If you’re craving a dessert that feels both indulgent and sophisticated without turning on the oven, the No-Bake Earl Grey Infused Chocolate Topped Slice Recipe is your new best friend. This slice brings together the fragrant, citrusy notes of Earl Grey tea with creamy layers and a luscious dark chocolate topping, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re making it for afternoon tea or a special gathering, this slice is simple to prepare yet impressively elegant, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring a little self-pampering moment.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the No-Bake Earl Grey Infused Chocolate Topped Slice Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—the crunchy biscuit base forms a sturdy foundation, the cream cheese filling adds whisper-smooth richness, and the Earl Grey infusion introduces a subtle floral twist that elevates the entire slice.
- Digestive biscuits (1 1/2 cups, crushed): A classic choice offering a perfect crumbly texture and mild flavor for the base.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted): Binds the biscuit crumbs for a firm crust and adds buttery richness.
- Sugar (2 tbsp, optional): Just a touch to balance flavors, easily adjustable to your sweetness preference.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): The key to a silky, lush filling that carries the tea infusion beautifully.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Provides tang and creaminess, making the filling delightfully smooth.
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup): Gently sweetens the cream cheese without graininess.
- Earl Grey tea bags (2) or loose leaf (2 tbsp): Infuses the filling with bergamot and citrus aromas, the star ingredient.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp): Rounds out the flavor with warm vanilla notes.
- Sea salt (1/4 tsp): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Dark chocolate chips (3/4 cup) or chopped chocolate: For that rich, bittersweet topping perfect with Earl Grey.
- Coconut oil or butter (2 tbsp): Keeps your chocolate topping glossy and spreadable.
How to Make No-Bake Earl Grey Infused Chocolate Topped Slice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start by crushing the digestive biscuits to a crumbly yet slightly chunky texture—it’s this bite that makes the crust fabulous. Combine these crumbs with melted butter and sugar if using, stirring until every crumb is deliciously coated. Then press this mixture firmly into a lined pan, creating a solid and even base that will hold up beautifully under the creamy layers.
Step 2: Infuse the Cream with Earl Grey
Warming the heavy cream gently on the stove is where the magic begins. Add your Earl Grey tea bags or loose tea and let the cream steep for about 5-7 minutes. This step is key to capturing the tea’s distinctive citrus and floral flavors, which will infuse your filling with subtle aromatic notes. Strain out the tea and let the cream cool slightly before moving on.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Filling
In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until perfectly smooth and creamy. Then, slowly incorporate your now cooled tea-infused cream. This combination transforms the filling into a luscious mousse-like layer, rich and vibrant with Earl Grey essence that melts on your tongue.
Step 4: Assemble the Slice
Spread the Earl Grey-infused cream mixture evenly over the chilled biscuit base, smoothing out the surface for a neat look. This layer is where taste and texture start to come alive, the cool cream cheese softness contrasted with the biscuit’s crunch.
Step 5: Create and Add the Chocolate Topping
Melt the dark chocolate chips together with coconut oil or butter until silky smooth. This little touch adds a glossy finish to your slice, along with a rich chocolate flavor that perfectly complements the tea-infused filling. Drizzle and spread this over the cream layer evenly.
Step 6: Chill and Set
Let your slice chill in the refrigerator for at least 3-4 hours. This chilling time is crucial; it allows the creamy filling to set and the chocolate topping to harden into a satisfying snap. Patience here will reward you with a bite that holds together beautifully yet melts deliciously in your mouth.
How to Serve No-Bake Earl Grey Infused Chocolate Topped Slice Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special presentation, consider topping each slice with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a few edible flower petals, or a sprig of fresh mint. These simple garnishes not only elevate the visual appeal but also add a fresh contrast to the rich flavors.
Side Dishes
This slice pairs wonderfully with a fresh cup of your favorite black tea or a delicate floral tea to echo the Earl Grey notes. Light fruit salads or citrus segments also complement the slice nicely, adding brightness to each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the slice as part of a dessert platter with a selection of fresh berries, nuts, and biscotti for a delightful tea party spread. Alternatively, cut into smaller bite-sized squares and serve on pretty cocktail picks for an elegant finger-food option that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your No-Bake Earl Grey Infused Chocolate Topped Slice Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its moisture, flavor, and the shine of the chocolate topping.
Freezing
If you want to save some slices for later, freezing works well. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture.
Reheating
This slice is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating is generally not needed. However, if the chocolate topping becomes too hard after refrigeration or freezing, let the slice sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften just enough for easy bites.
FAQs
Can I use a different tea instead of Earl Grey?
Absolutely! While Earl Grey’s unique bergamot flavor really makes this slice special, you can experiment with other teas like jasmine, chai, or green tea to put your own spin on the recipe. Just keep in mind each will give a different taste profile.
Is it possible to make this slice vegan?
Yes! To make a vegan version, swap the butter for coconut oil, choose dairy-free cream cheese and cream alternatives, and use dark chocolate that is certified vegan. The flavors will still come together beautifully.
How long does the slice need to chill before serving?
To get the perfect set, chilling for at least 3-4 hours is recommended. This ensures the filling firms up nicely and the chocolate topping solidifies for clean slices.
Can I make the base gluten-free?
Definitely. Use gluten-free plain biscuits or cookies in place of digestive biscuits, and follow the recipe as usual. The texture and taste will be just as delightful.
What is the best way to cut this slice cleanly?
Run a sharp knife under hot water and dry it before each cut—this helps the chocolate topping slice smoothly without cracking or sticking. Wipe the knife clean between slices if needed.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly delightful about the No-Bake Earl Grey Infused Chocolate Topped Slice Recipe that makes it a comforting yet sophisticated treat. It’s easy enough to whip up on a whim but special enough to impress. I encourage you to give it a try—whether for a cozy afternoon with friends or a tea-time indulgence. Trust me, once you taste that creamy filling paired with aromatic Earl Grey and rich chocolate, it might just become your new favorite slice to make again and again.
Print
No-Bake Earl Grey Infused Chocolate Topped Slice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for steeping and melting chocolate)
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Western
Description
A decadent no-bake Earl Grey infused slice featuring a crunchy biscuit base, a smooth cream cheese and Earl Grey infused cream filling, topped with a luscious dark chocolate layer. This elegant dessert requires no oven and is perfect for tea lovers wanting a creamy, aromatic treat.
Ingredients
Base
- 1 1/2 cups digestive biscuits (or any plain biscuits), crushed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp sugar (optional)
Filling
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 Earl Grey tea bags (or 2 tbsp loose leaf Earl Grey tea)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Chocolate Topping
- 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips (or chopped dark chocolate)
- 2 tbsp coconut oil or butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: In a bowl, combine the crushed digestive biscuits and optional sugar. Add the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and form a sandy texture.
- Press the Base into the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper. Press the biscuit mixture firmly and evenly into the base of the pan and chill it in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
- Infuse the Tea into the Cream: Heat the heavy cream gently over low heat in a small saucepan. Add the Earl Grey tea bags or loose tea leaves and steep for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove tea leaves or strain the cream, then let it cool slightly.
- Make the Mousse Filling: Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Combine the Tea-Infused Cream with the Cream Cheese: Gradually add the cooled Earl Grey-infused cream to the cream cheese mixture, beating well until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Assemble the Slice: Pour and smooth the Earl Grey cream cheese mixture over the chilled biscuit base using a spatula.
- Make the Chocolate Topping: Melt dark chocolate chips and coconut oil or butter together either in a small saucepan over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring until smooth.
- Top the Slice with Chocolate: Drizzle the melted chocolate over the Earl Grey filling and use a spatula to spread evenly.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled slice for at least 3-4 hours, or until the filling is firm and chocolate topping is set.
- Serve: Once chilled and set, cut into squares or bars and enjoy this aromatic, creamy Earl Grey slice.
Notes
- You can substitute digestive biscuits with graham crackers or similar plain cookies.
- If you prefer a less sweet dessert, omit the sugar in the base and adjust powdered sugar in the filling accordingly.
- Steeping time for the tea can be adjusted to your preferred strength of flavor.
- Use full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream for best texture and richness.
- This slice should be kept refrigerated and consumed within 3 days for optimal freshness.
