Mary Berry Tiffin Recipe

This Mary Berry Tiffin is a classic no-bake British traybake made with crushed biscuits, melted chocolate, and a mix of simple store-cupboard ingredients. It is rich, chocolatey, and lightly crunchy, with a texture that sets firmly once chilled and cuts into neat squares. Ideal for afternoon tea, bake sales, or make-ahead treats, this recipe comes together quickly without using the oven. The flavor is comforting and familiar, with just enough sweetness to satisfy without feeling heavy.

What Is Mary Berry Tiffin?

Mary Berry tiffin is a traditional British no-bake chocolate slice. Inspired by Mary Berry’s practical style, it combines crushed biscuits with melted butter, syrup, and chocolate, then sets in the fridge. The result is a firm yet slightly chewy bar with a clean chocolate finish.

Other Popular Mary Berry Recipes

• Mary Berry Strawberry Mousse
• Mary Berry Apple Muffins
• Mary Berry Chocolate Orange Cheesecake

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• No-bake simplicity – No oven time or complicated steps.
• Quick to prepare – Minimal hands-on time.
• Reliable texture – Sets firmly for clean slicing.
• Everyday ingredients – Easy to find and budget-friendly.
• Perfect for sharing – Ideal for trays, boxes, or gifting.

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Tiffin

• Digestive biscuits – 200 g, roughly crushed
• Butter – 100 g
• Golden syrup – 2 tablespoons
• Caster sugar – 50 g
• Cocoa powder – 2 tablespoons
• Milk chocolate – 200 g, chopped
• Raisins or sultanas – 100 g

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Saucepan – For melting and mixing smoothly.
• Mixing bowl – To combine biscuits and fruit.
• Spatula or wooden spoon – Helps coat everything evenly.
• Square tin (20 cm) – Gives even thickness.
• Baking paper – Makes lifting and slicing easier.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Tiffin

• Prepare the tin – Line with baking paper, leaving overhang.
• Crush the biscuits – Keep a mix of crumbs and small chunks.
• Melt the base mixture – Heat butter, syrup, sugar, and cocoa gently until smooth.
• Combine – Stir the melted mixture into the biscuits and raisins.
• Add chocolate – Mix in chopped chocolate while warm.
• Press into tin – Spread evenly and press down firmly.
• Chill to set – Refrigerate until firm before slicing.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Soft set – Pressing the mixture more firmly helped it hold.
• Overheated chocolate – Gentle heat kept the texture smooth.
• Too crumbly – Keeping some biscuit chunks improved the structure.
• Cutting too early – Extra chilling time gave cleaner slices.

Healthier Version of Mary Berry Tiffin

• Darker chocolate swap – Reduces sweetness slightly.
• Less sugar option – Lowering sugar still works.
• Extra dried fruit – Adds natural sweetness.
• Smaller portions served – Keeps it balanced.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Tiffin

• Graham crackers instead of digestives – Works well.
• Honey instead of golden syrup – Slight flavor change, but sets fine.
• Cranberries for raisins – Adds a sharper note.
• Dairy-free butter and chocolate – Suitable for plant-based versions.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Mary Berry Tiffin

• Hot tea – Balances the chocolate richness.
• Coffee – Brings out cocoa notes.
• Fresh berries – Lightens each bite.
• Vanilla ice cream – Turns it into a plated dessert.
• Fruit platter – Adds freshness alongside.

Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Tiffin

• Use gentle heat – Prevents burning and graininess.
• Mix quickly once melted – Helps coat evenly.
• Press firmly into the tin – Essential for a clean set.
• Chill long enough – At least 2 hours works best.
• Warm knife for slicing – Creates neat edges.
• Store cool – Keeps texture firm.

Creative Ways to Customize Mary Berry Tiffin

• Nut addition – Chopped almonds or hazelnuts add crunch.
• Orange zest twist – Brightens the chocolate.
• White chocolate drizzle – Adds contrast on top.
• Marshmallow pieces – Brings softness.
• Layered chocolate top – Extra indulgence.

Storing Mary Berry Tiffin the Right Way

• Keep chilled – Maintains firmness.
• Store in an airtight container – Prevents drying out.
• Separate layers with paper – Stops sticking.
• Freeze for longer storage – Thaw in the fridge.

How to Reheat Mary Berry Tiffin (If Needed)

Tiffin is best served chilled or at cool room temperature. Reheating is not recommended, as it softens the structure.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: Moderate to high
• Fat: From butter and chocolate
• Carbohydrates: From biscuits and sugar
• Protein: Small amount from dairy
• Fiber: From cocoa and dried fruit

FAQs

Why is my tiffin not setting properly?

Tiffin usually fails to set if the butter and syrup mixture is not hot enough to bind the biscuits or if it has not been chilled long enough. Make sure the mixture is fully melted and smooth before combining, then press firmly into the tin and chill for at least 2 hours.

Should the chocolate be melted or chopped in the tiffin?

Chopped chocolate works best. Adding it to the warm mixture allows it to soften and partially melt, giving tiffin a smooth texture without becoming greasy or overly soft.

How long should tiffin chill before slicing?

Tiffin needs a minimum of 2 hours in the fridge to set properly, but chilling for 3–4 hours gives firmer slices and cleaner edges when cutting.

Can tiffin be frozen to set faster?

Freezing is not recommended to speed up setting. Slow chilling in the fridge gives a better texture and prevents cracking or condensation when sliced.

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Wrapping It Up

Mary Berry Tiffin is a simple, dependable no-bake treat that delivers comfort and chocolate richness with very little effort. Firm, sliceable, and easy to adapt, it is one of those recipes that earns a permanent place in your collection.