Mary Berry Malteser Tray Bake Recipe

Mary Berry Malteser Tray Bake is a fun, quick, and irresistible no-bake treat made with buttery chocolate biscuit base, crunchy Maltesers, and a smooth chocolate topping. It’s perfect for parties, kids’ gatherings, afternoon snacks, or anytime you crave something sweet without turning on the oven. This traybake has a wonderful mix of crunch, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate, and malty flavour that makes each bite satisfying. With simple ingredients and almost no effort, this is a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

What Is Mary Berry Malteser Tray Bake?

Mary Berry Malteser Tray Bake is a no-bake chocolate slice made using crushed digestive biscuits, melted chocolate, golden syrup, butter, and Maltesers. The mixture is pressed into a tray, topped with smooth chocolate coating, and finished with extra Maltesers for decoration. Once chilled, it cuts into perfect squares with crunchy and creamy layers.

Other Popular Vanilla Tray Bake Recipes

• Mary Berry Vanilla Tray Bake
• Mary Berry Coconut Traybake
• Mary Berry Victoria Sponge Traybake
• Mary Berry Coffee and Walnut Traybake

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• No oven needed – A great option for quick treats or warm weather.
• Crunchy yet creamy texture – Maltesers add a fun crunch that pairs well with smooth chocolate.
• Perfect for beginners – Simple mixing and melting; no technical steps required.
• Ideal for parties – Cuts neatly into squares and transports well.
• Kid-friendly bake – Children love helping with crushing biscuits and topping with Maltesers.
• Highly customisable – Use different chocolates, biscuits, or toppings.

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Malteser Tray Bake

• 250g digestive biscuits (crushed)
• 100g Maltesers (whole or halved)
• 100g butter
• 3 tbsp golden syrup
• 200g milk chocolate
• 100g dark chocolate (for topping)
• Optional: extra Maltesers for decoration

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• 20cm square tin or tray
• Mixing bowl
• Saucepan
• Heatproof bowl
• Spatula
• Parchment paper
• Sharp knife for slicing

Ingredients You’ll Need Again for the Steps

• Digestive biscuits
• Maltesers
• Butter
• Golden syrup
• Milk chocolate
• Dark chocolate

Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Mary Berry Malteser Tray Bake

Step 1: Prepare your tray

Line a square tin with parchment paper, letting it hang over the edges so you can lift the traybake out easily.

Step 2: Melt the butter, chocolate, and syrup

Place butter, golden syrup, and 200g milk chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Melt gently over simmering water until smooth and glossy.

Step 3: Crush the biscuits

Crush digestives into small chunks. Avoid crushing them too fine—keeping texture gives the traybake its signature crunch.

Step 4: Add the Maltesers

Stir in Maltesers (whole or halved) with the crushed biscuits, coating everything in the chocolate mixture.

Step 5: Press into the tray

Scoop the mixture into your lined tin and press firmly so it sets evenly and forms clean slices later.

Step 6: Make the topping

Melt 100g dark chocolate (or milk chocolate) and pour it over the base, smoothing it out with a spatula.

Step 7: Add decoration

Scatter extra Maltesers on top while the chocolate is still soft, so they stick firmly.

Step 8: Chill and slice

Refrigerate for 2–3 hours until completely firm. Lift out using the parchment and cut into squares.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Mixture turned too sticky – Letting the melted mixture cool slightly prevented the biscuits from turning soggy.
• Topping cracked during slicing – Warming the knife under hot water made clean, crack-free cuts.
• Maltesers melted – Adding them after the chocolate mixture cooled a bit prevented melting.
• Base too soft – Increasing chilling time ensured the slices held their shape.

Healthier Version of Mary Berry Malteser Tray Bake

• Replace half the biscuits with crushed rice cakes for a lighter texture.
• Use dark chocolate (70%) for reduced sugar.
• Swap butter with coconut oil for a lighter base.
• Reduce golden syrup and add a small amount of honey for sweetness.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Malteser Tray Bake

• Substitute digestives with Rich Tea, shortbread, or graham crackers.
• Swap milk chocolate for white chocolate for a creamier flavour.
• Use honey or maple syrup instead of golden syrup (flavour will vary).
• Add puffed rice or cornflakes instead of some biscuits for crunch.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Mary Berry Malteser Tray Bake

• A cup of tea – Balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Cold milk – A classic pairing kids adore.
• Coffee or espresso – Cuts through the richness beautifully.
• Fresh berries – Adds a refreshing contrast.
• Vanilla ice cream – Turns it into an easy dessert.

Expert Tips to Make a Perfect Mary Berry Malteser Tray Bake

• Cool the chocolate mixture slightly – Prevents Maltesers from melting.
• Press the mixture firmly – Ensures clean, well-shaped squares.
• Chill for at least 2 hours – Helps set the layers properly.
• Use good-quality chocolate – Improves flavour and texture.
• Slice with a warm knife – Keeps the topping from cracking.
• Store in the fridge – Prevents chocolate from softening.
• Avoid over-crushing biscuits – Texture is key for a perfect traybake.

Creative Ways to Customize Mary Berry Malteser Tray Bake

• Add a white chocolate drizzle – Creates a decorative contrast.
• Mix in crushed honeycomb – Boosts the malty flavour.
• Use caramel Maltesers – Adds a richer depth.
• Top with mini marshmallows – Gives a Rocky Road twist.
• Add peanut butter – Mix a spoonful into the chocolate for extra richness.

How to Store Leftover Mary Berry Malteser Tray Bake

• Store in an airtight container – Keeps fresh for up to 1 week.
• Refrigerate for best texture – Prevents melting in warm weather.
• Freeze for later – Freeze portions for up to 2 months.
• Keep layers separated – Use parchment between slices.

How to Reheat Mary Berry Malteser Tray Bake

This traybake does not require reheating. If slices become too firm, leave them at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to soften slightly before serving.

Nutritional Value (per serving)

• Calories: ~310
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 16g
• Sugar: 28g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 120mg

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FAQs

Why is my Malteser tray bake not setting properly?

A tray bake that doesn’t set usually means the chocolate mixture was too warm or the butter-to-biscuit ratio was off. Chill the tray bake for at least 2–3 hours, and make sure the melted chocolate mixture cools slightly before adding the biscuits and Maltesers so it firms up correctly.

How do I stop the Maltesers from melting in the mixture?

Allow the melted chocolate, butter, and syrup mixture to cool for 5–7 minutes before stirring in the Maltesers. Adding them too soon causes the chocolate coating on the Maltesers to melt, affecting the texture and crunch of the tray bake.

How do I cut a Malteser tray bake without the topping cracking?

Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water, then wiped dry. The warm blade slides through the set chocolate layer smoothly, preventing cracks and helping you achieve neat squares.

Can I use different biscuits instead of digestives in this tray bake?

Yes, you can replace digestives with Rich Tea, shortbread, Hobnobs, or even graham crackers. Choose biscuits that offer a mild flavour and a firm crunch so they hold up well in the no-bake mixture.

Final Words

Mary Berry Malteser Tray Bake is the ultimate no-bake treat—crunchy, rich, and incredibly easy to make. It’s perfect for quick desserts, parties, or simply satisfying a chocolate craving. With its mix-and-press method and wonderful texture, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.