Mary Berry Recipes

Home / Baking / Divine Malteser Tray Bake: A No-Bake Delight

Oh, there's something truly special about a treat that comes together with such ease, isn't there? This Malteser Tray Bake is precisely that – a sheer delight for those moments when you crave something utterly delicious without the fuss of turning on the oven. It's a recipe that has graced countless kitchen tables, bringing smiles and satisfied sighs with every slice.

I've always believed that the best baking, or indeed no-baking, should be a joyous experience, and this recipe embodies that spirit perfectly. The combination of crunchy biscuits, rich chocolate, and the airy, malty spheres of Maltesers creates a texture and flavour profile that is simply irresistible. It's a wonderful way to involve younger helpers in the kitchen too, as there's plenty of crushing and mixing to be done!

This tray bake is a testament to the fact that sometimes the simplest ingredients, when combined with a little love and care, can yield the most spectacular results. Whether it's for an afternoon tea, a school fete, or just a little something sweet to enjoy with a cup of tea, this Malteser Tray Bake is always a triumph. It’s a real family favourite, I promise you.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

It's a no-bake recipe, making it incredibly quick and easy to prepare with minimal fuss.
The combination of crunchy biscuits, rich chocolate, and light Maltesers creates a delightful texture and flavour contrast.
Perfect for sharing, picnics, parties, or simply as a comforting treat with a cup of tea, loved by all ages.

Ingredients

250g digestive biscuits
100g unsalted butter
4 tbsp golden syrup
200g milk chocolate, broken into pieces
200g Maltesers, plus extra for decoration

Equipment Needed

20cm (8-inch) square baking tin • Baking parchment • Large freezer bag • Rolling pin • Medium saucepan • Wooden spoon or spatula • Sharp knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

Line a 20cm (8-inch) square tin with baking parchment, leaving a slight overhang on two sides to help lift it out later. This makes for a wonderfully neat finish.
Place the digestive biscuits into a large freezer bag and bash them with a rolling pin until they are a mixture of fine crumbs and larger pieces. We want a bit of texture, you see.
In a medium saucepan, gently melt the butter, golden syrup, and milk chocolate over a low heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Be careful not to let it boil.
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the crushed biscuits. Mix thoroughly until all the biscuit pieces are well coated in the chocolate mixture.
Now, carefully fold in the 200g of Maltesers. You want them evenly distributed, but try not to crush them too much – their round shape is part of their charm!
Pour the mixture into your prepared tin and press it down firmly and evenly with the back of a spoon. Make sure it's nice and compact.
Scatter extra Maltesers generously over the top, pressing them down gently so they adhere to the chocolate mixture. This adds a lovely visual appeal and extra crunch.
Place the tray bake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until it is completely firm. This is crucial for achieving that perfect, clean slice.
Once firm, lift the tray bake out of the tin using the parchment paper. Place it on a chopping board and, using a sharp knife, cut it into squares or rectangular slices. Serve and enjoy this deliciously moreish treat!

Perfect Substitutions

Digestive biscuits -> Rich Tea biscuits, Hobnobs, or even Graham crackers for a slightly different flavour profile.
Milk chocolate -> A mix of milk and dark chocolate for a richer taste, or white chocolate for a sweeter alternative. Just ensure good quality chocolate for the best result.
Golden syrup -> Light corn syrup or honey, though golden syrup does impart a unique British flavour.
Maltesers -> Other chocolate-covered malt balls, or even crushed Crunchie bars for a honeycomb twist.

Serving Suggestions

This delightful Malteser Tray Bake is absolutely splendid with a good cup of English tea, of course! For a refreshing contrast, a glass of cold milk or even a dollop of clotted cream on the side can be rather lovely. It's also a wonderful addition to a dessert platter or a children's party spread. If you enjoyed this, you might also love our Classic Coconut Layer Cake and Classic Savoury Cheese Scones.

How to Store \u0026 Reheat

Store any leftover tray bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. There's no need to reheat this delightful treat; it's best enjoyed chilled straight from the fridge or at cool room temperature. For optimum texture, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving if it's been in the fridge.

Mary's Secrets to Success

For that sheer perfection, always use good quality chocolate – it truly makes all the difference to the flavour. When crushing your biscuits, aim for a mix of fine crumbs and slightly larger pieces; this gives wonderful texture. And remember, patience is a virtue when chilling; allow it to set completely for those beautifully neat slices. A warm knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry can help achieve a perfectly clean cut!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of biscuits?

Absolutely, dear! While digestives provide a lovely texture, you could certainly experiment with other plain biscuits like Rich Tea or Hobnobs. Just ensure they are firm enough to hold their shape when crushed and mixed with the chocolate.

How do I prevent the tray bake from being too soft?

The key to a firm tray bake is ensuring the correct ratio of butter and syrup to biscuits, and most importantly, sufficient chilling time. Make sure you press the mixture firmly into the tin and allow it to chill for at least 2 hours, or even longer if your kitchen is particularly warm. A good quality chocolate that sets well also helps.

Can I freeze this Malteser Tray Bake?

Yes, you can! Once completely set, you can cut the tray bake into individual slices and freeze them in an airtight container, separated by parchment paper, for up to 1 month. Thaw them in the refrigerator for a few hours or at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. It's wonderfully convenient!

What if I can't find golden syrup?

If golden syrup is unavailable, a good quality light corn syrup or even a mild honey can be used as a substitute. While the flavour will be slightly different, it will still provide the necessary binding and sweetness for a delicious result. The golden syrup does give it a unique British touch, though!

Can I add other ingredients to the tray bake?

Oh, do feel free to get creative! A handful of chopped dried fruit, some mini marshmallows, or even a sprinkle of sea salt flakes over the top before chilling can add another dimension. Just be mindful not to add too much extra liquid or it might affect the setting.