Decadent Holiday Tiffin
Indulge in the heavenly richness of this Decadent Holiday Tiffin, an exquisite treat featured in my 'Cookies and Bars' cookbook. This English dessert beautifully combines a medley of flavors and textures, from the luscious chocolate layers to the chewy fruits and crunchy nuts. It boasts a delightful balance of sweetness and a hint of sophistication thanks to the brandy-soaked raisins. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a luxurious personal treat, this tiffin will surely impress your guests and become a cherished addition to your dessert repertoire. Please note that prep time does not include the necessary refrigeration periods.
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsalted butter
4 tablespoons (plus extra for greasing the pan)
raisins
1/3 cup (soaked in brandy)
brandy
2 tablespoons (for soaking raisins)
bittersweet chocolate
4 squares (broken into pieces)
milk chocolate
4 squares (broken into pieces)
corn syrup
2 tablespoons
graham crackers
6 ounces (coarsely broken)
slivered almonds
1/2 cup (lightly toasted)
dried cherries
1/4 cup (chopped)
bittersweet chocolate
3.5 squares (broken into pieces (for topping))
butter
2 tablespoons (for topping)
Instructions
1
Begin by greasing a 7-inch shallow square cake pan and lining the base with parchment paper to make removal easier.
2
In a bowl, combine the raisins and brandy, allowing them to soak for approximately 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
3
Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, place the bittersweet chocolate squares (4), milk chocolate squares (4), 4 tablespoons of butter, and corn syrup. Heat gently over low heat, stirring frequently, until all the ingredients are melted and smooth.
4
Once melted, remove from heat and mix in the coarsely broken graham crackers, lightly toasted slivered almonds, chopped dried cherries, and the soaked raisins along with any remaining brandy. Stir thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
5
Transfer the mixture into the prepared cake pan, pressing down firmly to ensure an even layer. Allow the mixture to cool slightly at room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for about 1 hour.
6
To prepare the chocolate topping, combine the remaining 3.5 squares of bittersweet chocolate and 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan. Place this over a pan of gently simmering water, stirring until melted and well combined.
7
Once melted, pour the chocolate mixture over the chilled cookie base, spreading evenly with a spatula. For a decorative touch, use a fork to create light wavy lines over the surface of the chocolate.
8
Return the tiffin to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 8 hours or overnight to achieve the perfect set.
9
When ready to serve, remove from the pan, peel off the parchment paper, and cut into bars or squares. Enjoy the decadent layers of flavor!
Nutrition Information
22g
Fat
40g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Decadent Holiday Tiffin?
It is an English dessert that combines chocolate layers, chewy fruits, and crunchy nuts, often served as a rich treat during the holidays.
Is this a no-bake recipe?
Yes, this is a no-bake dessert that sets in the refrigerator rather than being baked in an oven.
What size pan is needed for this tiffin?
The recipe requires a 7-inch shallow square cake pan.
How should I prepare the cake pan?
You should grease the pan and line the base with parchment paper to make it easier to remove the tiffin once it has set.
What ingredients are used for the brandy-soaked raisins?
You will need 1/3 cup of raisins and 2 tablespoons of brandy.
How long do the raisins need to soak?
The raisins should soak in the brandy for approximately 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
What types of chocolate are used in the base?
The base uses a mixture of 4 squares of bittersweet chocolate and 4 squares of milk chocolate.
How is the chocolate base melted?
The chocolate squares are heated gently over low heat in a saucepan with 4 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of corn syrup.
What kind of crackers are used in the tiffin?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of coarsely broken graham crackers.
What nuts are included in the recipe?
The recipe includes 1/2 cup of lightly toasted slivered almonds.
Are there other fruits besides raisins?
Yes, the recipe also calls for 1/4 cup of chopped dried cherries.
How long should the base chill before adding the topping?
The mixture should be pressed into the pan and refrigerated for about 1 hour.
What is the chocolate topping made of?
The topping is made from 3.5 squares of bittersweet chocolate and 2 tablespoons of butter.
How do you prepare the chocolate topping?
Combine the chocolate and butter in a small saucepan over a pan of gently simmering water and stir until melted.
How can I decorate the top of the tiffin?
You can use a fork to create light wavy lines over the surface of the melted chocolate topping before it sets.
What is the total recommended chilling time?
The tiffin should chill for at least 8 hours or overnight to achieve the perfect set.
How many calories are in a serving of this tiffin?
Each serving contains 400 calories.
How much fat is in each serving?
There are 22 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this dessert?
There are 40 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does the tiffin contain protein?
Yes, each serving contains 5 grams of protein.
Is unsalted or salted butter used?
The recipe specifies unsalted butter.
How many total ingredients are required?
The recipe uses 11 ingredients in total.
In which cookbook can I find this recipe?
This recipe is featured in the 'Cookies and Bars' cookbook.
How should I cut the tiffin for serving?
Once it is fully set, remove it from the pan, peel off the parchment, and cut into bars or squares.
What is the main texture of this dessert?
It has a heavenly richness with a balance of luscious chocolate, chewy fruits, and crunchy nuts.
Does prep time include refrigeration?
No, the prep time does not include the necessary refrigeration periods.
Can I use any other alcohol instead of brandy?
While brandy is recommended for the traditional flavor, you could experiment with other spirits or omit it for a non-alcoholic version.
Is the chocolate base heated over high heat?
No, it should be heated gently over low heat to prevent the chocolate from burning.
Should the almonds be raw or toasted?
The recipe calls for slivered almonds that have been lightly toasted.
What gives the tiffin its sophisticated flavor?
The hint of sophistication comes primarily from the brandy-soaked raisins.