Healthier Hedgehog Slice
Hedgehog Slice is a no-bake chocolate treat loved for generations in Australia. It was around at least as early as 1937, with a recipe appearing in an Australian newspaper that year.I know what you’re thinking. I’m not sure I’m interested in a sweet treat named after an animal – a prickly one at that.The spikes of biscuit and rough chopped nuts which can easily be seen throughout the slice are thought to have inspired the name – by resembling the spines of a hedgehog.Hmm, I think it's a bit of a jump. But I really can't think of any other more logical explanation as to how this slice got its name. And however it happened, the name stuck and it’s more than a little baffling why this is called a hedgehog slice at all, since hedgehogs aren’t even found in Australia.And however it happened, the name stuck. Maybe the inside does very slightly resembles the bristles of a hedgehog? Or maybe not. But you have to admit it’s a cute name for a yummy sweet treat!More importantly, what does it taste like? I think you could describe it as a soft, crunchy and fudgy brownie… with just a little bit of crunch. I’m making your mouth water already, right?But the original version is made with loads of refined unhealthy ingredients making it high calorie, high fat and a low nutrient/protein treat – refined flour, sweet biscuits, butter, loads of sugar, oil, sweetened condensed milk and so on. So, now we know just how unhealthy it is. And while that is okay occasionally, I still thought it would be fun to try making a healthier versionSo time for a ‘healthified’ version - a healthy twist on the traditional Hedgehog Slice Recipe.And here it is….This re-worked version is moist, indulgent, and stuffed full of healthy goodness.Of course, feel free to do your own variationsBut I do have to say this version is rather delicious!Its got a whole lot of nutty chocolatey goodness added, along with a few other bits and pieces! The only sweetener is honey and dates (no nasty added sugar here) - this recipe will satisfy any chocolate craving without wrecking health and wellness goals.So put your doubts aside because this easy chocolate slice recipe has got so many good things going for it!It is an ideal no-bake chocolate dessert for parties, BBQs, picnics, afternoon tea, cake stalls and more. An absolute crowd pleaser, after all, who doesn’t like gooey, fudgy, chocolaty things?
Servings 12
Ingredients
- 1 cup almonds, crushed
- 1/2 cup walnuts, crushed
- 1/4 cup hazelnuts, crushed
- 1 cup desiccated coconut
- 1 cup puffed rice
- 1 cup dates, soaked 30 minutes and drained
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup peanut (or any nut) butter
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Topping
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Line an 8 x 8” baking pan or dish with parchment paper on the bottom and sides leaving some overhanging to act as a handle to get the slice out easier for cutting.Add dates to a food processor and process until broken down. Add coconut oil, honey, peanut butter, cocoa powder and vanilla and pulse until well combined. Scoop out into a medium-sized bowl and add the crushed nuts, coconut and puffed rice and mix well, you might need to use your hands if it becomes too thick! You want some of the ingredients to stay chunky as its nice to have different sized ‘bits’ in your slice.Press the mixture evenly into your prepared tin and place in fridge while; you melt the chocolate topping.
Chocolate Topping
- Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in small dish and microwave at 50% power with 30 second bursts stirring between each one until melted and smooth.Or use double boiler method - (pot of boiling water with a bowl resting on top) melt the chocolate chips and the coconut oil together.Once melted spread the chocolate over the chilled slice and place back in fridge for an hour or more to firm up and set. Remove from pan using the parchment paper handles and cut into 10-12 bars. Store in the fridge for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites
