No-bake Continental slice

It’s still a bit too hot in most parts of the country to be slaving away over a hot oven for hours so this slice is the perfect alternative. There are three delicious layers stacked on top of each other so you get the perfect mix of soft biscuits, a chewy centre and a smooth chocolate topping all in one bite. Each layer is simple to make and it’s all chilled in the fridge until set, so you don’t need to worry about cooking times. Once set, cut into squares and keep stored in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Ingredients

• 125g butter
• 1/2 cup caster sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
• 1 3/4 cups crushed wheatmeal or other similar biscuits
• 1/2 cup desiccated coconut
• 1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped
• 60g butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups icing sugar mixture
• 2 tablespoons custard powder
• 2 tablespoons hot water
• 200g dark chocolate
• 60g copha

Method

1. Grease an 18 x 28cm slice pan and line with baking paper.

2. Combine the butter, sugar and cocoa in a saucepan and stir over low heat until butter is melted and mixture is well combined. Stir in the egg and vanilla, then cook, stirring, for a further 1 min. Remove from heat.

3. In a bowl, combine the biscuit crumbs, coconut and walnuts, then stir in melted butter mixture. Press firmly over the base of prepared slice pan. Chill until firm.

4. Meanwhile, to make the filling, using an electric mixer, cream butter until pale. In a separate bowl, sift the icing sugar and custard powder together. Add to creamed butter, alternating with the hot water. Spread over base. Chill until firm.

5. Next, to make the topping, stir chocolate and Copha in a small saucepan over low heat until melted. Spread over custard layer. Chill until firm. Cut into squares to serve. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.