped with roasted peanuts for an extra crunch. This treat is perfect for those who crave a quick and satisfying dessert without the need for baking. With its combination of chocolate and biscuits, it offers the ideal balance of sweetness and texture, making it a favorite for both kids and adults. The cake is chilled until firm, making it easy to slice and serve as an elegant, yet simple dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, a holiday dinner, or just want a treat to enjoy at home, this chocolate biscuit cake is sure to impress.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Ingredients
300ml milk
120 grams sugar
10 grams vanilla sugar
60 grams cocoa powder
150 grams butter
400 grams biscuits (such as digestive or graham crackers)
120 grams chocolate
30 ml vegetable oil
60 grams roasted peanuts
Directions
Prepare the Chocolate Mixture:
In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, sugar, vanilla sugar, and cocoa powder. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly to avoid burning the mixture, until it comes to a gentle boil.
Once it starts boiling, remove the saucepan from heat and add the butter. Stir well until the butter is fully melted and the mixture becomes smooth.
Allow the chocolate mixture to cool to room temperature. This step is important to avoid making the biscuit crumbs soggy when mixed.
Prepare the Biscuits:
Crush the biscuits into small crumbs. You can use a food processor for this, or place the biscuits in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin. The crumbs should be fine, but not powdery.
In a large mixing bowl, add the crushed biscuits and pour in the cooled chocolate mixture. Stir thoroughly until the biscuit crumbs are completely coated with the chocolate mixture.
Shape and Chill:
Line a rectangular dish (approximately 27×14 cm) or a cake mold with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the cake once it’s set.
Pour the chocolate-biscuit mixture into the prepared mold. Use the back of a spoon to press it down firmly to create an even, compact layer.
Place the mold in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour, or until the mixture is firm and set.
Prepare the Chocolate Topping:
While the biscuit layer is chilling, prepare the topping. In a double boiler or microwave, melt the chocolate and vegetable oil together. Stir occasionally to ensure that it melts smoothly without burning.
Once melted, stir in the roasted peanuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the chocolate mixture.
Final Assembly:
After the cake has chilled and set, remove it from the refrigerator. Carefully pour the melted chocolate and peanut mixture over the chilled biscuit layer.
Use a spatula to spread the topping evenly, ensuring the entire surface is covered.
Return the cake to the refrigerator and chill for another 30 minutes, or until the topping has set.
Serve:
Once the chocolate topping is set, remove the cake from the mold and cut it into slices.
Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutritional Fact (per serving):
Calories: 295 kcal
Protein: 4.2g
Carbohydrates: 33.8g
Sugars: 25.1g
Fiber: 2.3g
Fat: 17.6g
Saturated Fat: 9.3g
Cholesterol: 27mg
Sodium: 70mg
Potassium: 240mg
The Origins and Popularity of Chocolate Biscuit Cake
Chocolate Biscuit Cake, sometimes known as Chocolate Crunch Cake, has become a beloved dessert worldwide, though its roots are believed to lie in British and Irish kitchens. This cake’s simple yet rich flavor profile has made it a popular choice for both informal family occasions and special celebrations. The idea behind this cake is fairly ingenious – taking biscuits, which are a pantry staple in many households, and combining them with a smooth, indulgent chocolate mixture to create a no-bake dessert that’s both easy to make and decadently satisfying.
The popularity of this cake spread across Europe, especially in countries like the UK, Ireland, and parts of Scandinavia, where the easy-to-make dessert was especially popular in the 20th century. The cake’s versatility also made it a hit during World War II, when rationing made many traditional baking ingredients scarce. With just a few simple ingredients like biscuits, cocoa, sugar, and milk, this cake could be made without the need for oven baking, making it an affordable and practical option.
As a no-bake dessert, it is particularly appreciated for its simplicity. It also gained popularity with children and families because it requires no advanced skills, and it can be prepared quickly, making it a go-to dessert for busy households or when unexpected guests arrive. Over time, the cake’s adaptability has seen various twists, such as adding roasted nuts, dried fruits, or even marshmallows to give it a unique flavor or texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe This Chocolate Biscuit Cake with Roasted Peanuts is a treat that combines everything you love about chocolate, crunch, and sweetness. It’s the perfect indulgence for anyone who enjoys the rich, velvety texture of chocolate paired with the satisfying crunch of biscuits and peanuts. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, yet the resulting dessert is complex in flavor and texture. Each bite offers a delightful contrast between the soft, chocolate-coated biscuit crumbs and the crisp, salty peanuts on top. It’s a dessert that’s not only easy to make but also incredibly rewarding, making it perfect for any occasion.
Health Benefits of Chocolate Biscuit Cake While this dessert is definitely indulgent, it does offer some benefits. The roasted peanuts provide a source of protein and healthy fats, which are important for overall health. They also add a delightful crunch that enhances the texture of the cake. Dark chocolate, if used, offers antioxidants known as flavonoids, which can contribute to heart health by improving blood flow and reducing the risk of heart disease. However, as with any dessert, moderation is key, as the cake is high in sugars and fats. For a slightly healthier option, you could consider using less sugar or dark chocolate with a higher cocoa content.
Serving Suggestions This Chocolate Biscuit Cake is delicious on its own, but it can be paired with other treats to elevate the experience. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance out the richness of the cake. For an extra touch, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top or serve it alongside a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate to complement its flavors. It also makes for a great addition to a dessert platter or as a centerpiece at a party.
Tips
Allow the chocolate mixture to cool to room temperature before combining it with the biscuits to avoid soggy crumbs.
If you prefer a stronger peanut flavor, feel free to add more roasted peanuts.
For an added layer of texture, you can incorporate crushed biscuits of different types or even crushed cookies.
Make sure the cake has enough time to chill in the fridge; this is key to achieving the perfect sliceable texture.
Variations to Try
Fruit Addition: You can add dried fruits like raisins or cranberries to the biscuit mixture for a sweet and tart contrast.
Nut-Free: Skip the peanuts and use other crunchy alternatives like seeds or even granola.
Marshmallows: Add mini marshmallows for an extra chewy texture that kids will love.
Coconut: Add shredded coconut to the chocolate mixture for a tropical twist.
Conclusion This Chocolate Biscuit Cake with Roasted Peanuts is a simple yet decadent dessert that is bound to satisfy your sweet tooth. With a smooth chocolate base, crunchy biscuit texture, and a topping of roasted peanuts, it’s a dessert that offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, this no-bake treat is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or enjoying it as a casual indulgence, it’s a dessert that brings comfort and joy.