Hedgehog Slice

The perfect hedgehog slice should be packed full of biscuits, have a rich chocolate flavour and shouldn't be sticky. This recipe is all of that and then some. If you've struggled with hedgehog slices that don't set, lack flavour, or can't be sliced easily, give this recipe ago and I promise you won't be disappointed.

This classic Australian treat is perfect for afternoon tea, lunch-boxes, gifts or just to indulge in. Enjoy!

Ingredients in Hedgehog Slice

For the Base

• Plain sweet biscuits: I use Milk Arrowroot or Marie/Maria biscuits. US/CA can use Graham crackers in a pinch. When you crush the biscuits, you want to leave some larger chunks in for a better texture.
• Dark or semi-sweet chocolate: use high-quality baking chocolate blocks (not compound). I use Cadbury 45% dark baking blocks.
• Unsalted butter: if you use salted butter, it may reduce the sweetness of the recipe.
• Desiccated coconut: not shredded. Finely or medium desiccated is fine. For added flavour, toast the coconut before using.
• Cocoa powder: I use Hershey's (US) or Nestle (AUS/UK) brand. Do NOT use hot cocoa powder or raw 'cacao powder.'
• Sweetened condensed milk: NOT evaporated milk.

For the Chocolate Topping

• Dark or semi-sweet chocolate
• Unsalted butter
• Desiccated coconut: for decoration.

How to make Hedgehog Slice

This recipe is as easy as 1-2-3. There's exactly three components to making hedgehog slice:

1. Prepare the base: once you've lightly crushed the biscuits, you can heat together your chocolate and butter until melted. Add the biscuits and remaining ingredients then stir until well combined. Press into a lined tin.
2. Prepare the topping: melt together the butter and chocolate, then pour over the base. Level out with the back of a spoon. Top with extra coconut, if desired.
3. Set and serve: set the slice in the refrigerator then slice and serve!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my hedgehog fall apart / doesn't set?

There are a couple of reasons this can happen. If you haven't crushed the biscuits finely enough (so there are enough crumbs), they won't give the hedgehog enough structure to stay together. While you want some larger chunks, you also want a good amount of biscuit crumbs.

It may also be that you haven't mixed the ingredients together well enough so the chocolate isn't keeping the mixture together. Make sure you combine all of your base ingredients together very well.

Why is my hedgehog bitter?

If you use salted butter it may contribute to a less sweet flavour. Alternatively, if the chocolate you use is too bitter or too high of a percentage, the slice will taste bitter.

Can I use skim sweetened condensed milk?

Yes, skim sweetened condensed milk is fine. Make sure you don't use evaporated milk.

How to Crush the Marie Biscuits

How to crush the biscuits using a food processor: place the biscuits in the bowl of the food processor. Pulse on medium-high speed for 10-20 seconds, checking to see how crushed the biscuits are in between pulses. The biscuits should be about half crumbs and half chunks.

How to crush the biscuits using a rolling pin: place the biscuits in a large zip-loc bag or freezer bag. Spread them out so they are in a flat layer. Crush with the long edge of the rolling pin, turning the bag over occasionally. If your bag gets a hole in it, you may need to double up with a second bag. The biscuits should be about half crumbs and half chunks.

Variations of Hedgehog Slice

• Double chocolate hedgehog: use chocolate biscuits (such as Arnott's Choc Ripple or Chocolate Graham Crackers) instead of plain biscuits.
• Coconut: toast the coconut before using for a more pronounced coconut flavour.
• Mint chocolate: add ½ teaspoon mint essence into the base of the slice. Stir very well.

Storage

You can keep the slice un-refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 7 days.

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